Newport Theater Camp!
Workshop and Class Registration Opens Friday, February 16!
Our mission is to introduce you to different fringe art forms in a safe, low-pressure environment and give you a chance to perform onstage. We’ll be offering a variety of 8-week sessions in the heart of Lakeview from professionals that you know and love - including burlesque, bellydance, clowning, sensuality and fitness. Whether you’re getting your groove back or adding some drama for the first time, you can do it with creativity, self-expression, and confidence! Classes are open to all humans of all identities!
Note: The Newport Theater is located up one flight of stairs with no elevator. All students are required to comply with Newport's safety policy. QUESTIONS? Write to us at: NewportTheaterCamp@gmail.com
Scroll to the bottom of the page to see our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Student Scholarships!
WORKSHOP!
The art of Doing Nothing - Stillness in performance
Saturday, March 16, 12pm-1:30pm
Maximum 16 Participants
Instructor: Shimmy LaRoux
$25 registration fee
In this part lecture/part movement workshop, we will explore the art of stillness, building tension on stage, and making your audience sit in the palm of your hand. Students will explore ways to work through nervousness moving on stage, embrace being the sole focus in the room, and take inspiration from multiple disciplines as we tell both ourselves and the audience, "You're welcome."
WORKSHOP!
Intro to aCro with P No
Saturday, March 30, 12pm-1:30pm
Maximum 16 Participants
Instructor: P No Noire
$25 registration fee
“Intro To Acro With P. No” is an introductory class that emphasizes on safe body awareness and lead-up drills that will build a solid foundation for basic and intermediate level performance acrobatics. This class focuses on acro-based skills and transitions, when and why we use them, and gives you the opportunity to workshop newly honed tricks!
What To Bring:
Form fitting workout apparel (avoid overly loose fitting clothing)
Yoga mat (may or may not be provided by studio space)
Knee pads (if preferred but not mandatory)
Any prescribed or necessary support devices (i.e. knee brace, wrist or ankle brace, etc)
What To Expect:
A fun, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere
A positive learning environment that will move at the pace of the attendees at large. Modified variations of some skills to accommodate for physical limitations
(Note: All are welcome! Safety is the top priority. In class you may engage in inverted, prone/weight bearing, and/or rotating body positions. Please take any pre-existing injuries to the head/neck/shoulders and/or any physical limitations in consideration. Feel free to reach out in advance if comfortable with disclosing said limitations.)
WORKSHOP!
Live Band Burlesque
Sunday, March 24, 11am-1pm
Maximum 16 Participants
Instructor: Lilly Rascal and Dr. Rocktagon
$30 registration fee
Have you ever wanted to perform burlesque with a live band but didn't know where to start? Lilly Rascal and Dr. Rocktagon are bringing you a 2 hour workshop with a 3 piece band to teach you all the tips and tricks of performing burlesque to live music. You will get an all access pass to the inner workings of a live band burlesque show from the perspective of a burlesque dancer and bandleader who together have over 20 years of experience.
The first half of the class will be a lecture on how to get the most out of performing with a live band. This will include topics such as how to best communicate your needs to the band (before and during the performance), as well as problems you may run into and how to work around them.
The second half of the class everyone will get a chance to do a short performance with the band (either solo or in small groups depending on the class size). You will have the option to choose between a slow song, a fast song, or a "wildcard" in which the band might throw some surprises at you (tempo shifts, missed cues, etc.).
What to bring:
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Notebook or paper with pen or pencil to take notes
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Clothes that you can move in comfortably
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Heels or shoes that you are comfortable dancing in
NEWLY ADDED!
Act Development Courses
registration opens 03/11
Newport Theater Camp launches our first Act Development courses for 2024 aimed at solo performers. Students looking to conceptualize, create, and construct new acts in the burlesque and cabaret arena will learn the mechanics of Concept, Costume, Music, and Movement. This class runs 2 hours per week and will cover theory as well as hands-on practical skills. Enrollment is limited to only FIVE registrants to maximize each student’s time and attention. There are two concurrent classes spanning a total of 11 weeks (8 weeks in classroom time plus 3 weeks of home development time). The course culminates in a live showcase featuring each student's newly created solo. This class is appropriate for anyone looking to build a new solo work regardless of experience level.
Saturdays 11am-1pm
Instructor: Bazuka Joe
Maximum: 5 Students
May 4, 11, 18; June 1, 15, 22, 29; July 6
Technical Run July 11
Showcase July 14 at 7pm
Mondays 7pm-9pm
Instructor: Eva la Feva
May 6, 13, 20; June 3, 17, 24; July 1, 8
Maximum: 5 Students
Technical Run July 11
Showcase July 14 at 7pm
Both classes follow the same standardized curriculum.
burlesque level 1: Beginners
Saturdays 11am-12:30pm
April 6, 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18; June 1
Showcase on Sunday, June 16
Maximum 12 Participants
Instructor: Camille Leon
$160 for 8 week session ($20 per class)
Intro to burlesque! Bump, grind, strut and strip in a fun, safe, and accepting environment! Learn the basics of burlesque while creating an original group act with killer choreography! This class is for newbies, non-dancers, or anyone looking to add a little sparkle into their life (no dance experience required!) Students who complete the full 8-week session will have an opportunity to perform for a live audience following the final class!
Burlesque Level 2: intermediate
Saturdays 12:30pm-2pm
April 6, 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18; June 1
Showcase on Sunday, June 16
Maximum 12 Participants
Instructor: Eva La Feva
$160 for 8 week session ($20 per class)
Ready for something harder, faster, and sexier? Level up with this intermediate burlesque class. Learn more advanced choreography, costuming, and stage technique. Some dance experience required or successful completion of previous burlesque classes. Students who complete the full 8-week session will have an opportunity to perform for a live audience following the final class.
Clowning fundamentals
BEGINNERS TO INTERMEDIATE
Sundays 10am-12:00pm
April 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19; June 2
Showcase on Wednesday, June 12
Maximum 15 Participants
Instructor: Journey Maranto
$160 for 8 week session ($20 per class)
MIXED LEVEL COURSE - BEGINNERS TO INTERMEDIATE
From birthdays to murderers, everyone seems to have feelings about clowns. Clowning can be described as exploring the human experience through personal connection, physical comedy, and failure but it is also A LOT more than that. It can be childlike wonder, unadulterated joy, and even deep sadness. If you would like to discover who your clown is and how they traverse this wild world, then this class is for you.
Through physical theater exercises, group exploration, and a whole lot of play, this 8-week course will challenge you to be vulnerable and push you to embrace failure all while being truthful along the way. This class is geared towards folks who have never experienced clowning before and would like to learn the basics of the form and discover who their clown is. We hope to create an inclusive and welcoming space that is open to anyone and everyone who is interested. Come play with us!
Clown playground
advanced
Sundays 12 noon-2:00pm
April 7, 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19; June 2
Showcase on Wednesday, June 12
Maximum 15 Participants
Instructor: Evan Richter
$40 administrative registration for access to full course
Clown and improv are cut from the same cloth. But while improvisers play for an audience, clowns play with them. Clowns take risks. Break the rules. Celebrate success and fail epically. Clown Playground will explore clownprov and will push its players to tap into and play in their clown state. The exercises and games will help you commit to ideas without judgment and engage an audience more profoundly and intimately.
Clown Playground is not a class but rather a collective. Each week we will gather and explore different games and exercises that will challenge and guide you into a state of pleasure, joy, and play. Lead by a Clown Coach, you will be asked to leave everything at the door, be comfortable with the uncomfortable, make big choices, and relish in your failures. We will perform once a month for an audience. Come play.
Daring, dapper, drag!
with dusty bahls
Mondays 6:30pm-8pm
April 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20; June 3
Showcase on Sunday, June 16
Maximum 12 Participants
Instructor: Dusty Bahls
$160 for 8 week session ($20 per class)
in this 8-week course the three main components of successful artwork; concept, process and aesthetic, will be divided into multiple classes where students will be encouraged to create or expand on their own drag characters, develop an act concept and learn methods of conventional masculine presentation using makeup, physicality and costuming. We will discuss artists and their work as well as cover topics like industry vs. community and the process behind making artistic choices. These sessions will be part discussion and part activity depending on each class. All artists of any skill level from amateur to professional will find new tricks and insights that can help their work grow and flourish.
Students who complete the 8-week session are eligible to perform in our student showcase following the final class.
Burlesque Level 2:
Improv Burlesque
Mondays 8pm-9:30pm
April 15, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20; June 3 NOTE: This class begins one week delayed.
Showcase on Sunday, June 16
Maximum 12 Participants
Instructor: Willy LaQueue
$160 for 8 week session ($20 per class)
Learn tips, tricks, and techniques to successfully "take it off" with style and confidence. This Level 2 class is geared toward students who have completed previous burlesque or dance courses who are interested in the challenge of improvised stripteases. This class is not for the faint of heart and will push students to think on their feet to keep the audience on the edge of their seats!
BURLESQUE LEVEL 1: BEGINNERS
Tuesdays 6:30-8pm
April 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21; June 4
Showcase on Sunday, June 16
Maximum 12 Participants
Instructor: Vivi Valens
$160 for 8 week session ($20 per class)
Intro to burlesque! Bump, grind, strut and strip in a fun, safe, and accepting environment! Learn the basics of burlesque while creating an original group act with killer choreography! This class is for newbies, non-dancers, or anyone looking to add a little sparkle into their life (no dance experience required!) Students who complete the full 8-week session will have an opportunity to perform for a live audience following the final class!
BURLESQUE LEVEL 2: Intermediate
Tassel twirling!
Tuesdays 8-9:30pm
April 9, 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21; June 4
Showcase on Sunday, June 16
Maximum 12 Participants
Instructor: Lilly Rascal
$160 for 8 week session ($20 per class)
Add some extra 'fierce' to your bump and grind with this workshop all about Tassel Twirling!! Previous experience recommended for this Intermediate level class that teaches you tantalizing twirling techniques that leave the audience mesmerized!
fusion bellydance: Level 1
Wednesdays 6:30pm-8:00pm
April 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22; June 5
Showcase on Sunday June 16
Maximum 12 Participants
Instructor: Raks Geek
$160 for 8 week session ($20 per class)
Move like lightning, with precision - and then melt into liquid. Choose to have bones only when you want them. Join dancers from the internationally-acclaimed Raks Geek for an introduction to a modern, fusion dance style that combines elements from hip hop, flamenco, jazz, classical Indian dance, ballet, and more with a foundation of movements from the Middle East. Your teachers have taught at the largest fusion bellydance events in the country and performed in the UK!
No dance experience necessary. All genders and bodies encouraged. This class is ideal for complete beginners through the first year of training - we encourage you to stay in this level for multiple sessions as we'll continually work on new movements and combinations.
fusion bellydance: Level 2
Wednesdays 8-9:30pm
April 10, 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22; June 5
Showcase on Sunday June 16
Maximum 12 Participants
Instructor: Raks Geek
$160 for 8 week session ($20 per class)
Have you studied bellydance for a year or more? Get ready for 32-count spins, layers, lots of different shimmies - and leading group improv yourself!
We'll build on the RMH-style improvisational format to jointly create dances in the moment as we connect with each other, finding freedom within the boundaries of the music and a movement vocabulary codified here in Chicago. We'll create magic through an experience that both invites and requires us to be fully aware, fully present - and that brings power and raw energy to the stage!
Open to intermediate dancers with at least a year of bellydance training (any style). All genders and bodies encouraged. Dancers in Level 2 may also register for Level 1 concurrently if extra practice is desired.
Each session Newport Theater Camp offers scholarships aimed at BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students who are NEW and have not previously taken classes, offering free 8-week sessions in an effort to promote diversity and inclusion. Scholarship winners are picked "Lottery Style", at random, from the pool of applicants. Click on the scholarship opportunities below to apply between February 16 - March 1, 2024
Burlesque legend Toni Elling was born and raised in Detroit and became a trailblazing performer in the 1960s and 1970s. She left her job as a telephone operator to become a burlesque dancer at age 32, after experiencing racial discrimination at work. Though she retired in 1974, she remained a prominent and active figure in the burlesque community into her 80s. She paved the way for African American burlesque performers until her passing on April 2, 2023. This scholarship is offered in her memory.
Bic Carrol was an internationally renowned revue producer, choreographer, and costumer. At age 15, he worked with the Clyde Beatty Circus; by age 17 he was choreographing dancers at the Riptide Club in Calumet City and producing shows at the Follies Burlesque Theater in Chicago. He's considered one of the first male strippers and a godfather of 'boylesque'. Born in the Chicagoland area, he traveled the world performing and choreographing from the 1950's-1970's and remained active as a burlesque legend until his passing in 2023. This scholarship is offered in his memory.
Poonie Dodson was a Black, queer performance artist who broke barriers at The Newport Theater space, then known as Links Hall, during the 1980's. He was a much-loved Chicago dancer/choreographer whose work explored the realms of healing, gay activism, and spiritual and sexual transformation, and was often referred to as 'imaginative' and 'mystic'. He passed of AIDS in late 1993. This scholarship is offered in his memory.
