Lifeline Theatre
Chicago youth theater program
Discover new worlds at Lifeline Theatre’s Drama Camps! Children explore their imaginations and hone their natural performing abilities while gaining sound theatre training in a fun-filled atmosphere. Our camps not only teach kids how to embody characters and act out stories, they also help them to gain confidence, express themselves, and work patiently and respectfully with each other. Join us at Lifeline Theatre this summer as we work together to build magical worlds unlike our own as creatures and bugs of the forest. Construct creative characters, build forts, imagine new worlds, and go on theatrical adventures with new friends!
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Learn more about our 15% sibling discount by contacting our Box Office at info@lifelinetheatre.com or calling (773)-761-4477.
Summer Camps 2025 FAQs
Learn more about scholarships and apply by contacting Education Director, Merissa Stewart, at
merissa@lifelinetheatre.com.
Ensemble Building through Play (6-8 year old Campers)
Mini Bug and Creature Brigades
Two 1-week sessions
July 14-18. 2025 & July 28-August 1, 2025
9:00am – 3:00pm, Mon-Fri
$450 per child per session
Mini Bug Brigade and Mini Creature Brigade campers (ages 6-8) will use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to explore characters and themes from Du Iz Tak? By Carson Ellis for Session 1 and The Perfect Plan by Leah Gilbert for Session 2. They will play drama games, learn about theatrical design, and work together as an ensemble to adapt their own scenes and moments from their book. Mini Brigade campers will join the older campers for a final sharing on the last Friday of camp.
Session 1 (Mini Bug Brigade): July 14 – 18 (exploring and performing in Du Iz Tak? by Carson Ellis)
SOLD OUT!
Session 2 (Mini Creature Brigade): July 28 -August 1 (exploring and performing in The Perfect Plan by Leah Gilbert)
REGISTER FOR MINI CREATURE BRIGADE
Creative Drama and Play (8-10 year old Campers)
Bug and Creature Brigades
Two 2-week sessions
July 7-18, 2025 & July 21-August 1, 2025
9:00am – 3:00pm, Mon-Fri
$800 per child per session
Bug Brigade and Creature Brigade campers (ages 8-10) will use their creative drama tools of body, voice, and imagination to explore characters and themes from Du Iz Tak? by Carson Ellis (Session A) and The Perfect Plan by Leah Gilbert (Session B). Working together as an ensemble, they will adapt their book into a short performance piece. Campers will learn about the different jobs in the theater, including set, prop, and costume design, which will be featured in their sharing. Each two-week session culminates in a final sharing on the last Friday of camp.
Session A (Bug Brigade): July 7 – 18 (adapting and performing in Du Iz Tak? by Carson Ellis)
REGISTER FOR BUG BRIGADE
Session B (Creature Brigade): July 21 – August 1 (adapting and performing in The Perfect Plan by Leah Gilbert)
REGISTER FOR CREATURE BRIGADE
If two weeks is TWO big of a commitment, we’d love for you to join us for ONE week! Choose which week and sign up now!
Which week is best for your child?
Week 1 – ENSEMBLE BUILDING & ADAPTING A PLAY
Frequently Asked Questions About Lifeline Theatre
- Where is Lifeline Theatre located?
- Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N Glenwood Ave, , Chicago, IL, 60626.
- What age ranges does Lifeline Theatre serve?
- Lifeline Theatre serves youth aged 3 to 13 years old.
- What is the tuition cost for programs at Lifeline Theatre?
- The tuition cost for programs at Lifeline Theatre is $450-$800.
Upcoming Shows from Lifeline Theatre
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A Wrinkle in Time
An adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's classic novel, adapted by emeritus ensemble member James Sie and directed by ensemble member Heather Currie. Meg Murray's life has been spiraling out of control since her father vanished under mysterious circumstances, until Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which…
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Sugar Plum Fairy, P.I.
A world premiere family-friendly fairytale noir mystery adapted by ensemble member Aly Amidei and directed by ensemble member Rob Kauzlaric, inspired by Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon. During the dark days of Candy Prohibition, hard-boiled detective Sam Sugarplum and his sharp-witted partner …
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Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
Written by Tom Mula and performed by ensemble member Phil Timberlake, this production reimagines Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol from the perspective of Scrooge's late business partner, Jacob Marley. Back by popular demand for a third year, Timberlake transforms into nearly 20 characters in a sol…
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Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
A musical adaptation of Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin's award-winning book, adapted by ensemble member James E. Grote with music and lyrics by George Howe and directed by ensemble member Amanda Link. The animals on Farmer Brown's farm have had enough, and when their request for electric blankets is …
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A Psalm for the Wild-Built
A world premiere stage adaptation of Becky Chambers' Hugo Award-winning solar punk novella, adapted by ensemble member Brynley Halverson and directed by Gaby Labotka. Centuries after the robots of Panga gained self-awareness and wandered into the wilderness, a tea monk makes an impulsive decision to…
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BIPOC Adaptation Showcase
Lifeline Theatre's ongoing BIPOC Adaptation Showcase presents a new work-in-progress from a Chicago-area playwright of color. The new work is developed with feedback from Lifeline's ensemble and supported by the organization's resources. Specific dates within Summer 2027 have not yet been announced.
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