Youth Acting & Improv Program

New classes starting in September 2025!

Westside Improv Studio is proud to offer a youth program for children in the community who want to gain experience and confidence in performing. If you are a parent looking for a unique opportunity for your child to learn improv in a fun and safe environment, this is it!

Children will have a blast exploring lots of theater and improvisational games. Young performers will learn basic stage and acting techniques while they further develop their creativity.

Using improv techniques, your child will learn how to:

  • build social skills

  • improve confidence

  • learn acceptance though the YES, AND method of improv

  • work collaboratively in an accepting environment

  • develop active listening

  • form connections with other children

Each class/session will end with a student showcase and performance.
Details of that will be shared once the class begins.

DETAILS

  • We have classes for Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8.

    • Grades 3-5 meet on Tuesdays from 4:30pm - 5:30pm.

    • Grades 6-8 meet on Tuesdays from 5:30pm - 6:30pm.

  • ALL SESSIONS for the 2025/2026 year are open for registration now.

    • Session 1: 9/2/2025 - 10/7/2025

    • Session 2: 10/28/2025 - 12/9/2025 (no class 11/25)

    • Session 3: 1/13/2026 - 2/17/2026

    • Session 4: 3/10/2026 - 4/21/2026 (no class 3/31)

About Your Teacher

Anne Marie Irey has been involved in theater for thirty years. She minored in Theatre at Saint Mary’s College and earned her M.Ed. at DePaul University. Anne Marie is an Alum of The Second City and she spent several years performing improv in Chicago. Previously, she taught 4th grade at Sacred Heart School, where she founded an after school drama program. Prior to teaching here at Westside, Anne Marie taught the Children’s Workshop at Wheaton Drama.

Want to be involved but can’t make it work right now? Let us know if you are interested in hearing about upcoming classes.

Session 1
September 2, 2025 - October 7, 2025

Session 2
October 28, 2025 - December 9, 2025 (no class Nov 25)

Session 3
January 13, 2026 - February 17, 2026

Session 4
March 10, 2026 - April 21, 2026 (no class March 31)