Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts

- 1010 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302

For families and aspiring artists in Oak Park and the wider Chicagoland area, Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts offers an inspiring and transformative experience. This is not just a place to take classes; it is a vibrant community where students discover their talents, build confidence, and develop essential life skills both on and off the stage. Founded in 2014 by a team of passionate educators, Ovation Academy has established itself as a premier destination for musical theater training, providing a high-caliber artistic education in a friendly and non-competitive environment. It is a women-owned business that prides itself on creating a safe and welcoming space for all, including being an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space, ensuring that every student feels seen and supported.

The core philosophy of Ovation Academy is to teach more than just the performing arts. The curriculum is intentionally designed to cultivate life skills such as self-discipline, teamwork, and confidence. As a parent of a student noted, performing with Ovation "boosted my son's confidence and enabled him to perform well in front of people." The instructors, who are actively engaged in the arts on a local, national, and international scale, serve as inspiring role models for their students. They are directors, vocal coaches, working actors, and choreographers who bring real-world experience and a genuine passion for teaching. This dedication to fostering personal growth alongside technical training is what truly sets Ovation Academy apart and makes it a beloved institution in the community.

Ovation Academy’s commitment to providing a comprehensive performing arts education is evident in its wide array of programs. The academy believes that students should be able to explore all facets of the performing arts without having to choose, which is why their core programs often combine voice, acting, and dance. This approach helps students become well-rounded performers and often leads them to discover new abilities they never knew they had. The academy's live performances, including their fully produced productions, give students the invaluable experience of performing for a live audience, an exciting and memorable highlight for both students and their families. The academy is proud to call the Madison Street Theater its home, a historic venue that provides a professional and high-quality space for students to train and perform.

The environment at Ovation Academy is intentionally kept friendly and non-competitive. This allows students to take risks, make mistakes, and have fun while they are learning. The focus is on the process of creativity and exploration, not just the final product. As one parent enthusiastically shared, their daughter "absolutely loves it and tells everyone all about it." The playful yet supportive nature of the teachers is a consistent theme in positive reviews, with one parent recalling a choreographer doing a backflip for the children when they performed well. These small gestures show the dedication and care the staff has for their students, creating a magical experience that encourages them to return for future classes and camps.

In addition to their regular-season programs, Ovation Academy offers a variety of summer camps that are extremely popular with families. These camps are often themed around well-known musicals like "Frozen" or "Moana," making them an exciting and engaging experience for young performers. The camps culminate in a final live performance for friends and family, giving campers a sense of accomplishment and a chance to show off what they have learned. The academy's commitment to creating a family-friendly atmosphere means that they welcome students of all ages and experience levels, from the extremely shy teenager to the professional child actor.

Located at 1010 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA, Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts is in a central and easily accessible location for residents of Oak Park and the western suburbs of Chicago. The academy understands the importance of providing a welcoming and accommodating space for all members of the community. The facility is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These thoughtful amenities demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can participate in the joy of the performing arts. For added convenience, the academy accepts both credit and debit card payments.

Services Offered:

• Acting classes
• Dance classes
• Improv classes
• Musical theater
• Theater classes
• Voice lessons

Features / Highlights:

• Identifies as a women-owned business.
• Known for a friendly, non-competitive learning environment that focuses on building confidence.
• Offers live performances and fully produced productions.
• A wide variety of classes for all ages, from children to young adults.
• Expert instructors who are active professionals in the performing arts industry.
• Proudly an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space.
• Offers engaging and popular summer camps with live performances.
• Fully accessible facility with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom.

Contact Information:

Address: 1010 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA

Phone: (708) 222-7564

What is worth choosing Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts?

For those in the Oak Park area looking for a performing arts program, Ovation Academy offers a compelling blend of professional training and a nurturing community. The most significant reason to choose Ovation is its holistic approach to education. The academy doesn't just teach performance skills; it focuses on building confidence, teamwork, and discipline. This emphasis on personal development, as evidenced by positive parent testimonials, is a key differentiator that ensures students not only become better performers but also more confident and well-rounded individuals. The studio's commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all is also a major factor, making it a place where every child and family can feel a sense of belonging.

Another key reason is the quality and passion of the teaching staff. The instructors are not just teachers; they are working professionals who are deeply passionate about their craft. This real-world experience translates into dynamic and engaging classes that are both challenging and inspiring. The variety of class options, from acting and improv to dance and musical theater, ensures that students have the opportunity to become "triple threat" performers, giving them a well-rounded skill set. The live performances and productions provide an invaluable chance to apply their skills in a professional setting, an exciting highlight for both students and their families.

Finally, the convenience and accessibility of the facility make Ovation Academy an excellent choice. Its central location in Oak Park, combined with thoughtful amenities like wheelchair access, ensures that it is easy and comfortable for everyone to attend. The family-friendly atmosphere, engaging camps, and commitment to inclusivity all contribute to making Ovation a place where children are excited to learn and where parents feel confident in their choice. By choosing Ovation Academy, you are choosing a partner in your child's artistic and personal growth, a place that is dedicated to building, empowering, and educating students through the transformative power of musical theater.

Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts

1010 Madison St, Oak Park, IL 60302, USA