Meet us where the seeds of artistic interest are planted
With 30 years of experience in teaching children’s theater and education, Gigi Hudson is passionate about “planting the seeds of interest” in the performing arts.
She knows that not every student who walks through the doors of the Actors Garden will go on to be a Broadway star, but every student who joins the classes at her acting studio will learn to appreciate the work and talent that goes into a performance.
It is here at the Actors Garden in the Oak Park Arts District where students gain confidence both on stage and offstage. They take part in performances that are designed with children in mind without talking down to the young performers.
“Talking down” to the budding actors was one of Gigi’s pet peeves about theater education for children. That’s why she partnered with her husband, Dave Hudson, an award-winning musical writer to design performances that provide kids with their moment in the spotlight.
The classes at the Actors Garden studio are age-specific and include the Introduction to Performance Workshop (ages 8-10) and Advanced Improv (ages 12-16).
There is also a summer camp, which is an intensive four-week program in which 30 counselors help 75 students plan and perform in a musical written by Dave. There is also a Mini Camp for students aged 4-8!
Classes at the Actors Garden studio take place weekly in the evening.
The summer camp sessions take place Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm over four weeks.
Studio classes range from $175-$200.
With more than 30 years in children’s theater and education, Actors Garden Owner Gigi Hudson is passionate about helping her students gain an appreciation for the performing arts.
You will also find Assistant Director Alexandria “Alex” Frisch building a learning community at the Actor’s Garden Greenhouse. She is a long-term theater educator with a background in leading educational programming.
And you’ll find award-winning playwright Dave Hudson working on musicals for the students of the Actors Garden.
The Actors Garden is located at 909 S. Lombard Avenue in the Oak Park Arts District. Conveniently located just steps from the Austin stop on the CTA “L” train or a 15-minute drive west of downtown Chicago.
The summer camp sessions take place at Dominican University.
