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Where theatre and fun grow hand in hand

Process over product since 1996

Serving Oak Park families for 30 years

Every child speaks. Every child sings. Every child dances.

At The Actor's Garden, there are no auditions and no cuts. Every child is cast, every voice matters, and the process of creating together is the point. We believe that when children feel safe enough to play, they discover who they really are.

[PLACEHOLDER: GiGi's philosophy statement -- her words about why process matters more than product, and what theatre does for a child's spirit]

Our Programs

Theatre classes for every age, from first steps on stage to Shakespeare.

Little Actors

Ages 4-6

A gentle introduction to the magic of theatre through movement, song, and story. Every child speaks, sings, and dances.

Saturdays 10:00–11:00 AM

Young Players

Ages 7-10

Original musicals written by Dave Hudson, performed by the ensemble. No auditions -- every child finds their role.

Saturdays 11:30 AM–1:00 PM

Ensemble

Ages 11-14

[PLACEHOLDER: GiGi to provide Ensemble program description -- intermediate theatre skills, collaborative creation, scene work]

Saturdays 1:30–3:30 PM

Summer Musical Theatre Camp

Ages 7-12

Three weeks of singing, acting, and dancing culminating in an original musical performance. At Dominican University.

June 16–July 3, Mon–Fri

What Families Say

My daughter was terrified of performing. After one session at AG, she was singing in the car all week. By spring, she was making up her own plays. GiGi changed her life.

Parent, Oak Park — 8 years with AG

My daughter was terrified of performing. After one session at the Garden, she was singing at the dinner table. After a full season, she auditioned for her school play -- and got the lead.

Sarah M., parent — 3 years with AG

Meet GiGi

GiGi Hudson founded The Actor's Garden in 1996 with a simple belief: every child has a story to tell and a song to sing. For three decades, she has built a place where young people discover their creative voices through the power of ensemble theatre.

[PLACEHOLDER: GiGi photo and additional teaser text about her philosophy and background]

About GiGi and AG
Photo coming soon

GiGi Hudson

Founder and Artistic Director

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