Project SAM

Entertainment Guide

ITC ANNOUNCES 34th YEAR OF SUMMER ARTS MARATHON

On June 21, the Illinois Theatre Center will begin the 34th year of Project S.A.M. – the Summer Arts Marathon. This highly acclaimed program has given more than 1200 youngsters the opportunity to explore and gain basic skills in music, dance, drama, art and creative writing under the supervision of trained arts specialists. Many past participants in Project S.A.M. have gone on to work in the arts as professional artists, performers, and writers.

The program will be held for six weeks, starting Monday, June 20th and running through Friday, July 29th, and is open to children age 6 through 12. Participants attend Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:30 to 12:30. Field trips and special guest presentations further enrich this program which culminates in an art exhibit, performing arts presentation and publication of a creative writing magazine.

Etel Billig, ITC's producing director, serves as program coordinator and teaches drama. Ms. Billig and Project S.A.M. art teacher Patricia Moore were selected as “Best Muses for Children” in Chicago Magazine’s “Best of Chicago” issue in 2005.

Project SAM meets at the Illinois Theatre Center, located at 371 Artists’ Walk in downtown Park Forest (off Indianwood Blvd., across from Village Hall). Tuition is $125 per child, which includes refreshments and field trips. There is a $10 discount on additional children from the same family. For more information, phone (708) 481-3510.