Twelve Years in the Making

Mission Statement: 

Golden Essence Performing Arts is a not for profit organization that strives to educate, inspire, and foster a love for the arts in the youth of the underserved communities in the far northern suburbs of Chicago. At Golden Essence Performing Arts, we are committed to the following: 

• Cultivating an equitable and accessible means of introducing our students to the world of theater through singing, dancing, and acting 

• Writing and preparing performances specifically catered to the needs of our student body during any given semester 

• Providing needs-based scholarships to our students upon graduation from our program

• Educating our students on the importance of teamwork, friendship, and a sense of community through preparing and performing full length memorized theatrical productions 

• Building up the self esteem of our students through compassionate pedagogical practices that instill a sense of commitment, discipline, and achievement. 

• Meeting the individualized needs of all of our students, regardless of diverse learning needs or behavioral struggles, through private tutoring opportunities

Our Story

For the past 12 years, Golden Essence has been running a volunteer based performing arts after-school program at the Learn 6 Charter School campus in North Chicago. Recently, our program has been expanded to also include students from the Learn 10 campus. Through our program, our students experience a nurturing space to express themselves through singing, dancing, and acting. Along with the emphasis on mastering performing arts skills, our Golden Essence staff works with students and families to ensure that our students are able to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our program teaches fundamental skills such as discipline, commitment, public speaking, and team building. 

We believe these skills will provide the necessary foundation that all of our students need to be successful as they continue their education through high school and beyond. Many of our alumni continue participation in the program post graduation through volunteering during rehearsals and assisting on performance days. 

Each semester, the Golden Essence staff writes an original production that is specifically catered to highlight our student’s strengths. For 16 weeks, we meet twice a week to rehearse and prepare for our end of semester shows. Additional weekend rehearsals take place at our studio space, located in Gurnee. Through donations, we are able to put on multiple professional level productions with sound, lighting, makeup, and costumes! 

With the continued efforts of our volunteers and donors, Golden Essence has been given the ability to send over 25 students to college preparatory high schools. Recently, we have had two students go on to attend the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan. 

Previous Performances

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