Naperville, IL

(630) 243-5100

Same Programming, New Name! Academy of the Arts is now Illinois Conservatory for the Arts

Join Us:

IMAGINE: An Evening of Inspiration

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Registration Open:

THE STUDIO: Session 2

Nov. 6 - Dec. 18

Coming up:

IMPACT: Musical Theatre

Winter | January 2-5, 2025

High-level arts meets high-achieving academics.

Illinois Conservatory for the Arts is a non-profit educational institution in the Western suburbs of Chicago.

ICA is committed to providing high-level arts programming while engaging students in a comprehensive academic education. We believe that creativity and the quest for innovation fosters individuality–allowing the holistic development of each student.

Performing Arts

Dance
Music
Theatre

Visual Arts

Drawing
Painting
Ceramics & Sculpture

Media Arts

Graphic Design
Animation
Photo & Video

Arts Business

Entrepreneurship
Finance
Marketing

The School

The Pilot Program for ICA’s K-12 day school is launching Fall 2025.

At Illinois Conservatory for the Arts, our students will engage in a practicum of pre-professional arts training balanced with rigorous academics.

Applications will open Early Spring 2025 for a limited number of spots. Selected applicants will audition for ICA with placement for those accepted in Late Spring 2025.

The Studio

The Studio offers evening & weekend classes in Music, Dance, and Theatre for adolescents and teens.

There are four eight-week sessions that take place throughout the year.

Registration for FALL 2024 is now open!

IMPACT

IMPACT is our week-long Musical Theatre intensives offered during summer & winter breaks for middle and high school students.

IMPACT brings top professional artists–from Broadway, TV & Film, and beyond–to work with students on growing their skills. The week includes a trip to see a show in Chicago and wraps up with a showcase and reception for family and friends.

WINTER • Jan 2-5, 2025

Events

ICA hosts exciting, star-studded events throughout the year.

Illinois Conservatory for the Arts is committed to community engagement, outreach, and fundraising. Events include concerts, workshops, and community outings.

Our History

ICA is the dream of three educators who have seen the positive impact of an arts-integrated education on overall academics.

With their combined decades in arts education, our founders recognize that young artists often learn differently because they are multifaceted. ICA believes that fostering creativity in all areas of their school experience benefits a creatively-driven child, whether they aim for a profession in the arts or land in a fulfilling career outside of the arts.

PAST FACULTY PAST FACULTY PAST FACULTY PAST FACULTY PAST FACULTY PAST FACULTY

Ica... future in the arts path to a career world of possibilities dream becoming reality

ica...

Dream becoming reality
future in the arts
path to a career
world of possibilities
"Illinois Conservatory for the Arts is my favorite home away from home. I've met so many great people – some of my best friends – through ICA. After just a few months, I ended up signing with an agent that I met through IMPACT!"
Alex
Student
"My child joined ICA at a vulnerable time in her life and this program truly helped her gain self-confidence, overcome obstacles, become more self-aware, and find skills inside her that she never thought she would have."
Andreea
Parent

“The community at the Illinois Conservatory for the Arts is amazing. ICA helps us pursue our dreams and gives us more confidence.”

Joshua, student

"ICA offers programming unlike anything in the Western Suburbs. I didn't realize that [my daughter] could work with so many high-profile professionals right in our area."
Carolina
Parent
"IMPACT really improved my confidence in how I act, sing, and dance.  I’ve made so many great friends and it just feels like one big family. It is my dream to come to the school at ICA."
Amira
Student

“I was a little nervous, but immediately, everyone was so kind and welcoming. I saw how much I grew that week, and I knew that I wanted to continue because it was such a great experience.”

Maya, student

Key Supporters

These organizations are significant supporters of Illinois Conservatory for the Arts and the work we do.We appreciate your commitment to our students and furthering arts education for our community.

Nondiscriminatory Policy

Illinois Conservatory for Arts employs staff and admits students of any race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, gender, religion, and sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It doesn’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, and ethnic origin, gender, religion, and sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school-administered programs.

JOIN THE INTEREST LIST

The Pilot Program for ICA’s K-12 day school is launching Fall 2025.

Fill out the form below to get on the official interest list and access the survey form. Applications will open in Early Spring 2025.

JANUARY 2–5, 2025

Check availability

IMPACT is popular and fills up fast! You'll be forwarded to the registration form to grab your spot.

James T. Lane / Dance

West End: The Scottsboro Boys, A Chorus Line – Revival (Palladium Theatre). Broadway: Chicago (Billy Flynn and Amos Hart) Kiss Me, Kate (Paul), King Kong the Musical ,The Scottsboro Boys (Ozie Powell/Ruby Bates), Chicago and A Chorus Line (Richie Walters). Tours: Jersey Boys, Cinderella, Fame the Musical. Regional Theatre: Guys and Dolls ( Nicely Nicely) Virginia Stage Company, Mary Poppins (Bert) Aint’t Misbehavin ,Drury Lane Theatre, The Wiz (Tin Man), Broadway at Music Circus,The Old Globe, The Little Mermaid (Sebastian) The Muny, A.C.T and Dallas Theatre Center. Encores/Off Center:Promenade,Grand Hotel, Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope Concerts: Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops, Ottawa Symphony and many more. James is the creator of and the 2023 Audelco Award winner for Best Solo Performance for “Triple Threat” that played Off Broadway to great acclaim at Theatre Row in New York City. Mr. Lane teaches music theatre dance when and wherever anyone will let him! Instagram: @jamestlane www.jamestlane.com

Syndee Winters / Voice

Syndee Winters (@syndeewinters) is an American singer, recording artist, and actress. Best known for her role as “Nala.” Syndee’s other credits include lead roles in Motown the Musical, Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar on NBC, and Hamilton. In 2020, Syndee founded R.O.A.R., a professional development program helping artists hoan their skills, transform their stage presence and navigate the industry. Inspired by the art of storytelling, Syndee’s tours the world with two magical productions. Disney Princess: The Concert and Lessons From A Lady: A Dedication to Lena Horne. Syndee is also an award- winning recording artist and her latest project with GRAMMY® winning producer Ben Williams entitled, “Butterfly Black” is available everywhere now.

Caitlin Kinnunen / Acting

Caitlin Kinnunen Is a Tony nominated actress for her work in THE PROM on Broadway, having originated the role of Emma Nolan. Most recently you can hear her as Juniper on the podcast The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station starring Gwendolyn Christie. Caitlin was nominated for an Audie Award for narrating the audiobook MaryJane, and was handpicked by Judy Blume to narrate her book Forever. Film/TV credits include The Intern, Sweet Little Lies, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, We Need to Talk About Kevin, “Our Ladies” (pilot for The CW), “Suck Hole” (pilot for FX), “Younger”, “American Vandal”, “The Knick”, and “Law & Order: SVU”.

Siobhan Reddy-Best / Casting

Siobhan has been an agent since 2017, during which time she has booked talent on projects spanning TV, Film, commercial, voiceover, and theatre. Originally from New England, Siobhan started acting as a child and moved to Chicago after college to pursue acting professionally before becoming an agent. She loves being able to use what she’s learned on both sides of the business to help others advance their artistry and careers. Siobhan is an Associate Board member of Irish Community Services and a proud graduate of Vassar College.

JOIN THE FALL 2024 INTEREST LIST

Evening & Weekend Classes
Individual Courses & Conservatory Tracks

Fill out the form below to get on the interest list for The Studio: Fall 2024. We will update you with schedules and registration information mid-summer.