Theater Improv at St. Matthias School

Theater Improv, offered by Musical Chairs, is a playful and engaging program designed specifically for early childhood learners.  This high-energy class invites young children to step into the world of imagination through playful theater games, creative movement, and age-appropriate improv activities.

Perfect for building confidence and communication skills, Theater Improv helps children express themselves, solve problems creatively, and work cooperatively with their peers—all essential skills for early childhood development. Each session provides a supportive space where little performers can explore big ideas, strengthen social-emotional skills, and follow their curiosity.

Children will laugh, create, and discover their unique voice—all while developing a love for the performing arts. If you're looking for a fun, confidence-boosting activity that nurtures creativity and connection, this class is a wonderful fit. Join us and watch your child’s imagination take center stage!

Ages: Kindergarten and 1st Grade

Class Location: St. Matthias Elementary School, 4910 N. Claremont Ave.

Session dates:  January 8 - March 15

Days and Time: Thursdays  3:10 - 3:55

Tuition: $180

A Partial Session is available for Girl Scouts at $90 for 5 classes. Additional classes may be added at $18 per class. To access the Partial Session option, please scroll down on the registration page to the Girl Scout section.

A minimum of 5 students (full session participants) is needed to run each class. Class will be limited to 10 children. 

Please Note: Make-up classes are not available for group sessions. Students are expected to follow teacher instructions and demonstrate respect toward classmates and staff at all times.

If any behavioral concerns arise, we will first communicate with parents to address the issue together. However, if the problem persists, we may, regrettably, ask the student to withdraw from the remainder of the session in order to maintain a positive and productive learning environment for all participants.

Alex is a Seattle born multi instrumentalist, band leader, and theatrical comedian who broke into the Chicago scene in 2018. He has been making music since memories could form, but began his formal education through his band program at 12. 

He continued his education through the Gonzaga Jazz program followed by further education through involvement with jazz festivals in Seattle and Chicago. He currently is a singer songwriter, band leader of an experimental funkadelic brass house group, and a community builder through organizing a long running series of interdisciplinary jams. 

In his theater experience, Alex is an improvisational comedian with over 10 years of experience at the Blue Door Theater, Jet City Improv, the iO theater, and the Second City Musical Conservatory. He has been in several independent stage plays through the Annoyance and Pocket Theater. 

Alex’s pedagogy is holistic and community oriented in nature. He believes that ultimately music, and performance as a whole, should be for people, by people, and with people. His philosophy of musical humanism is what fosters a supportive environment for students of all backgrounds to connect and learn from each other to advance the art to new vistas.

Alex leads several of Musical Chairs programs including Theater Improv Club, Drama Debut for our youngest budding actors and our outreach programs with the American Montessori Academy and Ladybug & Friends Daycare. Alex is also an experienced teacher for many intstruments including improv piano.