The Chicago High School for the Arts

📸 drop from CHIARTS: UNLEASHED, our inaugural alumni benefit concert supporting ChiArts!
Swipe to see 15 years of scholar-artists sharing their heart on stage last Tuesday.

Thank you to everyone in the audience, our ChiArts and Foundation staff teams, The Den Theatre, and a huge thank you to all the ChiArts Alumni who donated their time and talents to support the next generation of Chicago artists! As Co-Producer Justice Ford (Theatre '13) shared, "ChiArts is a forever home." 🧡

ChiArts alumni are back in the building this week, rehearsing for tomorrow’s alumni benefit concert, ChiArts: Unleashed! See anyone you recognize?

Tickets are still available online and at box office! Link below!

https://ci.ovationtix.com/35386/production/1206254?performanceId=11495608&fbclid=IwY2xjawEnRoBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeNco8tVviEaL8FU201t2p6tm3rlAcYNmOwnX7wQ1jGLagVarYD1GmTVGQ_aem_Xkf9FYrBislMErTfkYkyVQ

‪Our alumni benefit concert CHIARTS: UNLEASHED is almost here, and it’s being led by one of our very own teaching artists and alums—Raymond Goodall (also known as Mr. Raymond to scholar-artists)! ‬

‪After over a decade of dancing and teaching in NYC and LA, Raymond returned to ChiArts last fall and is making his debut as a show producer for our alumni benefit concert this Wednesday at The Den Theatre. ‬

A member of ChiArts’ first graduating class in 2013, Raymond has advocated for students in the arts throughout his life as a scholar-artist and now artist-educator. When asked about teaching at ChiArts, Raymond says, "We are molding the next generation of artists, but we’re also molding good people."

Raymond’s deep connection to his ChiArts family brought him back to where it all began. He credits his fellow alumni for their unwavering support, which has been crucial to creating CHIARTS: UNLEASHED. “I’m so humble and so grateful; the ChiArts community trusts me enough to put me forward and lead this show to the finish line,” Raymond shares.

Join us in celebrating all the love our ChiArts alumni have brought into the world through their art and our community at this incredible showcase Raymond has helped bring to life. Raymond's journey from a student in ChiArts’ inaugural graduating class to a mentor and leader in the arts community is living proof of the value of an arts education: being a scholar-artist at ChiArts is not just about cultivating talent; it’s about nurturing a community that continues to thrive, grow, and give back.

‪Tickets to CHIARTS: UNLEASHED are still available; click below to join us on Wednesday! ‬

https://ci.ovationtix.com/35386/production/1206254?performanceId=11495608&fbclid=IwY2xjawEnRoBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeNco8tVviEaL8FU201t2p6tm3rlAcYNmOwnX7wQ1jGLagVarYD1GmTVGQ_aem_Xkf9FYrBislMErTfkYkyVQ

For three weeks every summer, ChiArts' halls reawaken to the steps and sounds of young middle school artists diving headfirst into an artistic discipline. 🤩 Documenting these rich ChiArts Summer Camp 2024 moments through her lens, Student Ambassador and Photographer Ilyana Becker says, "Being able to photograph people doing what they love has always been one of my favorite aspects of photography, and it was no different here. Seeing the campers so invested in their art was definitely something super special to see, especially seeing them grow and learn at such a young age." 💛

Ilyana is an incoming third-year scholar-artist ChiArts Theatre Conservatory’s Acting program! View more of Ilyana's photography on Instagram at or contact them for other photo inquiries at [email protected]. 📷

ChiArts Community, we've got an exciting fundraising event to share with you! ❤️ On August 14, join us at The Den Theatre for an unforgettable evening as ChiArts alumni reunite to raise funds for ChiArts in the inaugural production, ChiArts Unleashed. 🌟 From Creative Writing to Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts, witness the incredible artistry of our graduates in this dynamic, multidisciplinary show!

Produced by an incredible ChiArts alumni team and supported by ChiArts and ChiArts Foundation staff, this unique production benefits our current scholar-artists, ensuring the next generation of Chicago's arts leaders and creators can thrive. 🙏 Don’t wait—secure your tickets now and support the future of the arts in our city ➡️ https://bit.ly/4cHN8YA

Last night, ChiArts 2024 Valedictorian Nora McDermott summed it up best, exclaiming: “ChiArts love!” 🩵💚🧡 Huge congratulations to the 138 graduates!

🎓96% of seniors graduated on time
📓92% of graduates are attending two- & four-year colleges this fall
⭐️38% of graduates are the first to attend college in their family

Class of 2024, you’re now , and we couldn't be prouder of each and every one of you.

Congratulations to the ChiArts class of 2024, you all did it! 🎓 We are incredibly proud and excited for our 12th graduating class. 💚

Tonight at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, we will celebrate our graduates, their high school academic careers, and the 2,500 hours of pre-professional arts training they accomplished in their ChiArts arts conservatories! The ChiArts Class of 2024 will join more than 1,700 ChiArts alums who are making their way in the world as artists, academics, educators, entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, change-makers, and more. 🤩

We are thrilled to share that ChiArts Executive Director Tina Boyer Brown has been honored in Chicago's 2024 Power List, released today! 🎉 As the only Chicago Public Schools leader recognized, Tina Boyer Brown is featured alongside the Mayor, Governor, and 50 cultural trailblazers shaping Chicago. 🙌 Read more: https://mlchicagosocial.com/power-list-chicago-2024

ChiArts community! Will you consider signing this petition? We're deeply concerned about the upcoming Chicago Public Schools (CPS) budget allocations for our academic programs and staff. As a contract school with CPS, ChiArts relies on CPS per-pupil funding for our academics, but we are being excluded from the increases most traditional schools will receive next year.

While 93% of district-run schools will see a rise in per-pupil funding, and 90% will get overall funding boosts, our academic programs face a significant budget cut. This unfairly impacts our exceptional scholar-artists and dedicated staff.

Support us by signing this petition to the CPS Board Members and CEO Pedro Martinez. Let's ensure ChiArts continues to thrive for Chicago's next generation of leaders, scholars, and artists!
SIGN HERE: https://bit.ly/3wHywsl

This April, our Visual Arts and Creative Writing conservatories are celebrating the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running recognition program for creative teens. 🤩 ChiArts Visual Artists received 17 awards, and we're highlighting ten of the incredible pieces submitted!

🌱 Field Day | Cailin Stallone | VA ’25
🚘 motor baby | Tatianna Reynolds | VA ’24
🌳 El Arbol de La Juventud | Victoria Toledo | VA ’24
🔒 Atrapado | Adrian Lopez | VA ’24
💧drops | Nico Ortega | VA ’27
👀 Attack of the Big Dinosaur! | Clark Kiolbassa | VA ’24
📸 Untitled | Tegan Murphy | VA ’25
⚔️ Fey Knight Close Up | Eion Magana | VA ’24
🍰 Sweet Tooth | CJ Jimenez | VA ’26
🖤 Lailah in B&W | Maya Harrison | VA ’25

Congratulations to all involved, whether you won an award, submitted work, or supported a friend! 🧡

Registration for ChiArts Summer Camp 2024 is LIVE! 🌞 Get ready for a jam-packed month of creativity and artistry.

Our annual three-week summer camp is designed for students in grades 6-8 (Band camp is an exception with 4-8) to explore the artistic disciplines of Band, Creative Writing, Dance, Voice, Theatre, and Visual Arts! Scholarships are available. 💛 Visit https://chiarts.org/summer-camp/ for all forms and registration!

Questions? Feel free to contact our Summer Camp coordinators at [email protected]. 🎨

Our Theatre scholar-artists are taking their performance to State! 🎉 We're so proud to share that Illinois High School Association's (IHSA) Chicago Sectional Champions are none other than 🥁 ChiArts' cast of THE TRUMAN SHOW, under the direction of our amazing Theatre Conservatory Head, Lauren Wells-Mann! 🏆

Today, they embark on an exciting journey to compete in the IHSA Drama Group Interpretation State Finals this Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23. Making history, this phenomenal group of scholar-artists has also achieved the remarkable feat of having every cast member named to the IHSA All-Sectional Cast. Let's send our best wishes for a memorable performance and experience at State! ✨

Prospective students and families! 🤩 Chicago's high school acceptances are right around the corner, and ChiArts Admissions is here to help you navigate. If ChiArts is one of your top choices this year or in the coming years, come visit us on a Building Tour or Shadow Day! For more details and to register for each opportunity, click here: https://bit.ly/3UL3qtG

A friendly reminder that next Friday, February 23, high school results will be released within the GoCPS portal! ChiArts Admissions will begin notifying future scholar-artists at 5 PM. Questions or concerns? Reach out to the team at [email protected]. 💫

We're thrilled to share more Jeff Awards news! 🤩 ChiArts Theatre faculty member and ChiArts Acting '14 alum Josh Zambrano has received a nomination alongside the ensemble and production team at Visión Latino Theatre Company!

One of our greatest joys is having alums back in the building, sharing their industry expertise paired with valuable history as ChiArts scholar-artists. Josh has taught at ChiArts for five years, first as a science teacher, then as an acting teacher, and now as Theatre's department assistant!

Congratulations to Josh on his Jeff nomination and the team behind That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven. What a historic moment for Visión Latino with their first-ever Jeff nominations for Ensemble, Production, and Director! 🌟

Our building radiates with the brilliant minds of leaders within the education, arts, and intersecting spaces throughout Chicago! 💡 Today, we're celebrating three faculty members nominated by the Jeff Awards, recognizing excellence in Chicago theater productions. The awards are celebrating their 50th anniversary, and winners will be announced on March 25.

Congratulations to ChiArts' Director of Production Mark J. Bracken Jr., ChiArts Theatre Faculty David Blixt, ChiArts Theatre Faculty Kathy Scambiaterra, and arts partner The Artistic Home Ensemble! 💚

ChiArts fam & friends! Are you ready for February's productions? 🔥 We're starting off with FIRST YEAR FEATURES; the exhibition opened last Friday, and is available by appointment until February 23! 💛 Email Visual Arts leadership to coordinate your visit.

February 8 & 9 🧠 Theatre's Acting Class of 2024 presents *WHO ARE WE, WHO WE ARE. The production is Senior performed, designed, stage managed, and assistant-directed, and their final show as an ensemble. It's a do not miss! Tickets here: https://bit.ly/4box5yy

February 14-16 💪🏾 Dance Conservatory's unforgettable JOURNEY OF THE BROWN TIGHTS is an essential opportunity for everyone to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black trailblazers in dance. Through conversation, choreography, and surprise visits from artists who were part of the transformation, “JOURNEY” is an interactive history lesson about resilience and tenacity. Ticket reservations are needed! Email Dance leadership to coordinate your seats.

February 22 & 23 🎶 Theatre's Musical Theatre Class of 2024 presents GODSPELL! Since 1971, this iconic musical has become a long-running success. Get ready for a ChiArts spin on this classic!

For ChiArts faculty contact information and our full calendar, visit https://bit.ly/3FJtNY7. 💫

*Please be aware of the following trigger warnings in WHO ARE WE, WHO WE ARE:
Bullying, Terminal Illness (Cancer), Self Harm, Anorexia, Depression, Drug Use, and Su***de.

New year, new film! 📸 ChiArts continues to be a force in arts education because of our extraordinary faculty and staff. 🔥 This month, we celebrated academic and arts leadership by documenting staff in the ChiArts spaces they treasure. From our stairwell murals to the sounds of an auditorium rehearsal, there is nothing like the energy and people of ChiArts! 🧡

Photography 📷: Good Moon Collective
Coordination 🖼️: ChiArts Foundation

We hope all scholar-artists, faculty, staff, and families rest, rejuvenate, and spend time with loved ones! A friendly reminder that the building will be closed through Sunday, January 7 for winter break. We'll see you in 2024! 💜

Earlier this December, the Dance Conservatory lit up the Jim and Kay Mabie Auditorium with their original show, A Chi Latte Holiday! Huge congratulations to all the scholar-artists and faculty involved. ❄️ We already can't wait for the next production in 2024! 💫

Happy Giving Tuesday! Today we come together to support our one-of-a-kind school. ChiArts is Chicago's first and only public arts high school offering free pre-professional training to young artists from all 50 wards. 🤗

ChiArts parents/guardians and alums! 💙 Before midnight, the ChiArts Foundation aims to raise $2,500 for our ChiArts Gives Back campaign, which will be matched through The Kay Mabie Challenge, a generous pledge by ChiArts founding board member Kay Mabie. Let's celebrate the spirit of giving and reach today's goal for the five arts conservatories of ChiArts! Click here to donate and learn more about this new community fundraising campaign: https://donorbox.org/chiarts-gives-back-1

November productions opened with ChiArts Theatre presenting SISTER ACT, "A Divine Musical Comedy," on November 2-5! What a spectacular performance it was, and huge congrats to all our scholar-artists, faculty, and support staff who supported this show! 🌟

Last week, Block Club Chicago published an awesome article about five Chicago high school students who curated and narrated Hyde Park and Kenwood walking tours available through the Chicago Strolls app. ChiArts sophomore Carmin Weathersby is one of the five students! Carmin curated the “Creativity and Good Eats” tour, which includes the Hyde Park Arts Center, the 51st Street viaduct mural, and the Silver Room. On Saturday, the group and supporters participated in Carmin's tour, and the article features photos from the route!

"The students worked with The Flowers for the Living Foundation, a local arts and youth organization, and Art Processors, an Australian museum design firm, to develop walking tours of the community during a creative writing workshop."

Carmin and the four other students were paid $1,500 for their work and now own their final projects so that they can include their tour in future portfolios, websites, etc. " 🔗 To read full article https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/10/25/south-side-teens-lead-hyde-park-walking-tours-highlighting-their-favorite-local-spots/

Future scholar-artists! 👋 A friendly reminder the GoCPS application closes Thursday, November 9 at 5:00 pm. Don't miss your opportunity to apply to ChiArts, Chicago's premier public arts high school! 🤩

Having trouble with GoCPS? Our admissions team is always here for you. Email [email protected] with any questions, or check out chiarts.org to learn more!

➡️ To apply to ChiArts today, visit https://bit.ly/3FGJxev

ChiArts production szn is now in full swing! 🌟 This week, ChiArts Theatre Conservatory presents SISTER ACT, "A Divine Musical Comedy," on November 2-4 at 7 PM and November 5 at 2 PM! All performances will be held in the Jim and Kay Mabie Auditorium. Purchase your tickets today! https://chiarts.ludus.com/

Interested in applying to Chicago's premier public arts high school?! 🤩 The GoCPS application deadline is just around the corner on November 9! ChiArts Shadow Days and tours are still available for prospective students. 🎉

🏫 In-person campus tours are on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM. Tours allow prospective students & their families to meet with our Admissions Team to tour the building while learning about the school day and our admissions process. 🔗 To register https://bit.ly/ChiArtsTourRequestForm

📚 Shadow Days take place on Fridays. Shadow Days allow prospective students to experience a "day in the life” of a scholar-artist. Each prospective student will be paired with one current ChiArts student to attend the entire school day, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 🔗 To register https://bit.ly/ChiArtsShadowDayRegistrationForm