Hobbyist Programs
STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Tap Schoppe with Jenna Schoppe
at Porchlight Studios, 4200 W. Diversey Ave
These drop-in style classes will consist of learning basic steps, rhythms and patterns which we’ll put together in a combination at the end of each class. The environment will be relaxed and focused on fun and expression, not perfection.
The Schoppe has two menu items; Beginner & Intermediate:
Beginner Tap
A fear-free dance class
Perfect for:
- actors who sweat at the thought of a dance call
- anyone looking for a fun filled, cardio hour
- someone who’s always been curious about tap dance but felt the barrier to entry was just too dang high
- Tap Shoes are NOT REQUIRED
Intermediate Tap
A choreo-palooza!
- This class is for the intermediate tap dancer who wants to learn new skills and work on the ever elusive skill of picking up choreo quickly.
- Each class will consist of rudiments, drills and a combination that is equally fun and challenging
Porchlight offers a series of informal, social classes for Broadway lovers. Join us for an evening or weekend session to learn choreography and music with industry professionals in a welcoming environment with other musical fans.
Porchlight’s Movie Musical Dance Popup
With Britta Schied – Watch This Video
Grab a friend or just your dancing shoes and get ready to join the chorus line! We’ll be learning choreography from iconic movie musical numbers and spending 90 minutes of the evening or afternoon centerstage! No experience or special dancewear required.
Location: 4200 W. Diversey Ave. South Studio
Price: $25 for each
Check back for more events soon!
Porchlight’s Broadway Choir Popup
With Dr. Michael McBride, Music Director of TITANIQUE
Join Porchlight and other musical-loving singers for an evening or weekend of singing Broadway’s best ensemble and choral numbers in a welcoming and fun social atmosphere. Led by an industry professional, our Broadway Choir Popups are 90 minutes of enriching, social fun. Come for the tunes, stay for the new friends! No experience required.
Location: 4200 W. Diversey Ave. South Studio
Price: $25 for each
Check back for more events soon!
Have ideas for classes you’d like to attend? Please email rebeccah@porchlightmusictheatre.org. We always love to hear what you want to learn about!
Broadway Choir Popup
Dr. Michael McBride (he/him) is a Chicago-based Jeff Award-winning music director, internationally-performed composer, performer, and educator. The common thread in all his work is empowering those around him to shine. INTERNATIONAL: The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale (GWB Productions, New Zealand) NEW YORK: The Scarlet Pimpernel (John W. EngemanTheater). CHICAGO: Titanique, Rent (Porchlight Music Theatre), The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale, Sinister, Grace (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Revolution(s) (Goodman Theatre), Grease (Drury Lane Theatre), Big Fish (Boho Theater, Jeff Award — Best Music Direction), The Choir of Man (Apollo Theater Chicago), Passing Strange (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof, Billy Elliot, Brigadoon, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Carousel (Music Theater Works). REGIONAL: We Will Rock You, Legally Blonde, Escape to Margaritaville, Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Robber Bridegroom, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pippin, Man of La Mancha, Mamma Mia!, Into the Woods, The Little Mermaid (Timber Lake Playhouse). ACADEMIC: Ride the Cyclone (DePaul University), Yeast Nation (North Park University), The Old Man and the Old Moon, Fun Home, Violet, Cabaret, Tintypes, She Loves Me, Spring Awakening, Hot Mikado, Urinetown (Loyola University Chicago). COMPOSER: The Boys and The Nuns. FACULTY: Northwestern University, Loyola University Chicago, North Park University. EDUCATION: DM Composition, Northwestern University. IG: @TheRealMcBride
Movie Musical Dance Popup
Britta Lynn Schlicht (she/her) is delighted to share her love of dance with fellow MT enthusiasts through this course offering! A Chicago-based choreographer and director, Britta’s most recent choreographic credentials include [title of show] and Gay Card (Pride Arts); Disaster (Big Noise Music Theatre); Godspell (BTG); Two Hours In A Bar and Aztec Human Sacrifice (City Lit); The Mystery of Edwin Drood and Spring Awakening (Blank Theatre); Rhinofest: Zoe’s Slumber Party Birthday Show (PropThtr); Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Gypsy, The Little Mermaid and Nevermore (JPAC)! In addition to her work in choreography, Britta is a proud CPS arts educator and teaching artist who has enjoyed many years of teaching with Porchlight Education! W: ChoreoByBritta.com
Tap Schoppe
Jenna Schoppe (she/her) is a Chicago-based director, choreographer and teaching artist. Her choreography credits include The Drowsy Chaperone, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Godspell and Once Upon a Mattress (Theo Ubique), Nunsense, Call Me Madam and Do Re Mi (Porchlight Music Theatre) SpongeBob the Musical (Kokandy Productions), Mama Mia and Kinky Boots (Highland Park Players), and Yank! A World War 2 Love Story (Pride Films and Plays). In 2025, Jenna made her directorial debut with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Clinton Area Showboat in Clinton, IA. She is currently on staff at Roosevelt University as an adjunct professor of dance.