Gorton Center Welcomes Kids for “Mr. V’s Day Off”

When school is out, the fun is in at Gorton Center! On Monday, October 13, and again on Friday, November 7, children ages 4–11 are invited to join award-winning music educator Bill Vaananen - affectionately known as “Mr. V.” - for Mr. V’s Day Off, part of the Gorton Drama Studio at Gorton Center.

Held on the Gorton Theater stage, these joyful day-off programs invite kids to dive into music, movement, and storytelling while celebrating the beauty of the fall season. Through original songs and playful activities, Mr. V. will lead participants in exploring Native American heritage, the wonders of nature, and the cozy excitement of cooler weather and community traditions. Young performers will sing, dance, and create together in a warm and welcoming setting designed to spark imagination and connection.

“Our mini-camps give kids a fun, supportive space to explore creativity, build confidence, and discover the joy of performance. We can’t wait to welcome campers to these three unique experiences, from fairy tales and fantasy to winter wonderlands, and see them shine.”
- Jeremy Kruse, Artistic Director of Gorton Drama Studio

Families can choose from flexible scheduling options:

• Half Day Morning: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | $55
• Half Day Afternoon: 12:00–3:00 p.m. | $55
• Full Day: 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | $110

About Mr. V
Bill Vaananen is a beloved music educator and composer with over 45 years of experience teaching elementary-aged children. A longtime general music teacher at Wescott School in Northbrook, Vaananen has written hundreds of songs and dozens of original theater works performed throughout Chicago’s northern suburbs. His numerous honors include the Golden Apple Award, the IEA Human Rights Award, the National-Louis Distinguished Alumni Award for Social Justice, and the State of Illinois Star of Teaching Award. Known for weaving music with lessons on nature, culture, history, and adventure, Mr. V. continues to inspire new generations of children through his energetic and imaginative classes.

Registration space is limited, and these popular day-off programs are expected to fill quickly. Parents are encouraged to register early at gortoncenter.org