Dickinson's Little Vaudeville Holds Open House at New Location

Stop by Dickinson’s Little Vaudeville for a free performance and an open house on Sunday at 230 N. Hicks Place in Palatine.

Owner Donna Dickinson, who has taught the only Vaudeville-themed class in the country since 1993, will be featuring Vaudeville shows performed by area children ages 4-15.

In addition to free performances and a glimpse into the the world of Vaudeville, Dickinson will be highlighting her new partner, Maxxine Arctander, who brings a new artistic touch to the studio's design, Dickinson said.

Performances will include singing, dancing, musical instruments, juggling, telling jokes and comedic performances.

Raffles, including one for 5 free Vaudeville lessons, also will be held.

Dickinson points out that besides performing arts, children involved in the program learn about the history of American show business, stage etiquette, Vaudeville slang, and what it was like to earn a living on the stage over 100 years ago.

“Vaudeville students also learn about famous performers of the past, who ended up in movies, but began their careers in Vaudeville, such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly, Bob Hope, Abbott & Costello, George Burns & Gracie Allen, and Judy Garland,” Dickinson said. 

Upcoming fall classes will include a club for seniors called, "Vaudeville Revisited" and an exercise class for retired ladies named, "The Late Bloomers."

Classes also will be held for local figure skaters called, "Acting for Figure Skaters." Dickinson is a former figure skating coach who previously taught at local arenas.

Dickinson’s Little Vaudeville also has a non-profit performance troupe called "The Palace Revue" which has performed 126 Benefit Shows in the Northwest Suburbs, including venues such as schools, churches, community events, libraries and senior living residences. 

Little Dickinson’s Vaudeville is now in a new location at 230 N. Hicks Place in Palatine across the street from the back parking lot at Hot Dog Riches. 

The open house will be held on Sunday, July 21 from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information, call 847-632-0890 or visit the website at www.littlevaudeville.com.