815.356.9212
26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
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School For The Arts

  • School For The Arts
A collage of youth participating in music, theater, and dance activities surrounds the Raue Center School for the Arts (RCSA) logo and slogan: Risk • Create • Strive • Achieve.

At Raue Center School For The Arts (RCSA), we believe that every student deserves the chance to shine. Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time, perfecting your craft, trying something totally new, or discovering the joy of creative expression, RCSA is where talent grows and confidence soars. RCSA extends a warm welcome to all members of the community. We believe that our brand is built on the principles of diversity and inclusion, and we are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is treated equally, regardless of their identity.

From acting and musical theatre, voice and dance to, improv, adult stand-up comedy, and more! Our classes are designed to inspire, challenge, and nurture students of all ages. Guided by professional artists and educators, students not only build performance skills but also teamwork, discipline, and self-expression which are tools that last a lifetime. Risk, Create. Achieve. Strive.

Why get involved with us? Because the arts aren’t just for the stage…they’re for life! RCSA is more than a program, it’s a community. A place to explore creativity, make new friends, and discover the power of storytelling. Let’s break it down in the simplest of terms:

  • Help in developing the skills to be a well-rounded person.
  • Building confidence in public speaking and sharing in front of others.
  • Exploring your imagination and creativity in a safe environment free of judgment or criticism.
  • Developing social skills and communication in a world where screens often dominate our lives.
  • Collaboration and team building experiences shared through various skill levels and abilities of others.
  • Social awareness and expanded perspective that fosters empathy.
  • Better understanding of your physical presence and learning to exude self-assurance.
  • Problem-solving and the tools needed to successfully resolve conflicts presented.
  • And most of all…TRUST!
    THESE are the skills the arts provide that can be implemented in our everyday lives.

Whether you dream of Broadway, want to try something new, or simply love the magic of theatre, Raue Center School For The Arts is for YOU. Stay inspired. Never stop creating.

 

LOCATION:
RCSA classes and rehearsals are held at RCSA Studios on the Trinity Episcopal Church Campus located at 210 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 unless otherwise specified. 

RCSA Fall 2026 Classes

A man with glasses looks through a microphone. Text promotes a stand-up comedy class with John Dacosse at Raue Center, August 3–31, 2026, Mondays, 6:30–8:30 PM, for ages 18+. Showcase on September 2; enroll now.
A woman smiles next to text promoting an intermediate voice-over acting course for ages 9-12, held Mondays from August 17 to September 21, 5-6:15 PM at Raue Center. A yellow Enroll Now! badge appears.
A woman with curly hair is next to a large microphone. Text promotes an intermediate voice-over acting class for ages 13-19, Mondays, Aug 17-Sept 21, 6:30-7:45 PM, at the Raue Center School for the Arts.
Smiling woman in a purple tank top promotes Beginner Tap with Victoria Medich. Ages 10–adults, Tuesdays, August 18–September 22, 5:30–6:15 pm. Raue Center School for the Arts. Enroll now button is shown.
A smiling young woman is featured on a poster for a Pop/Rock Acting Through Song class for ages 13–adult, offered Tuesdays, Aug 18–Sep 22, 7:45–8:30 PM, at Raue Center School for the Arts.
A smiling woman is featured with text promoting a Musical Theatre Beginner Dance class for ages 7–13, running Tuesdays, August 18–September 22, 4:30–5:25 PM at Raue Center RCSA. A yellow Enroll Now! button is shown.
A smiling young woman promotes a Musical Theatre Dance class for ages 13+ at Raue Center, Tuesdays from August 18 to September 22, 6:15–7:40 PM. Text encourages online enrollment and features bold, colorful graphics.
Audition Prep for the Stage with Christina Giorgi for ages 8-18, Tuesdays, August 18–September 22, 6-7:30 PM. Raue Center School for the Arts. Enroll now! button. Photo of a young woman.
Advertisement for Fosse Dance advanced class at Raue Center, with instructor Rose Kurutz. Ages 10-adult, Wednesdays, Aug 19–Sept 23, 6:45–8 PM. Some experience required. Photo of a woman and dancers in the background.
Acting on Camera beginner class flyer with photos of two men, class details, dates, and times. Banner says Enroll Now! and lists Raue Center School for the Arts (RCSA) with website for enrollment info.
Promotional flyer for “Acting on Camera: Advanced Level” with photos of two men. Event for ages 8–18, Wednesdays 6:45–8:15 PM, Aug 19–Sep 23. Hosted by Raue Center RCSA. “Enroll Now!” button at bottom right.
A man with long hair and a beard, beside text promoting a basic improv class for ages 9-13 with Sam Barbaro at Raue Center, held Thursdays from Aug 20 to Sep 24, 5:00–6:15 PM. “Enroll now!” is displayed.
A man with long hair and a beard is next to a black stool. Text advertises an advanced level improv class for ages 13–18 at Raue Center, held Thursdays from August 20 to September 24, 6:30–7:45 PM.
A woman smiles in front of text promoting Adult Acting: Scene Study with Robin Hughes, with class dates, times, age requirements, and enrollment details from Raue Center School for the Arts.
A woman smiles at the camera with older adults in the background. Text promotes Encore Acting: Acting Fundamentals with Robin Hughes for ages 60+, August 22–September 26 at Raue Center for the Arts. Enroll Now! is highlighted.

Scholarships & Financial Aid Available.

At Raue Center for the Arts, we believe the magic of live theater should be accessible to everyone. If you are unable to afford the cost of tickets, we offer a fee waiver program to ensure no one is turned away due to financial hardship. Applications are simple and confidential, and waivers are granted based on need and availability.
RCSA and Performance Ticket Fee Waiver Application

Payment Plans Available:
For Classes: Payment is due in full at the time of registration. If registering for multiple classes, the student may qualify for payment plan as follows:

  • 1/3 of total is due at time of registration.
  • 1/3 of total is due 30 days prior to program start
  • 1/3 of total is due at program start (First day of classes)
  • A credit card is required to be kept on file; payments will be auto-billed on arranged dates

To take advantage of a payment plan, please contact our box office boxoffce@rauecenter.org or call 815-356-9212

A middle-aged man with short, light brown hair and a navy blue t-shirt sits on carpeted stairs, leaning casually against a black and white railing, looking at the camera with a relaxed expression.

“It’s not what you’re capable of –it’s what you’re capable of becoming.”

RCSA is excited to announce the return of our Fall programming with the introduction of the new Director of Education, Rob Scharlow.  Rob brings 35 years of experience and expertise. His journey spans across the nation, encompassing directing, acting, teaching, and more.

For nearly two decades, he played a pivotal role at the internationally acclaimed performing arts training center, Stagedoor Manor in New York. His commitment to nurturing young talent is evident in his oversight of the Dramafest program, a collaboration with Stephen Sondheim’s Young Playwrights.

Rob’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the profound significance of arts education. He believes that arts not only inspire and unleash creativity but also foster emotional connections, personal growth, and confidence. 

Want to learn more about scholarships and other discounts?
Visit our General Information page.

For information on our MISSION IMAGINATION school show season, click HERE

A collection of sponsor logos for an event, including Intren, Willow Springs Charitable Trust, Rotary, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, and several foundations and community organizations.