“I wouldn't be this confident without the training I got from the NeuroKitchen. I look at the idea of being an artist in a whole new way.” - Noah Tomko-Jones (ASM student with 2 years of arts training with NeuroKitchen Arts)

The NeuroKitchen Theater Ensemble is dedicated to their students mastering the basics of acting, scene writing and guitar/ukulele playing. Artistic Director Ron Bieganski’s workshops are about understanding emotional flow, character and scene studies. Andrew Holowka’s music workshops are an introduction to Guitar/Ukulele and song writing. 

Ron Bieganski has been a part of After School Matters since it began in 1991. Ron has been working with youth to develop the artist within them for 35 years at ASM, Free Street Theater, DePaul University, Columbia College, NYU, UNLV, at art centers throughout northern Europe, and with NeuroKitchen Arts Collective.

“Honing in on being comfortable with the uncomfortable has led me to so many life changing opportunities. I have applied everything I've learned at NeuroKitchen to all aspects of my young adult life. It has set me up for a life of successful artistic endeavors.” - Christine Meinders (ASM student with 4 years of arts training from NeuroKitchen Arts and now on scholarship at The Art Institute of Chicago).
Summer 2022 - NeuroKitchen Theater Ensemble for teens
Acting, Scriptwriting, and Guitar or Ukulele lessons
July 5- August 11

Monday and Wednesday: In-person acting workshops 3:30-6:30pm at Independence Park (3801 W. Irving Park Rd)
Tuesday and Thursday: Remote learning Guitar/Uke lessons and screenwriting 3:30-6:30pm

Acting workshops: Ron Bieganski’s 35 years of leading acting workshops (Steppenwolf Theater, DePaul Uni. and Columbia College) gives him the experience to work with all levels of artists to be confident, natural, and powerful.

Guitar/Uke lessons: Andrew Holowka (professional guitarist in 4 bands) can instruct all levels of guitar/Uke players. Playing and songwriting are wonderful with remote lessons.
Screenwriting: Ron Bieganski (35 performances/films created) will lead screenwriting workshops with special guest writers from LA and NYC.

Experience is not necessary. A desire to learn a creative process that leads to a vibrant, awake artist is.
Students must have a Uke or Guitar. Ukes can be bought for as little as $25.

Teens will earn a stipend from After School Matters. 
Call director Ron Bieganski for more information: 773-430-8026
Sign-up for an interview at  https://www.afterschoolmatters.org/teens/apply/
This is a short documentary about our process created by ensemble member Abigail Henkin. Find out more about the ensemble and how you can get involved here!
These are preview of movies made by the kids in the Curiosity Club summer camp.  You can watch all their movies right here!

Performance Ensemble: for teens

NeuroKitchen Ensemble provides young people with the freedom, responsibility and tools to find their artistic edge. As ensemble participants develop acting skills, write dialogue, practice yoga, and play music we are also reinforcing the mental skills of focus, awareness and the happiness that arises from quality work.  In addition to the valuable experience they gain, teens earn a stipend from After School Matters.
The Curiosity Club builds art and science workshops with kids. Each session of the Curiosity Club is structured around a theme. Through hands-on projects we nurture children's interests to help them understand themselves and the world around them.  Kids are encouraged to take initiative, be inquisitive, and increase their awareness of themselves and of others.

Find out more now! 
Up Next:
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• Summer Theater Ensemble 
   July 5 - August 11, 2022
   Acting, Performance Writing, and
   Guitar workshops with After School
   Matters.