Center for Living Arts Youth Theatre & Acting Classes
Center for Living Arts, 220 19th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201
About
Center for Living Arts Youth Theatre & Acting Classes offers acting classes, workshops, and youth theatre experiences that include theatrical productions. The program includes acting classes for kids that focus on stage performance through a range of theatre activities.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Founded in 2006, the program has presented over 17 seasons of shows. It offers a range of opportunities from acting classes and workshops to theatrical productions in a welcoming, inclusive community where people of all ages and experience levels can come together to discover theatre and storytelling.
Creative Director, Co-Owner, and founder Dino Hayz has over 30 years of experience in the performing arts industry, holds a BA in Performing Arts, has a background in education, and advanced certifications in holistic health. Managing Director and Co-Owner Tina Hayz has a background in education and over 30 years of experience in theatrical programming, including roles as Director of Blessed Beginnings Preschool, Theatrical Programming Coordinator and Education Specialist at the Putnam Museum, Entertainment Supervisor at Rhythm City Casino, choreographer, costume, ticket, and prop manager, founding member of the touring production of Godspell, and playwright of Messages from the Heart. Dino’s mission is to awaken people to the transformative power of the arts and to help them find their voice and place on the stage. Dino and Tina have both made a significant impact on the Quad Cities’ performing arts scene.
Students receive performance training described by the program as “like no other.” One testimonial calls it “One of the Quad Cities best organizations for Youth Theatre and acting classes for kids!” Reviewers have noted the enthusiasm and sincerity of the young-adult casts in Center for Living Arts productions, including comments from RCReader and QCTimes about the impact of shows such as the musical “bare.”
Last updated January 11, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
Founded in 2006, the program has presented over 17 seasons of shows. It offers a range of opportunities from acting classes and workshops to theatrical productions in a welcoming, inclusive community where people of all ages and experience levels can come together to discover theatre and storytelling.
Creative Director, Co-Owner, and founder Dino Hayz has over 30 years of experience in the performing arts industry, holds a BA in Performing Arts, has a background in education, and advanced certifications in holistic health. Managing Director and Co-Owner Tina Hayz has a background in education and over 30 years of experience in theatrical programming, including roles as Director of Blessed Beginnings Preschool, Theatrical Programming Coordinator and Education Specialist at the Putnam Museum, Entertainment Supervisor at Rhythm City Casino, choreographer, costume, ticket, and prop manager, founding member of the touring production of Godspell, and playwright of Messages from the Heart. Dino’s mission is to awaken people to the transformative power of the arts and to help them find their voice and place on the stage. Dino and Tina have both made a significant impact on the Quad Cities’ performing arts scene.
Students receive performance training described by the program as “like no other.” One testimonial calls it “One of the Quad Cities best organizations for Youth Theatre and acting classes for kids!” Reviewers have noted the enthusiasm and sincerity of the young-adult casts in Center for Living Arts productions, including comments from RCReader and QCTimes about the impact of shows such as the musical “bare.”
Last updated January 11, 2026.
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