Piven Workshop, Waukegan theater partner for classes

Waukegan's Clockwise Theatre is bulking up its stage offerings and launching a partnership with the well-known Piven Theatre Workshop.

The partnership with Piven, an Evanston-based training center and theater, will begin in the fall. Clockwise will hold after-school classes provided by Piven, whose alums include Jeremy Piven (son of the founders), John Cusack, Joan Cusack, Hope Davis, Jeff Garlin, Kate Walsh and Aidan Quinn.

Also in the fall, Clockwise's 2014-15 season goes from three productions this year to four. It kicks off Oct. 10 with "Impenetrable," by Chicago playwright Mia McCullough. The drama focuses on body image and runs through Nov. 2.

Next up is "Captain Superlative," by Jessica Puller of Highland Park. Running Nov. 14 to Dec. 14, the play for young audiences centers on a middle schooler discovering the rewards of coming to the rescue.

Early 2015 brings "Mr. Benny," by Mark Humphrey. The one-man show stars Tim Newell as famed comedian and Waukegan native Jack Benny. It runs Jan. 30, 2015, through Feb. 15.

Patrick Gabridge's dark comedy "Constant State of Panic" ends the season, running April 17 to May 10, 2015.

Tickets are $20 per show and will be available after April 7 through www.clockwisetheatre.org, (800) 838-3006 or at the theater, 221 N. Genesee St., Waukegan.