Chicago’s Premier Training Center for Actors since 1981

Advanced Scene Study: Teacher- Kurt Naebig- "I never once felt like my time was wasted. The class was efficient and exciting. I learned something new every week. Kurt was extremley specific in his feedback and consistantly referenced the same breakdown/guideposts we learned. Kurt made it very clear that class was the place to take risks and enouraged playing large actions."

— Brian Kulaga

"Marti (Lyons, Instructor- Script as Score with Marti Lyons) has an inclusive and highly collaborative way of working with actors. I always love her generous spirit and sense of humility, often stating, 'I'm interested to know if XYZ would work here' or 'you are totally on the right track and you illuminated something here that I didn't necessarily see before!' These are the kinds of things you hear Marti Lyons saying in class and it inspires the best, most magical work from actors. She also exposed us to such exciting plays with richly drawn characters and plenty of conflict so watching others' scenes was intense and rewarding. Marti gave us all really great tools!"

— Laurie Carter Rose

On Camera 3- Janelle Snow, Teacher: "I can't say how much more confident I feel walking into an On-Camera Audition. From wardrobe, to sight lines, to navagating emotional vulnerability on screen, I feel so much more confident. Janelle made it clear several times to take risks and be who you are. Hearing things like that helped me to treat auditioning less like a funeral. I also appreciated her reinforcement of an actor's dignity. It is so easy to feel like the scales are being tipped, that we as actors are powerless. It's so empowering to choose not to be, and to feel freedom in the things we have power in! Janelle's attitude, positivity, and enjoyable outlook on the struggles of being an actor helped give me new perspective."

— Callie Johnson

"Janelle Snow, On-Camera 3 instructor, is the bomb-diggity! I learned soooo many things; but, the ones that stand out the most for me are: 1- When you are called/contacted for an audition, know that you are walking into the room already loved. 2- So, show up ready to enjoy the play-date. 3- It really doesn't matter if you book the job at that very moment, or perhaps later; it matters that you have FUN doing what you love. 4- If the agent and/or reader acts disinterested in your performance then compel them to hear you....bring life and energy into that room. 5- The audition is like a party; you show up bearing gifts (talent) and ready to play. Don't be discouraged if they didn't need/appreciate that particular gift at that particular time. There will be other parties and you will eventually be the favored gift- just keep showing up! WARNING: Janelle's enthusiasm is CONTAGIOUS!!!"

— JJ Halloway

"Shade Murray (Instuctor, Master Scene Study with Shade Murray) really respects every actor's individual needs while making this scene study class incredibly fun and challenging in the best way. I really got pushed past my comfort zone. Shade is the best!"

— Scene Study with Shade Murray Student

"I would highly recommend this class to everyone! Henry (Henry Wishcamper, Instructor- Master Scene Study with Henry Wishcamper) breaks down scenes and the audition process in a fun, down to earth, and direct fashion. Everyone in my class had a wonderful time and Henry picks great, new (some not even yet produced) material. The 6 weeks flew by!"

— Henry Wishcamper Scene Study Student

"In On-Camera 1 with Doug McDade, I learned the power of stillness and emoting through the eyes. This is an essential class for anyone that aspires to work in tv/film!"

— JJ Halloway

"I really appreciated how he (Coburn Goss, Instructor  -  On Camera 2) really keyed in on each individual's strengths and weaknesses and helped everyone on a personal level."

— Angela Rak

"Allison always did a good job of making everyone feel comfortable, and all feedback was helpful and upbeat. I think everyone would agree that Allison has an encouraging and helpful nature."  (Allison Latta, Instructor- Beginning Voiceover. On Camera Intro)

— Shelley DeHosse

Gretchen Sontroem (Level 3 Instructor) was an amazing teacher. She pulled me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to where I thought I could never go.

— Treveen Stewart