My first Actor's training I ever took was Intro to Shurtleff with Joshua, and On Camera Intro with Sarah Charipar. Both classes- because of the instructors- unlocked my brain into the world of immersing myself into imagination and critique of self. Because of ASC, I have been able to dive deep into an evolution of my auditions. Last year, I worked on a short film that was nominated for multiple film festival selections. I recently booked another short film, which begins filming next week. The current training with Christina [Gorman] allowed myself to be warmed-up and prepared for my booking. I'm extremely grounded in the fact that out of all training types I have received so far, ASC is a hidden gem of Chicago and possibly the U.S. Thank you ASC--I'm so happy to have learned everything I have so far from you. Best, John Stripe Tiggemann
MASTERS SCENE STUDY
Designed for the professional, Masters Scene Study is a unique opportunity to work with a variety of directors, each with their own directing style. Each week, a professional director will work with the class. Each actor will work in front of the class every other week on scenes with four of the eight directors and in the alternate weeks, will actively observe the other four directors' work with their classmates. This class requires a professional-level commitment as we encourage all actors to work at the top of their game!
The class begins with a Meet And Greet with the class facilitator, Christy Arington. This is a great opportunity to learn the style and how these top Chicago directors work with actors!
2025 Directors include:
- Mikael Burke: Assoc. AD About Face Theatre & First Floor Theatre, Victory Gardens, ATC, Asolo, GEVA,
- Azar Kazemi: Rivendell, Goodman, Jackelope, Victory Gardens, Theatre On The Lake, The Blind Owl,
- Georgette Verdin: Assoc. AD Northlight Theatre, AD Interrobang Theatre Project, Shattered Globe,
- Tara Mallen: AD Rivendell Theatre
- Ericka Ratcliff: Former AD Congo Square, Goodman, Steppenwolf
- Kaiser Ahmed: AD Jackalope Theatre
Required: Strong professional acting training and professional theatre credits. Admission is determined by headshot, resume, and audition with Studio Director Rachael Patterson. Once you apply for the class, we will contact you to schedule an audition slot.
9 Weeks - 8 Weeks of class & A Preliminary Student Meet & Greet Orientation Feb. 17th on Zoom. First in person class is March
There are no classes currently scheduled.
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Testimonials
If you're fortunate enough to get into the Masters Scene Study class, I HIGHLY recommend you go for it. It's by far one of the best classes to take in the Chicagoland area. I'd even say it's the best in the Midwest. Nothing sharpens your skills like this 8-week Masters challenge, and Christy Arington is the best! All the directors chosen for this class are amazing! I highly recommend this class to "master" your craft.
— Justin Mobley
Shade Murray (Masters Scene Study) met each of us where we were. [He] provided specific, insightful, actionable observations and suggestions concerning our execution of scenes, [and] offered macro- level conceptual frameworks by which to understand and approach scene work.
— Mike Rogalski
Shade Murray (Masters Scene Study) talked about focusing on History, Mystery, and Discovery and it really helped me target goals for my work. He is so encouraging, even when giving constructive feedback. It's so freeing. I learned so much in this class that I can take right into rehearsal; it really is amazing.
— Meredith Brasher
