Act One Studios

Of all the schools offering acting classes in Chicago, this is the only one that offers a 2-year full-time acting program.

Classes include acting (Meisner, Uta Hagen and other methods), movement (including period movement and characterization), voice, speech and dialects, script analysis, acting for film and television, yoga, Shakespeare, Chekhov, modern playwrights, commercial technique and improvisation.

Performance opportunities: This acting school produces over 20 shows yearly. Each term ends with 3 weeks of rehearsals and a performance project directed by a distinguished Chicago director.

Career preparation: Acting teachers are all working professionals. Actors take an audition preparation class where they get assistance with headshots and resumes, prepare a repertoire of auditioning monologues and learn about the business of acting. Second-year students attend the Illinois Theatre Association's general auditions and participate in an industry showcase at the end of their studies. Throughout their studies, actors attend workshops and Q&A sessions with guest directors, actors, casting directors and agents.

Degree: Certificate.

What you'll need to apply: You will need to audition at the acting school in Chicago and be at least 21 years old.

Acceptance rate: Only 14 students are accepted into the 2-year program.

Contact Info: www.actone.com

Return to Chicago acting schools