20 Best Acting Programs In Chicago, IL (2022 Updated)

Do NOT do business with this school. I enrolled my middle schooler in a drawing class in the spring – it cost $300 for a week of 2 hour per day classes. The “instructor” showed up, gave them the option to draw what they wanted, then had them “share out” at the end of each class. With a BREAK in between. No instruction, no critiques. We’ve gotten more valuable classes from the park district for 50 bucks. To add insult to injury, they offered me a second class for another $300 which I declined. For the past seven months, I get a bill and freaking COLLECTION notice every month with threatening language for that 300 bucks. I’ve called, emailed – everyone is going to “look into it”. I’m done trying – wouldn’t do business with this organization again if they were giving it away for free. Buyer beware.Kim Reynolds

Hi!! My name is Katherine Nicholson. I visited SAIC today. Willow and Ahmad toured me throughout the campus; special thanks to them, because both of them were incredibly kind and assisted me with all of my questions, no matter how specific. To say the least, I was floored. All of the buildings were wonderfully designed, and the classrooms were very obviously arranged and built specifically for artists. The dorms were so spacious too!! As someone who's visited many other colleges, such as SCAD, MIAD, Columbia Chicago, and UIUC, School of the Art Institute of Chicago immediately goes at the top of my list. I am excited to apply here, and all-the-more inspired to keep working on my portfolio.Kit Nicholson

Over $5,000 per class? I researched on payscale and college factual websites and the ROI (return on investment) for this school is abysmal. Forget it. Over $50,000 a year just for tuition and then what? A ton of debt and a degree with a "fancy" name? It's all very well to be a "creative type" but my god be pragmatic too. My artist teen was interested in SAIC and visited but decided not to apply choosing a state school that is half the price and still offers all the art classes she wants for her focus.BMF

I have been a student of DePaul University – Law College since 2019. Before joining DePaul I was contemplating between DePaul and other Universities, I am so happy I made the right choice to join DePaul. Not only is it a prestigious University with many famous alumni names, but also because it is a University that has made the list of the top best Universities for many years. Depaul has the best facility you can hope to study under, the administration are very helpful and my advisor, is one of the best, always available whenever I needed assistance, guidance or help. If you are a graduate of DePaul, you can be sure that employers will want to add you to their staff. Being part of DePaul, is being part of a large educational family. There are two campuses, the main one is located in Lincoln Park and the other one is located in the Loop, right in the heart of the business hub, if you are attending College of Law or College of Business. There are two huge libraries in the Loop campus, with access to Starbucks, as well as to, Barnes and Nobles. In both Colleges you have cafeterias amd study lounges. There is a Toastmasters club at DePaul and many other groups and clubs to join. Also, DePaul offers a help center, fpr students who may need extra help with certain classes, as well as, a writing center for whenever you need your essays reviewed, with feedback and assistance in improving it before submission. With all of the above and more, I could not possibly list all of the things DePaul os known for, or offers, but I can tell you one thing, if you happen to choose DePaul and become accepted, be sure you are part of the many successful people who will graduate with pride. DePaul is my University and hopefully it will be yours.Yazan Al-Khuzai

You can be a full fledged patriotic American, but just because your parents travel and you may have a foreign transcript (from high school/ middle school) you are deemed an international student. To add insult to injury this particular issue entailed the student already having graduated from a neighboring community college. Yet still, they are deemed international. An obvious protocol set in place to guzzle money out of the student. Wasn’t even thrilled about their level of academics to begin with, so not having this school as an option isn’t a loss in the slightest for our family. I appreciate their immediate display of a lack of sensical protocol, because it made us deem this school unfit without wasting any further time. Thanks DePaul!The RE: Brand

Hispanic Heritage event went on without a hitch. Free of Problems and controversy. Entertainment was Great Food was Awesome. The Highlight was the introduction of the Main Speakers The New Era Young Lord's. Also some Associates and Friends from there Early Year's. The Bomba group provided good Entertainment and a Festive Atmosphere. In the Middle Sixties you could count the Minorities attending DePaul. The all played on the Basketball team. Vast improvements have been made. Opening Enrollment and and Opputunity. We can Thank Groups like the Young Lord's who brought to the light the Contridiction's. Great Job Latino Students.Rory Guerra

The University of Chicago Booth campus is one of the oldest higher learning institutions in Chicago. The Campus is spread across the South Hyde Park and surrounding neighborhood. Had a chance to stop into the Harper Building and the welcoming atrium and staff. The administrative staff here are very friendly and knowledgeable. The students come for undergraduate or the prestigious grad school at Booth. The world class research institution is considered one of the top universities in the Midwest.chad svastisalee

Pleased to visit one of the most important Universities in the World! Its gardens, its period buildings keep an incomparable history with other universities! All its facilities are in favor of encouraging research and studies! Impressed by its majesty in knowledge and educational experience! This is part of the quality of its professionals that make them competitive worldwide!miguel chang

I enjoy the mix of old buildings and new ones. Going in the old buildings, is like go into a time capsule. Student's seem to enjoy the campus, as well as residents of the neighborhood. Enjoy the small businesses surrounding the campus. Their are several things to do, you just have to venture out and find them.Jerome Scarborough

*note – typos are due to phone issues, not poor education. I have had good experiences at this school and also at Harold Washington. The teachers are the best part of community colleges. My understanding is that they are chosen based on their ability to teach, rather than what research they are doing (which I'm told is the major criteria for hiring professors at 4 year universities). The only negative experience here, has been some minor harassing by the business office about tuition payment. This is somewhat understandable, but my frustration is due to having already spoken with the office about when I will pay, but I'm still receiving constant reminders to do so. That really is minor though and I would recommend this school to anyone. Very friendly and helpful teachers, cafeteria workers (food is decently priced to) and custodial staff. Haven't really interacted with anyone other than that.RoProArt

This college is the worst colleges in the history of Chicagoland and I thought that the teachers care more about students with special needs and disabilities as well but it seems like they don’t really care about disabilities students like us who struggle through catching up with some homework assignment on blackboard and has to be submitted by those instructor which they never graded it at all over the past two months or so I had a terrible experience of being part of this school which is too far compared to where I’m live at now every day I always take three buses and two train like the red line train to the blue line train and a extra bus to get there but always get there very late and the students from there are so sarcastic and not really friendly that much often. But the services are very low like I’ll give it like around one or two stars ⭐️⭐️Samuel Garcia

I went to the GED office everything was perfect and very nice people there but NOT tutoring center office A-245 , I can't believe Wright college still have these people in its offices reception! They need to learn how to nicely receive students ,being nice won't cost you anything, you're in college not at your home ,remember that ! If you feel that's not your place plz move , without students you'll never be there .I'm talking about the black lady with glasses at reception. Also remember that next time I'll definitely REFUSE your service in front of everyone. Since you're in school take advantage to LEARN.Amuzzur Izzan

The Academy shaped the way I see and make art. While at time a bit disorganized and unstructured (a lot of empty time where students are encouraged to work independently), this school made me realize I want to make films for the rest of my life. The teachers are this school are very invested in their work as well as the work of their students. I feel very lucky to call myself alumn.Grace Melon

This school is a unique environment where students not only receive exceptional training in their discipline but, because of the structure of the program, they are also able to excel academically, due in no small part to the passionate teachers, very small class sizes, personal attention, and outstanding administration of this school. I could not be happier with this school!Karen Sugay

I recently attended the CAA production of 'Sense and Sensibility'. It was a wonderful, fast paced production, and totally well acted in a nifty black box theater. This school continues to surprise me with their performance and visual arts productions. I think it is a gem right in our midst. If you haven't seen this school, you should look it up!Christopher McKinney

My experience at Merit was awful and honestly disappointing. I attended a summer camp there and many of the music teachers were extremely unprofessional and inappropriate. One of my encounters with a flute teacher (I think her name was Susan Crandall) was particularly harsh. She told me that I "sucked" at flute, and was put into the highest band at my high school because people "felt sorry for me." Her words were very cruel and discouraging; she was insulting. I told my parents about what this teacher said and they called Merit many times but nobody answered, even though the school promised us an explanation. Obviously Merit had no explanation for what had happened. There had been various encounters before this one, too. This teacher wasn't the only person who I had seen act unprofessionally. If you/your child is interested in taking music lessons, do not go to Merit. It is a waste of money and time.Annika Failla

Our toddler has been in Ms. Annaeka’s class for several sessions, and I can’t say enough about her. She’s a wonderful teacher who understands and appreciates young children, and she’s worked incredibly hard to make virtual classes during COVID a good experience. Our son looks forward to class each week and is developing a love of music and movement thanks to Ms. Annaeka! If your child or family has the opportunity to take one of her classes, I highly recommend it.Jenna Boyle

Merit has been a great experience for both my girls. My oldest met some wonderful instructors and friends And is now in cello performance with Northwester. My youngest has been willing to continue voice lessons that she had loss interest in. The summer program help rebuild her confidence and encouraged her to stick with it. The instructors and students really came at the perfect time for my girls. So happy to have Merit as a program for my girls!Dr. Holliday

Great place for comedy. Some of the greats got their start here, and it's obvious some more greats are on their way through. Tons of cool shows with tons of talented people grace the stages here. Great place to spend some time if you're in the area. I haven't had any of the food or drink here, so I can't speak for that, but I've seen a few shows and I've always left happy.Kyle Telechan

Got a late night show to Improv Shakespeare at around 10:30PM with my wife on a Saturday night while visiting Chicago. There is a bar and food inside that looks like fun. Unfortunately we already ate so we didn't order anything but the show was amazing. Absolutely worth checking out. It was hilarious. Very talented staff.Michael Ubowski

Quite amazing to find 4 shows available on a Monday night at 10pm. A true destination for improv comedy lovers. The bevvies and food was tasty and affordable. The stages are nicely laid out with the ability to enjoy snacks and a show with our sacrificing the show. Recommended for any tourist in Chicago.Hugh MacLeod

The classes were informative and had a great atmosphere. They were fun and interesting, and the teachers were super helpful. The art in the front of the building is great to look at, especially while waiting. The classes also last long enough for the customers to learn how to use the tools, brainstorm, draw out ideas, make and dry them. There's also a variety of restaurants nearby, so when the building closes at one, you can go eat something warm, or have a snack if you so please.Oh Boy

Without a doubt, if you want to learn about mosaic art this is the place to be. The instructors are fabulous and eager to share their extensive knowledge. A great community being built here.MARY LEE KENNY

A lovely little gallery specializing in an under-appreciated art form. Both shows I've seen have been thoughtfully curated.Cecelia Burokas

Beyond Borders is brilliant and beautiful beyond belief. Vespertine, perhaps because I saw it first, was breathtaking, It has amazing costumes, exactly the right lighting, musical authenticity from the redonro,a lute like istrumet from the 1600s and simply remarkable dancing. Ensemble performance is remarkable in Suite Saint-Saens which has a series of individual performances that highlight the amazing talent of so many of the dancers. It also contains one of the most romantic and personable pas de deaux Ive ever seen. Colorem displayed ensemble precision as well as remarkable technical versitility with groups of three and four dancers. Don't take my word for it – just go! Beyond Borders is brilliant and beautiful beyond belief. Vespertine, perhaps because I saw it first, was breathtaking,  It has amazing costumes, exactly the right lighting, musical authenticity from the  theory, a lute like instrument from the 1600s, and simply remarkable dancing.  The second half, in which the dancers strip their elegant attire for flesh colored leotards is startling – and great! Ensemble performances set off Suite Saint-Sans, in addition to individual performances that highlight the amazing talent of so many of the dancers.  It also contains one of the most romantic and personable pas de deux I've ever seen. Colorem displayed ensemble precision  as well as wonderful technical versatility with groups of two, three and four dancers. Don't take my word for it – just go!Chelsea Baylor

This review is about the performance of the Joffery Ballet company at the Auditorium Theatre: A visual delight! This historic theater is what all theaters should wish to be. It is a must see. Designed by Louis Sullivan and Dankmar Adler it opened Dec 1889. The goal was to create a people's theater open to all Chicagoans and to grab the attention in the bid to host the 1893 World's Fair. It is such a delight that the Joffery Ballet (Chicago) performes the "Making a new American Ballet" which is all about the Chicago World Fair and a poor immagrant family and widow mother as a sculptoress who is making a world's fair sculpture. The immagrants are all dressed in brown tones and at the holiday party scene when the Great Impresario and apprentice appear bearing gifts and brightly colored. The dynamic of dance, costume and music delight all! The music is still traditional nutcracker and the story follows the basic story line of nutcracker with a few twists such as Buffalo Bills Wild West Show and Dragons! Just know when you go to this theater the Nutcracker story has changed. Sit back and do enjoy and do new twist to an old holiday story. Enjoy the setting of the theater which just continues the story itself as it is played out on stage by this highly skilled perfect technique dancers.Kentee Pasek

It’s difficult to express my level of disappointment in the “new” version of the Nutcracker by the Joffrey Ballet. My family was incredibly excited to see this show and we all, along with other guests I spoke with, left so disappointed. Many guests walked out before the show was over. Simply put, if you want to see the Nutcracker, do not see this version. It’s depressing, drab and will leave you wondering why this was even called The Nutcracker. The orchestra was excellent but the “twist” on a holiday tradition is awful. Do not spend your money.Autumn A

It is that time of year and we enjoyed our front row center seats, A8-12, for A Christmas Carol for yet one more year! The experience in the first row (4th photo) with the stage smoke cascading into only the first row and the performers dancing within two feet of the stage edge, which is only three feet from our laps, is immersive!! This year is close to, if not, our 20th year (hard to keep track) and it was the very best performance, ever!!!! Larry Yando is back for his 13th year as Scrooge and gave an outstanding comedic and dramatic performance! Thomas Cox returns as Bob Cratchit for his second year and a heart rending performance. Gregory Hirt returns once again playing the fiddle with vigor for his 21st year and Justin Amolsch returns playing an energetic french horn for his 18th year. The applause at the end always results in a standing ovation for Larry. Our seats are so close that when we're standing he is literally an arms length away. Tonight he saw me applauding in all of my 6'-8"edness, smiled and from the stage said "glad to see you back again!" A private moment in a room of 500 people. Very cool!!!! Each year we are amazed that, though it is technically the same play with a number of returning key performers, it is refreshed, revitalized and yet more endearing. Last year, as a pandemic response, the performance was audio only and we were not among the 100,000 people that heard it! New as the director last year, and back again this year to direct the live performance, Jessica Thebus has added a unique richness to sets, robustness to scenes and has pulled emotions from the very souls of the actors resulting in an experience that is truly overwhelming! I have no idea how they'll top this year, next year, but they do it…EVERY year!!!!R. J. Brennan

I've come here a few times and this last time I came to see Relentless and this last one show is super. The theater has good seating and on an angle so there is not a bad spot. There is one larger room and a smaller one. The larger room has a screen outside so if you're getting a drink you won't miss much, the screen is not the best but looks OK. A for the sound, it travels well all around. There is paid parking all around and a large parking lot right on front. The drinks were good and if you just want water, they have that too as well as snacks. I'll come back to another show soon, masks required at this last show.Miguel Angel

Thoroughly enjoyed a performance of Clyde's. The five-person cast was outstanding delivering both a poignant and humorous performance of real life issues of post incarcerated felons. The onstage setting for this performance was that of an actual diner kitchen. I have been in the restaurant business and can tell you that the staged kitchen had actual restaurant equipment and they were using and processing actual food, making the performance even that more realistic. The Goodman theater facilities are what you would expect from a top rate Chicago theater venue.Jeffrey Lippert

Court Theater is a major theater venue in Chicago, having just won the Tony award for best regional theater. Their work is very socially conscious, leaning strongly to August Wilson and fresh interpretation of classics from the ancient Greeks to Shakespeare. Their productions are always high quality, its good acting and imaginative sets and lighting. Be aware of the content when buying a ticket. Free parking next door during performances. Located on the Univ of Chicago campus south of the Midway. Used to be a food desert, but a couple of interesting restaurants have opened since the pandemic in the U of C campus buildings nearby.Frank Lackner

The play, Two Trains Running, was exceptional. The seating? Not so much. I was cramped and uncomfortable. For nearly 3 hours. Although I am interested in upcoming productions at the Court, the dearth of leg room, arm room as well as the pins and needles of restricted circulation clouded my experience. I will have to think long and hard about returning to this venue.Mass Fractal

I have been a subscriber for a number of years now and have loved every production, most recently The Lady from the Sea. The cast, direction, staging is always top notch. I was most impressed with the Theatre and Thought series that was produced during the height of the pandemic. Bravo Court Theatre!al law

This was my first trip to the Chopin Theater, it is a beautiful and cozy venue, with a warm and welcoming staff. We saw an African Dance and Drum show which was so much fun, we felt like we were part of the show. There is a small bar with snacks, I found a gluten and dairy free snack that was not laden with weird chemicals, I'm happy about that. When we left, the security guard waited and made sure we got into our Uber safely. I could not ask for a more fun evening.Renita Dixon

Eclectic, intimate, cozy venue. I saw Sweeney Todd in October. Performers we're excellent. We were downstairs. Bar up and down. A few simple snacks available. Easy access to bathrooms. You have to find parking on the street but we were able to find a place within a couple blocks. I would definitely go back here to see a show.Patricia Wilson

Still enforcing masks and require vax (not at all a bad thing, just wasn't aware of this until I got there, but they had masks available). The play was great but hard to get a seat that's not behind a pillar blocking the stage or in front of a strong fan.Rebekah Ziesmer

I am very happy I transferred out of this school. Folks who are considering applying here, please proceed with caution. I strongly urge you to reconsider. I wish somebody had told me the truth about The Theatre School when I was a senior in high school. This conservatory could be of great value to up and coming theatre artists, especially given that Chicago has such a vibrant theatre scene. But due to the uncompromising rules surrounding theatre participation outside of the school (which is not an option for BFA actors and an enormous, often impossible, obstacle for other theatre majors), The Theatre School creates an insular bubble in which students can only grow within the walls of their conservatory. However, if the content of what TTS students were learning daily was as rigorous as promised in orientations and tour guides, experience outside of the classroom would not be as necessary. Sadly, the majority of professors (not all) at TTS are far more interested in lecturing on themselves than on relevant theatre topics. This may be part of the reason why there are such harsh rules surrounding theatre participation outside of the school. Without a captive and naive audience, TTS professors and faculty would be forced to do their jobs of catering to students, rather than themselves. Naturally, given all of these factors, the productions are less than impressive, despite the surplus of talented students. It is very hard to do you best work when the environment is so toxic. It makes me very sad that such a bland and disappointing conservatory resides in Chicago. Unlike elitist faculty at TTS (and some students, because attitudes spread), Chicago theatre artists are some of the most humble, authentic people I have been privileged enough of to work with. I hope that my review does not stop aspiring theatre artists from joining the artistic community here. There are plenty of ways to be involved in theatre in Chicago without wasting tuition money on The Theatre School.Grace Melon

A great place to see both classic and modern plays alike! DePaul produces a high quality theatre program, and many of our alumni have gone on to win Oscar's. So keep an eye on the students on stage, cause you might see them accepting an award next time you see them!Alexandra Beiriger

I am 64 and used to attend this theater with my sister on saturday afternoons about 1965 with sci-fi and monster movies double matinee. The theater would be filled with hundreds of kids and no parents except for a couple of beleagured theater watchmen. Sometimes the theater would break out into popcorn and peanut fight. The air would be thick with flying food and the watchmen screaming "SHUT UP". Didn`t find out that dillenger was killed by the FBI here until the 90`s and certainly surprised me. This is always an interesting memory.Mario S. Sanchez

The greatest little theater! It is cozy, yet a great size! Any seat you sit in you will have a great view. The particular show we saw was “It’s a Wonderful Life! Live in Chicago!” And it was FANTASTIC! They did an amazing job of depicting the actual movie into play. I was so impressed. Would highly recommend this theater!! * note the photo was taken before the show. No photos or videos were taken during the performance!Carson Walker

The large stage relative to seating capacity makes this theater feel very intimate. A full bar with reasonable prices ($7 beers and wine, $9 cocktails as of summer 2017), generous pours and quick service. Strong air conditioning even in the heat wave when I visited . . . you'd think it's not worth mentioning but it matters!Justin Bassett-Green (JTBG)

Reviewing as a a salon guest, not student. I have a high maintenance haircut and color (short, platinum blonde) that requires a salon visit every 6-8 weeks. I love the school because it makes my look relatively affordable. That being said, I’ve visited this location at least 4-6 times now and have had a variety of experiences. I don’t recommend having a newbie student if you can avoid it. My appointment lasted 5 hours that time. With a more experienced artist you can still plan to spend 4 hours here for my type of style. Nuts, I know. Some students are chatty, others say nothing. Some are fantastic at washing hair, others will literally make you bleed (like last time I was in; I wish the salon had an exit review because seriously, last time wasn’t great). Some can blow dry better than a seasoned stylist and others make you want to run away or call security. Don’t hesitate to say something and always try to request someone you like. Be ready for your favorite student to graduate and move on to bigger and better things. Overall – I’ve been pretty happy. The educators are amazing and are able to help the student create the desired look under their guidance.Ellery R

It was pretty much what you would expect from a beauty school. For how cheap the price was for a color and cut, it’s hard to complain. However, be aware that its a very long process. I expected it to be long, but I didn’t expect four hours for an all over color and cut. I was overall satisfied with the outcome, but I was taken aback by my hair being aggressively brushed. I was told it was because my hair was knotted, but my hair is very thin and damaged. I never use anything over than a comb on my hair and since my appointment I’ve definitely noticed an increased amount of breakage. At the same time, I acknowledge it is also my responsibility for not speaking up.Madison Piekarz

Danny is the good guy, but the people who teach him, shouldn’t take scissors in their hands ever! She cut my wife’s 8” instead of 1” of hair length not even knowing what she was doing! To say it’s horrible, not say anything! We went there because of the name and we was hoping there working educated professionals, we’ve signed agreement that the student not responsible for results, but the TEACHERS did almost everything!!! Now my wife is crying every day and we have to wait for two years until new length of hair will grow up…Danny run away from that place!Eugene

We are signed up for wiggle worms and we have been loving it. However, I wanted to see if we could drop-in for a Thursday class one week and the customer service I received when I inquired about this was AWFUL! She laughed at me and all she said was “that’s not how it works”. I have been very disappointed in the level of customer service all around. When we go into the music center the front desk is not friendly and they have rudely asked all parents to park strollers elsewhere instead of politely helping them to move their strollers into a more acceptable space. We pay a lot of money for each music session and I would’ve expected better customer service in every area.Lura Boyd

Old Town School of Folk Music is a great place to learn how to play guitar. The program and teachers make it fun and easy to learn how to play, even if you have no experience. I've been taking group lessons from Mary Peterson for 2-1/2 years now and have so much fun learning how to play guitar. I miss playing with a group but the Zoom classes are great until we can all be at the school together again. If you're on the fence about learning guitar, just do it!Dre Matt

I love this place. I signed up for beginner guitar classes on a bit of a whim, post break-up and looking for something to distract me, and fill the newly formed void. For $200, it seemed like a healthier alternative to spending the same amount on cocktails. For another $65, I was able to get a songbook and rent a guitar from their Lincoln Square location.Ilana O

Not only is Jossie a phenomenal acting coach, but she also acts like a life coach for her W.A.Y students in many ways. She truly loves all of her students and appreciates who they are as individuals. She assess each student's needs and talents and works with them on their specific goals. She inspires those who are interested in acting professionally and will connect these students to auditions and potential work. Her name is trusted in the industry. Even if your kids are not interested in acting professionally, Jossie's classes help children develop confidence, improve reading comprehension and spark creativity. Since taking acting classes, my daughter's teachers have commented on on her confidence, her reading and public speaking skills. I have noticed that she is becoming more organized and getting much better at time management. Jossie's classes are demanding yet fun and my daughter looks forward to class every Saturday. Jossie's energy is infectious and she truly adores her W.A.Y family.Vena Cherian

Coach Jossie is amazing! She has a way with the children whether they coach with her or not. There are children and adult actors who may not be in the program but perform their monologues and pieces in the “Best Of” showcases. She is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to method and techniques. Plus she has personal experience as an actor herself! She is super encouraging and sensitive but also very straight forward and concise in her feedback and guidance. As an actor in her adult class I am so blessed to have been connected with her. We start each class off with affirmations and she makes sure that we are all grasping information in our “learn languages” as I would call it. She is honestly a God send and I couldn’t be more grateful for and appreciative of a coach of her caliber helping guide me through my journey as an artist.Tainabelle Joseph

Jossie is a tremendous instructor, mentor, and friend. I have studied with her for a little over three years now as a part of her adult Respect for Acting class. As a result of studying with her, I booked an award-winning web series, several short films, and a few full-length feature films. I was also able to secure my first agent with her guidance. Jossie's nurturing, yet honest approach to teaching has been helpful to many adults and children. I highly recommend her if you would like to excel in the arts.Herbert Harper, Jr.

For Valentine's Day, I purchased a block of ten private classes so that my partner and I would have something fun to do on the calendar together. We enjoyed every minute of our classes, as we breezed through beginner waltz, swing, rumba, foxtrot, and Latin steps. We're two middle-aged men without any formal training and I can't say we were surprisingly good or anything, but Chicago Dance never made us feel amateurish or unwelcome, even when it was obvious that we weren't practicing that much in our free time. Our instructor Sam, who is absolutely delightful, took every minute with us as seriously as if we were experts preparing for competition. Her selection of music, obvious talent (ask her to show off her mad tango skills!), and ability to explain and educate as we progressed are all second to none. I can't say enough good things about our experience. Highly recommended!Richard Williams

My husband and I chose the 10 class dance package for our first dance for our wedding and it was money well spent! Our dance teacher, Samantha, was wonderful! She took time to understand our vision for our dance and worked diligently to make that vision a reality. The classes were 10, 45 minute sessions which could be compounded. In the beginning we started with basic waltz, 2 steps and learning how to dance together. For us it was perfect as my husband was a beginner. Our classes were during the summer of 2020 and there were a few last minute schedule changes, but the dance company was very professional and had excellent communication for rearranging our dance schedule if needed. Highly recommend this dance company for first dances of all kinds. We will be back for the couple dance classes for sure!Kristen Crittle Myhand

Absolutely amazing! My partner and I came here to take an intro dance course to prepare for my wedding. Samantha was our teacher and she was the best teacher we could have imagined. She was professional, friendly, and a genuine pleasure to learn from. I left just one lesson feeling much more confident in my own dancing skills all thanks to her! We will definitely be returning for some group classes soon, since I think my fiance and I found a new shared activity.Chris Domanski

What can I say about SCE Agency! They are phenomenal group of people that work as a team. I love the creativity that Joey Joelle shows when helping a Model such as myself be able produce a great image that shows up on that camera. I loved every shoot and my comp cards yes this is who you want. Since I have done my Comp Card with SCE I have been on several bookings with results. I am so excited about my future and being able to walk around with a perfect for me Comp Card. Great experience. Great atmosphere and a whole lot of fun. Yes and I approve this message.Chandra Smartt-Spicer

I Walked in there last year,out of curiosity. I was greeted by a woman I don't know if she was a secretary or agent. But she asked me my interests, goals. I told her I just started taking Acting classes and was interested in their headshots portfolio. She wanted to know what school I was attending and when I told her the school,she right away said , "That's not a good school, people will not take you seriously". And then explained what they can do for me as far as picking outfits and headshots. I will not go back there.jbela

I am absolutely blown away by SCE Agency. They go above and beyond for you and if you are scheduling a shoot the images are TO DIE FOR! I couldn’t be happier with my experience. A special shout-out to Joey—she has made me feel like a star every step of the way! I couldn’t recommend SCE more. Don’t miss out!!! Please book as soon as you can, the spots fill up fast! Huge thank you to Joey and the whole SCE team. ❤️Paige Ross

Brittani Ward leads an incredible on-camera course at her very own studio, and now on Zoom as well. As a casting director, her insight is invaluable. She understands the business and does an incredible job demystifying every aspect of it. Brittani’s advanced acting course is the greatest challenge; each week has a unique focus, providing an opportunity to play with new material, receive adjustments, and study the work of your peers. One of the unique attributes of this course is the chance to write feedback for your fellow classmates, causing you to invest in performances outside your own, grow your vocabulary as an actor, and learn from others around you. As an actor who has taken both a live class pre-pandemic and a Zoom class, I can easily say both formats are effective, creative, collaborative spaces. Though we all miss the human connection of being in a room together and the energy that comes with that, Brittani manages to still create an environment that is warm and inviting, hard working, and personal. Having taken her class twice now, I can feel the difference in my acting, my on-camera technique, and my confidence to give 100% to every scene I’m given. Brittani is both an extraordinary woman and instructor, and her classes are a must for any serious actor that wants to continue growing their craft.Alisa Goldberg

Brittani Ward's Advanced Acting for the Camera class is absolutely fantastic and unlike anything else in Chicago. I’ve taken classes throughout the city, and this one truly holds a special place in my heart. Each week is catered to a different aspect of on-camera acting – strengths, stretches, and partner focus are a few of them – and you get a ton of feedback along the way. (Like, A LOT of feedback.) I was very lucky to be part of a class filled with some of Chicago’s best actors where I was able to hone in on everyone’s performances to better my own. In those six weeks, I’ve gained a renewed confidence in my abilities and feel ready to approach any material or audition that comes my way. I also got valuable insight into the casting process and industry at large – which is something I wish more classes would talk about. I’m very excited to continue working with Brittani and see what else she’s got in store! Honestly, I might take the class again – it’s totally worth it. If you want to elevate your game, you have to work with her. Get on it! (I can also say that as a comedian, she’s given me the funniest sides I’ve ever read. Thank you so much!)Louie Cordon

Brittani Ward's Accomplished on Camera class is phenomenal. Hers is like no other studio in the city in that, in addition to helping you refine your technique and stretch your comfort zone in terms of roles, she teaches you awareness of how present and connected you are: to your character, the scene, the moment, and the room. Everyone in the class has to learn to appreciate the performance of classmates in terms of castability. The feedback you give is precise and informative. Brittani herself spends hours every week recapping her notes for each actor in the class. That, along with a weekly share of class tapes, and notes that everyone has given on everybody, makes it the most effective way to learn, adjust, and keep growing as a performer. The six-week session ends with a mock casting session where everyone in the class has a role to play, and where every decision taken has to be defended and justified — honestly and productively. I will take the class again. And again, if I am lucky.Sylvie Sadarnac