FAQs
Can you make me a Star?
The Chicago Actors Studio offers a variety of Programs & Workshops to help you continue or get started on your unique path to reach specific goals or needs you might have. Be it help with auditioning, perfecting your slate or making suggestions for your headshot to get you on the right track. In addition to working among others, we also have one-on-one training, consultations & specific Career Services that is developed to meet your individual needs! You can never have too much training or practice.
No one can guarantee that you will become a movie star. If they do, you are studying at the wrong studio. Probably some scam shop, of which there are many, will tell you that. These studios, sometimes calling themselves agencies or management companies, are just interested in your bank account, not your best interest to teach you skills necessary to become that movie star. They hold these seminars with all kinds of hype tactics, telling you are you are a natural, etc. Try selling you photo sessions. Useless classes that can cost $1000 or more for 8-10 weeks. By the end of the day, you will have shelled out thousands and thousands of dollars on some so-called special audition event before "major casting people" that may not even be real, and you will go home with nothing to show for it. You do this because you are new, hungry for this business, and know no better how it all works the right way. We here at the Chicago Actors Studio, will in fact teach you skills that you need. How to market those skills and lead you to the right places. Guide you through the necessary steps. Support you even after you graduate into the market place. The rest is up to you.
Am I required to audition?
No audition is necessary if you’re joining our beginner/preparatory classes. However, we do require all those seeking to participate in our Intermediate or Advanced Acting as a Craft workshop to audition first. To schedule your audition, head over to our Contact Us section.
How do I register?
Great question! We want to make it easy, so you have options. Three, actually.
You can find the the program or workshop you’d like to begin with here on our website & you can register right there online.
Give us a call & register over the phone.
Or you can call us to set up an appointment where you can come into the studio, get a quick tour while your here & take care of your registration in-person.
Do you recommend any agents or photographers?
We always want to help steer you in the right direction! Feel free to reach out to us directly or head on over to the Career Services page that explains our in-depth, personal approach to guiding you on your journey as an actor!
Do you have an Internship Program?
Interns are the very backbone of our studio! Participants of our internship program work for two days at our office in exchange for free enrollment in our Acting as a Craft Program, as well as discounted rates for many additional programs and workshops. To qualify, please contact us to schedule an interview. Internships give an individual first-hand exposure to running a theatre company, learning behind the scenes technical skills.
Do I need prior training or experience?
You do not need any prior training or experience. We all must start somewhere & we welcome individuals from all walks of life to take a shot at the wonderful world of Performing Arts! As such, there is no need to audition to join our preparatory/beginners level workshops. If you do have prior training or experience, we also offer the opportunity to audition for our intermediate and advanced level workshops.
Do you offer private coaching?
Absolutely! Our Career Services page will guide you on the next steps for inquiry!
Where is your studio located?
We are at 2040 North Elston Ave. Chicago, IL 60614, centrally located with easy access to Metra trains (UP-N and UP-NW lines), and the #9 Ashland bus, right across the street from us. Head on over to our Contact Us section for a detailed map of our location as well as nearby Train, Bus & other CTA routes.
What is the limit for your class size?
Normally our capacity ranges from 12-15 people. During this time, we have limited the amount of individuals attending a workshop or program to eight, during COVID-19, to allow for social distancing. We are also offering online classes at this time, and “hybrid” in-person and online classes too.
How do I prepare for my first day? What should I bring to class?
An apple for the teacher, of course! Your workbook will be handed out on the first day, which you should bring with you to every class. A pen or pencil is always suggested & we also recommend having a device that has a voice record option, be it a phone or a digital(tape) recorder.
Can you make my demo reel?
Please contact us for the specifics of your request & we’ll take it from there!
Can you help me prepare for an upcoming audition?
We’re so glad you asked. You can’t go wrong with being prepared. As working actors we know all about that, so we developed a service to assist in your career development as a performer. Find out more at under Career Services
Do you offer any payment plans?
We understand that people may have financial difficulties, and we don’t want that to stand in the way of your training! If you cannot afford to pay your tuition in full at the start of your session, you can split it up into 2 payments, one to be made at the start of the session, and the balance to be paid part-way through. Other payment plans can be arranged on a case by case basis. Internships are also available as a way of paying your tuition. For additional questions or concerns, feel free to Contact Us.
What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that sometimes people may run into issues that prevent them from taking the class they were so looking forward to. Fortunately, for those rare instances that someone does need to drop a class, there is a helpful policy in place. If you cancel seven days or more prior to your first class, you will receive a 70% refund of your tuition. The remaining 30% will be held as a credit, which can be used towards another workshop or program for up to six months. If you cancel seven days or less before your workshop or program begins, you will not receive a refund. Instead, everything you paid will be held as credit for any workshop or class you wish to register for, up to 6 months. If you cancel after a program or workshop has already started, you will not receive a refund or credit.
What program or workshop do I start with?
Jump on over to our Programs & Workshops section, to learn everything you need about where to begin at The Chicago Actors Studio, for studio & online options. You can also come in for a free consultation, and we can personally help you decide which class is the right fit for your needs.
Does your studio put on any live performances?
The Chicago Actors Studio prides itself on live student performances. Every year, we put on a serie of one-act plays directed by, and starring students of CAS. These shows are professional level performances. In fact, we’re so confident in how great these shows are, that we invite casting directors and agents to come see them.
Right now, due to Covid-19 restrictions, live shows are on hold until guidelines permit live performances with full audiences again.
Do you offer parking?
Our neighbors over at Best Buy (located just half a block away at 2100 N. Elston) have allocated spots for our visitors and students to utilize.
What is the age requirement?
In addition to our main workshops for adults, we have a phenomenal youth program for actors as young as eight years old! To get a better idea of what program or workshop fits you and your age group, check out the Programs & Workshops section.
Do you provide head-shots?
While we don’t have a headshot photographer on staff, we can make recommendations to several fantastic photographers who work with our studio, even offering considerable discounts to our students. Contact us to learn more.
I’m not getting any callbacks. Can you help me?
There are many reasons why an actor may not be getting callbacks. In this case, we advise you to Contact Us to set up a career counseling session so we can specifically address the difficulties you’ve been facing.
What is an “Actor’s Slate Video?” Can you make one for me?
Find your answer here on our Career Services page!
What happens if I miss a day?
If you know you are going to miss class, due to having an audition or being cast in a project, or if you fall ill or there is an emergency, please Contact Us as soon as possible. All students are allotted three excused absences for an eight-week session. For each excused absence, an additional class will be added on to your session. Your commitment & persistence will enable you to grow & succeed.