Piven Theatre Workshop

Piven Theatre Workshop

This acting school just half an hour from Chicago is affiliated with a working theater dedicated to original works and working with new directors and playwrights. Alumni include Jeremy Piven, Rosanna Arquette and John Cusack, to name a few.

This Chicago acting school offers classes for all levels of actors, from beginner to advanced. Here the emphasis is on working as an ensemble. During 3 hours a week, actors learn to develop their craft using improvisation, theater games, Viewpoints, Story Theatre and the Piven Technique.

Each 7-week class is 3 hours long. The school also offers classes for youth.

Career preparation: Students are expected to watch the theater productions at the workshop. The acting school regularly offers master classes with industry professionals.

Financial Aid: The school awards around $30,000 a year in need-based scholarships and participates in special outreach programs.

What you’ll need to apply: A filled out registration form and payment, plus a resume or recommendation from a teacher from the school for the intermediate classes. Actors who want to enroll in the professional classes will also need to submit a headshot and have strong experience in the methods taught at the school.

Website: www.piventheatre.org