The Actor's Training Center provides not only an insightful, professional learning environment, but also an empowering, accepting, and friendly community. I started taking classes here when I was in 7th grade, having just moved here from Boulder, CO. I struggled to connect in my neighborhood and felt isolated because of my unique living circumstances. Through ATC I was able to find a group of people- adults and children alike- who put me at ease, made me feel at home, and brought out the best in me. The staff, Becky and Rae, reach out to the kids that walk through the door with a genuine interest in their lives. They're very open, and answer any and all questions asked to them (I ask a LOT of questions). I always find myself staying after class to joke around with them and other students, talking about anything from the heart stopping cliff-hangers in TV shows, to how our past week went. In the classes I've been a part of, the teachers take me where I'm at, and provide the right balance between bringing out the positive elements of my performance, while also teaching me about areas I can grow. Very few places provide a professional, supportive learning environment- with students from all experience levels- and this is one of those places. Carole Dibo creates an environment full of connections, whether that's finding a good combination of students and teachers within the school, or professional employers and resources throughout the industry. The amount of time and thought that she's put in to make ATC a community of artists really shows in the talent that has come from the school (Katie Chang, Rachel Brosnahan, and Lucas Jade Zumann, to name a few). Carole knows all the happenings of the industry, and reaches out to students to give them the resources they need to succeed, as well as a home for support. I recently was a part of the Professional Summer Intensive this past summer, and I had the best experience. The group of students were incredibly encouraging and supportive, and we had SO much fun! ATC put together a great ensemble of young actors- we really bonded throughout the course and still keep in contact today. PSI was packed full of guest artists, all of whom were very engaging and supportive. Their passion and enthusiasm was contagious, and I left with a refreshed, expanded mindset of the opportunities in this industry. It culminated to a showcase with representatives from several agencies and casting agencies (Stewart, PR Casting, and more), and many of my friends were offered auditions and representation from it. The Actor's Training Center provides a supportive environment full of close friendships, an eye-opening learning environment with encouraging teachers, and an unbeatable resource for connections in the industry. I would highly recommend taking classes here for anyone who is interested in pursuing a professional career. And if you aren't pursuing a career, I would still recommend it: there is a large amount of mental and emotional support, classes that are lots of fun, and a community of loving and accepting individuals. read more

I just started my acting career less than a year ago and had taken acting classes and on camera from other schools in the area which typically were 8 week classes. I took a weekend workshop at Actors Training Center with Carole Dibo conducting the workshop and I have to say hands down I learned more on how to prepare for auditions in two days than I did in 8 weeks. Carole's approach is straightforward, yet nurturing and she takes a personal stake in each one of her students. She challenges you to take your next take to another level and doesn't just teach something and move on. She makes sure you understand and then allows you and the other students to learn how to do effective critiquing of yourself and also learn from the other actors. What's unique is that unlike other previous schools approach it forces you to pay attention and not check out because you may be asked to provide feedback to your other fellow actors on their acting exercises. Carole's philosophy is to create a fun, educational environment and foster a team atmosphere where each actor is striving to help each other out and to champion their successes and progress. The worse thing I could say about my experience with Carole and the team at ATC is that the time was too short and I left there with a little sadness not seeing her again because she makes you feel that she is actively pulling for your success and her teaching style reflects it, so much so that you want to do better just for her. I am so thankful that ATC was recommended for me to attend, because I took so much away and will be forever indebted to her for taking the personal time in progressing my acting career a big step forward. My only regret is that in starting this journey last year I only wish I had found them sooner, I could have save a lot of time and money. Do yourself a favor and if you are considering starting your acting career or furthering your current one, start with Actors Training Center first. It'll be worth the time and investment. read more

I am a high school teacher from the city and I took a group of 12 students to the ATC for a field trip and we LOVED it! The students, overall, were very hesitant and nervous for this experience but the staff at ATC was amazing in working with them and encouraging them to participate and have fun! I would recommend this experience for ANYONE, no matter the level of acting experience they might have. The following is a thank-you letter that one of my students wrote to show their appreciation for the hard work that went behind making our trip amazing: To The Staff of the Actor's Training Center, Hello this is a student that was part of classroom of Roberto Clemente High school that came in on April 20 to experience something to do with acting. We as a group had a great time and appreciate how motivating and supportive you guys were with us. Especially in the beginning when we weren't really putting energy to the first activity and you guys were exited and supportive. Also we appreciate the pizza you got for us it was delicious. Also for being patient with us and for supporting us when we went up to act. When you could clearly see that some of us were more nervous than others. Sincerely, Roberto Clements 10th grade EMBARC Class read more

"We Train to Work" is the ATC motto and that's exactly what Carole Dibo and her team do! I am so grateful to have this level of professional training for my daughter right in the Chicago suburbs. Her on camera, theater and audition skills are blossoming at ATC. Most of all, she loves it and has fun!! My husband and I are also learning how to help guide her career through Carole's ATC workshops. Because of ATC our daughter went from being a bright girl interested in professional acting to a girl with serious acting skills, a fantastic talent agent and opportunities for a variety of roles. She receives so much personal attention and encouragement at ATC. We are thrilled to be part of the ATC family! read more

I have been taking classes at The Actors Training Center for almost three years and it has become my home away from home. There is no better place to train. The training both prepares you for the real world and is so much fun to be a part of! They get the best professionals from both in and out of town for workshops and classes. I personally have grown tremendously and owe it all to the wonderful teachers. If you want to be an actor, The Actors Training Center is the place to be! Thank you ATC, your the best! YAY ATC! read more

As a student of ATC, I have to say that it is an excellent place to study for an actor. I've been a student here for over a year, and been an intern for about 6 months now and I can say without a single doubt that it has been the best experience of my LIFE. If you want to break into the business, this is the outlet to do it through. Nowhere have I been as challenged and as accepted than here at ATC. You guys rocked my socks off! read more

Recently took my first On-Camera acting with Carole and within the first day she had already helped me so much. I was really nervous coming into class, but Carole is so inspiring I found myself jumping up ready to work with her. Carole really cares about her students and you can see it while she watches you progress throughout class. I highly recommend taking a class with her - I'll definitely be taking more in the future. read more

The Actors Training Center at the Wilmette Theatre offers professional, process-driven classes that range from cultivating the young actor's imagination to training in advanced performance techniques. We believe that addressing the industry's expectations in partnership with the actor's need for ethical, creative, and practical training is essential to developing the well rounded actor. read more

This place is a parents dream if you have a child that wants to act or wants to explore acting and musical theatre. Carole Dibo and her staff are so focused on the process that kids actually learn skills that foster young actors. ATC is also a place where kids social standing at school stays at the door. All the kids are inclusive and friendly. read more

I'm currently taking the professional acting intensive, and it's great!! I love the people and the teachers so much! I'm learning so much, and it's launching my career. I'm learning more than I even knew was possible for acting! read more

ATC is a wonderful place. They set any performer up for audacity, tenacity, and certainty in the field. They make it capable for you to make massive strides with every plate that the actor has to spin. read more