After completing the Studio program, I can say I highly recommend this class. It's definitely for those who are ready to work hard and are in it for the long haul. This class slowly delivers their method which gives you great structure for prep and gives you tools to focus before an audition/performance. The way it slowly unfolds definitely is intentional and allows you to really hone your process and helps to try to avoid common pitfalls. I especially appreciated this program already having a lot of acting training - getting some new tools (while being familiar with some things) and more structure for my process. However, I talked to newer actors who loved starting with this program too and complained of other schools not actually teaching students how to act but rather just getting notes on specific scenes done in class. What you learn in this class can be applied to every audition/performance scenario. Every teacher I had (4 total including subs) were generous, kind and still pushed you hard. They also did a good job of giving fair feedback that both encouraged what was working and helped you fix things that needed to be worked on. I found the teachers to have no ego and there to be no favoritism which is something I found annoying in some previous LA acting classes. All in all, if you have the time, energy and curiosity to commit to it, this class will help you grow immensely and hone your artistic voice. read more

This place has a certain way of teaching that necessarily isn't going to connect with everyone. Although sure it could work for you, 8/5 times I'd say it won't. Also this studio comes off as prestigious, they make you retake the class if the teacher thinks you aren't good enough to be in the second or third level. Acting isn't something that is able to be graded in a traditional learning model, it's art, art is up to anyone's own interpretation. If you truly want to make this place a safe place to evolve and practice the craft of acting, I recommend taking a strong look into fixing this 'grading' scale and actually be more hands on with the students and improve on what they are good at instead of throwing them into the deep end of something they have no idea of how to portray and then bury them for it. To me this form of retaking courses comes off as sort of a scam business model, each course is close to $500, hold at least 2 kids back and make them retake the class and now they paid $1000 to take the same class again. I've taken classes around the city and this model certainly seemed low class. This establishment has nice bathrooms though. read more

Bad culture and acting practice. I have noticed that as a minority POC, white Americans expect you to behave and act in a certain way that they perceive is right at the same time persuade you to be real or original. How condescending!! As a minority I have to go through this a lot. Same horrible experience I got from Ashley. Not only she is a terrible teacher but she also completely disregarded me in contempt in everyway possible whenever I asked for some help or had questions. At some point she even threatened me to throw me out of class. Everyone in the class knew how she was treating me. (she knew I will not join her again) so in last day of class, I was surprised, she suddenly became so nice and bubbly to me. While I was leaving she called me aside just to ask to rejoin class at 40% discount( no thanks!). How terrible! On side note, I would like to mention about Elizabeth who took one of our class. I felt so much more confidence as she kind of understood me and give me the space and a non-judgmental atmosphere for me to perform. She is great! read more

I completed their intensive 100 day academy. All I can say is that the experience was life changing. This program demands intensity and rigor! If you are ready to commit your time, heart, sweat, and tears to transforming as an actor this is the place!! My limits were pushed in some of the best ways! They call it an actors gym for a good reason! read more

I recommend this school for those who need to solidfy their acting training. It's a fast paced process and it is best for those who already have experience being brave and letting go in acting classes. Or for those who are ready to be brave and let go, but you'll never know until you give it a try. I wouldn't recommend this school for those who have a lot of outside commitments. It doesn't matter if their attendance policy allows for a ten minute grace period or even if you communicate you will be arriving right on time or a few minutes behind, they will not respect you. And their communication towards you will demonstrate they don't respect you even if you NEVER miss a class and make acting progress. Donot take the class if you have a tight schedule. During class, when the instructor was giving feedback, I reacted. It wasn't the greatest reaction, but I accepted responsibility. However, I was not happy with the way feedback was constantly delivered. When I needed a minute to meditate (this helps a person to RESPOND, instead of reacting), the instructor yelled at me from across the room. I was then removed from the class, and this was during the very last week. I emailed the person in charge of enrollment and received a partial refund. If you are new to class/acting you may receieve "feedback" such as your process is "lack luster" and other demeaning comments. If you are experienced in acting or amazing at "faking it," you will receive great praise. If you get on the instructor's good side, you will receive actual feedback. When it comes to the meisner technique, it is best used when both people are great or amazing actors. (Don't believe me? Do your research.) Also, stand your ground if you know and believe you have hit your "emotional limit," if you can't give more than the instructor is asking from you, then don't push it. That is unhealthy and unnatural. And that is bad coaching. I hope you find my experience helpful and make the best decision for you, regarding this school. -Starlette read more

I am new to acting. I moved to Chicago a few years ago to pursue this passion of mine that I did not allow to come out for several years (17 years in fact). I didn't think I had the right to do it. I thought people wouldn't take me seriously and call me a joke. So I did what a lot of folks do when they move to Chicago and aren't sure where to start - I went to Second City Training Center. While that was fine and dandy, it wasn't getting me closer to what I wanted and so I marinated in frustration until a conversation with a friend of mine moved me. When he talked about Black Box Acting Studio, his entire demeanor changed. Every emotion he had was brought to the surface as he spoke about the classes he'd been through (B1 and B2 at the time). I was immediately turned on. I signed up for a B1 class and didn't turn back. I completed all five studio courses and a weekend intensive during an interim because I just couldn't get enough of it. God, where to start with all that I learned - summing this up in a few paragraphs is difficult to impossible and I should say that everything I learned was invaluable and continues to evolve because of the nature of the material. My voice - I had no idea where it was. I was scared to have opinions and be vulnerable and truthful on stage. I was scared to connect with my scene partner. I had no sense of trust and was terrified of failing, especially in front of everyone. I was scared to get messy on stage. This meant I did a whole lot of hiding which completely went against my goal of wanting to be seen. (Oh, the irony.) If I got a nickel for every time one of the teachers told me to, "Breathe, Maria!" I could have paid for the class and managed enough for a beer after. In time I was able to breathe, thankfully. In fact, I became so free on stage that I could crumble on the floor and cry. I could scream. I could laugh one minute and go through a fit of rage the next. What a fantastic and wonderful mess I was. I was comfortable being alive on stage! I wouldn't have been able to do any of the above without the teachers at Black Box. Every teacher there, and I do mean every one of them, is passionate about what they do. They're not only teachers, but they're out there doing exactly what actors do, which is completely inspiring in itself. You won't find hypocrisy, but humanity, and it is overflowing. They never let a question go unanswered and the amount of support they gave me was extraordinary. Before I started Black Box, I'd never been to an audition in Chicago, much less a professional audition. I didn't even have a headshot or resume. Now I audition regularly and I am very proud to say that I'll be attending the School at Steppenwolf this summer. It is amazing to me, if no one else, how much I've grown in such a short period. I could not be more grateful for having a place so unbelievably amazing to call my home. And it is my home - a safe place where I am allowed to grow and explore and make mistakes. I found out who I was, there, and now I have the confidence to go out to the world and show everyone else who I am. read more

After a 9-year hiatus from performing, I landed in Chicago. Tired of my life, tired of feeling as if I didn't have the right tools to "do this" at my age (I'm in my early 40s). Frankly, feeling tired. I also wasted a lot of money taking classes at places people told me I "should" be taking classes and feeling as if no one cared if I showed up and there was no measure whether I was improving or making progress. *bangs head on wall* I first found Black Box's Studio classes through a fellow improv student. From the pre-admissions interview process and then day one in their B1 class, I knew something was different. They weren't going to put up with my BS (or let ME put up with it any longer) and there was no choice except to tell the truth and be myself. It wasn't about getting it RIGHT. It was about being honest. After B1, I decided to audition for the ACADEMY conservatory program (I just graduated from Winter ACADEMY 2015 last week). I went ahead and took B2 while I was waiting on admission results. Well, I got in. And here's what I can say about The ACADEMY. 1) It's intense. If you're not ready to redefine your Level 10, keep doing what you're doing. It's one helluva shock to discover your idea of Level 10 was closer to a 6. 2) You're treated like a professional. There is no "hey, you paid -- show up when you want" mentality like most studio classes in Chicago. Our ACADEMY class saw one ensemble member dismissed mid-term. You're an ensemble and your partners rely on you to be there. Black Box won't let you forget that. Just because you paid doesn't mean you get to come and go as you please (how refreshing). 3) The instructors in this program (and the entire school) WORK in the industry. Incessantly. Audrey Francis is in The Herd at Steppenwolf, and no fewer than 4 of our other instructors are also in shows at this time at Step Up, Jackalope, Pegasus, and Red Orchid. They practice what they preach and are working professionals, not just professional instructors. 4) You're going to have days where you feel like crap. But it's good crap. That's your crap dissolving into a pile of crap you no long need. You'll keep going. It's acting. If it were easy, it would be called "beer." 5) The five months in this program transformed who I am as an acting industry professional and gave me a process that I can use on a moment's notice at an audition when they throw another set of sides at you to season generals where you're in a room full of people who hate monologues (but you now love them). My approach to text has been revolutionized, my relationship with my body in space is completely re-thunk (yes, that's a word), and my heart is sad that after graduating a week ago, I don't see my friends' faces every day. So, if you're looking for a ticket to fame or an easy button to push, keep looking. It doesn't exist. But if you're looking to do some hard (expletive) word and find your place in an industry that can chew you up and spit you out if you don't know your place and value --- then check out Black Box. I've found my voice, learned my value, and have a process to use throughout the continued growth of my career. *They are kind, but blunt. *They do not gush praise, but it'll come when you least expect it (probably when you STOP expecting it). *They will hold you to a higher standard than you've ever held yourself. *If you think this is solely a Meisner school, you're mistaken. The Black Box Method is a hybrid of many different schools of acting. And if you hate Meisner, that's a damn fine reason to try Black Box. And above all, for the actor considering where to spend his or her money in Chicago, I have found this to be the best money I've ever spent on my career -- above a beyond my college degree. read more

Hey there! My guess is you're reading this because you've just read all these glittering reviews about Black Box, and you're wondering if it's too good to be true. Let me shed some light; if you choose Black Box, you'll continue to wonder if it is. You'll ask yourself if you've stumbled upon a truly transformative experience or if it's just others' words that instilled in you that you should come here. Guess what? My words and everyone else's aren't what will create this thought. It's how much you will grow as an artist that will shock you into skepticism, because regardless of where you're at in your artistic journey, you were led here because you're craving a change. Right? I went 3 long, miserable, artless years doing nothing but job after job after a failed attempt to go to college. My passion was stifled of my own accord because I thought I needed a practical career. What was really happening was that I was terrified of my potential, intimidated by the enormous amount of artists fighting to succeed, and I didn't feel worthy. Black Box reignited my fire to such extremity that I don't even recognize who I was a year ago. It's like finding love all over again. This training, no matter your experience, will push you to be the absolute most honest and brave you've ever been as an actor. It will lead you to the edge of the cliff and give you the courage to jump on your own. The meisner method is something you should research if you're not familiar with it, before you apply, because not everyone can handle it. It requires you to work harder than you ever have, be braver than you ever thought necessary, and re define what you thought acting was. From the instructors, to the owners and administration; you can't find people who are more invested in YOU. They are all currently working in the industry, and get down in the trenches with their students. They even continue to take classes there. You won't find a single high horse there. It is truly a safe place to break down your walls and find your voice. I could say more. All I want to achieve with this review is to inspire someone to follow their passion, to be brave, and to find their home at Black Box. I have nothing but the utmost respect for this School. read more

The program is fairly new. Laura Hooper and Audrey Francis, the owners, started the studio about two and half years ago. Most of the other teachers have been added in the last six months. I've met and worked with most of them too. I don't think there is a bad one in the bunch. I'm been impressed with them all. There are a couple things they do which I love and I hope they continue. One is team teaching. Every class I've taken has had at least two teachers. They don't switch off. They both show up, they take turns running exercises and giving notes. In this last class, there were four teachers (three in training I believe). It was an incredible luxury to have that many eyeballs watching you work and thinking about how to improve your performance. The other thing is that their teachers take classes there too. They are encouraged to be students and take the classes again periodically. In the class with four teachers, there were also two more teachers taking the class with us. So on most days teachers outnumbered students. That probably won't happen again soon, but it's an added perk when the person with whom you are doing a scene is a teacher. If you take classes there you will learn a combination of a Meisner inspired approach blended with viewpoints and other tools. read more

As an actor, you get to be whoever you want to be without being declared insane. A vampire, a seductress, Queen of Scotland... BUT how do you do it and be REAL at the same time? Well, that's why you need to attend the classes at Black Box. I have recently completed levels 1-4 and their new "All Stars" class. I found myself pushed to limits that I didn't know were in me. There teach the Meissner process at Black Box, and it is the most challenging, wonderful work I have experienced. Studying at Black Box under the guidance of Laura Hooper and Audrey Francis, you are given a structure that allows you to connect with your partner, take risks and be imaginative while learning to read behavior. Their process allows you to own your voice and feel confident in any role. The class sizes are small 10-12 and the cost is affordable. If you want to be an actor, you should learn Meissner. And you should do it at Black Box. read more

(This review is from an intermediate-experienced actor with beginner's Meisner training who currently works on shows in the City). Here's the deal. Black Box is not about pushing conflict, forcing emotions, "getting it right," or harping on failure. IN fact, failure as a concept does not exist in this studio. Black Box Is about you working through your private blocks and achieving the lucidity and reckless abandon necessary to be genuinely in the moment and authentic when onstage. Just as you are for Who You are. After working with one of the best, Ian McLaren, I realized that a true actor is one who lets go of any 'control' she believes she as a performer has, and instead allows that vulnerable, sacred, TRUE SELF bubble to the surface...and the stage. This work forces you to tackle Meisner-based acting in an immediately practical, accessible and potent way that rivals that of an all-out conservatory. My only critique is that they would hold their sessions for longer, say 2 nights a week for 8 weeks. Because, once you start Black Box, you never want to stop. read more

For me Black Box is like coming home and running away all at once. What does that mean? It means when I'm at Black Box studio, using the technique, being present, listening and being open and available, risking...it feels like home. Like this is exactly where I need to be, who I am, and what I want. Running away? Because it's also the most free, excited, honest, raw, and vulnerable I feel and that's like running to the best place in the world, in my heart, in my soul. I believe in Black Box. It works. The teachers are students so ego is not in the way. No putting teachers on pedestals and worshiping. NO. That's not it. I have had that and it was very unhealthy and destructive. Instead, we learn through working at Black Box that we CAN live healthy lives as human beings off the stage and we SHOULD! I've been working and studying for about 20 years and I am the most emotionally available on stage, screen and in auditions that I have ever been. I am also the healthiest in my personal life that I have ever been. I'm a wife, a friend, a mom and an ACTOR. And I would not be in this place if it weren't for Black Box Studio, the incredible, generous and gifted teachers, and the wonderful students i work with. The technique works. If you think you know Meisner technique and it didn't work for you, throw that out and try it at Black Box. You will risk, fail, fly, fall, fear, love, hate and so much more. And, like me...you will realize that you can leave the work in the work and live a real life. And...Yes. Get call backs, book jobs, and work. I do. And when I don't...I still trust my process. read more

I registered for a class with Black Box Acting. About 1 week after I registered, and 2 weeks before classes began, I realized I wouldn't be able to make the scheduled weekly class time and I wanted to reschedule my enrollment for the next term. Over the course of 2 weeks I called Black Box Acting 6 times and left 4 messages - telling them I wouldn't be able to make the class and I would like to-reschedule to the next term. Black Box Acting did not return 1 of my phone calls. And they of course did not reimburse my tuition fee or reschedule me into the next term. For all I know the classes are terrific (I've heard they are). But beware - when it comes to payment logistics they are extremely sketchy and borderline fraudulent after they have your money in hand. If you are registering for a class with Black Box Acting my advice is - no matter how far out the class is, DO NOT expect to be able to cancel or change the schedule (date/time) of the class you registered for. They WILL NOT accommodate you on any level - won't even pick up the phone or call you back. I paid $400 to Black Box Acting and in return I got 2 weeks of stress trying to get a hold of them and 0 acting classes. Pretty great deal. The funniest thing is - I still get emails from Black Box Acting telling me about new classes they are offering and trying to get me to sign-up. It's as if they never took my $400 and didn't answer my phone calls. read more

I can't say enough about Black Box! After taking a hiatus from theatre for several years, I decided the best way to "kick the rust off" would be to take a class. I got a referral from a director I had recently auditioned for (thanks again, Anne!), and met with Audrey for some monologue coaching. That went so well, I decided to take a full class with Black Box. Audrey suggested their Meisner 1.0 Class, and I haven't looked back. Laura & Audrey KNOW how to work with actors, and with each other as instructors. They create and nurture a safe environment in which to learn how to become honest in the work as an actor. I'm learning how to get past my fears, not apologize for my work, and know what I bring to the table as an actor. The people that I've met through class are absolutely wonderful and have become a support system as well. Laura and Audrey have definitely created a "home" where you can always go back and be reminded of your strengths and why you got into this business in the first place. Trust me, these ladies are on to something. GODSPEED, y'all. read more

I found Black Box Acting Studio after a self-imposed exile from acting that lasted over six years. I quit acting because I felt fake, and could no longer recall what had once fulfilled me about the work. My prior studies had included years of Meisner training in both Chicago and New York. Nonetheless, a muscle at rest will eventually deteriorate. After six years I was extremely out of practice. 15 minutes into the first class at Black Box I felt a sense of absolute assurance that I had found my way home. In fact this was precisely true: at Black Box, under the impassioned instruction of Laura Hooper and Audrey Francis, I rediscovered the integrity of my own work. I had quit acting because I loathed the inauthentic quality that I felt had come to taint my work; it was thus an extraordinary relief to be taught that I was enough exactly as I was. That there was no need to push heightened sentiment or concern myself with what I thought I "should" feel or how a scene was "supposed" to play out. That, as an actor, I had an obligation to commit 100% to the truth. 100% of the time. I highly recommend Black Box Acting Studio to first-time Meisner students and seasoned professionals alike. The studio's instruction is practical and accessible, and the amount of individual attention - inside and outside of class - is unmatched. Black Box is a safe space for actors to practice flexing their muscles of honesty and bravery without consequence; students return over and over to hone their skills such that they may better apply them in their professional lives. read more

So, I have been an actor for 15 years, went to a big acting school out in Los Angeles and New York city, blah blah blah. BUT! Once I moved to Chicago after graduating, I was skeptical to get into a classroom again. I mean, I spent a LOT of money on acting school already, do I wanna spend more? And, what if they aren't any good? How could I be sure I was in a quality class for the money I was paying. Well, I am only halfway done with the first level of classes and since day one of classes I have been hooked!! The space is unbelievable, and the teachers are not really teachers, but working actors and students to the program as well. It is insane how much I have pushed myself and grown with their Meisner techniques they've given me. I actually have class tonight and it's always a mix of butterflies, excitement, anxious, and pure adrenaline going into it. It might not be for everyone, but if you want to learn how to be brave, true, honest, and work from a real, vulnerable place that you don't feel judged but motivated to go further with each new exercise: JOIN! THEY ARE AMAZING!! read more

This place has great teachers that care about growing each student into better actors. I took all 3 studio classes: beginner, intermediate, advanced and they were all intense, challenging, and all give you your money's worth. Trust me, you will be put through a lot of physical and emotional obstacles that will make you a better actor in the end. The one thing I wish they had, is career advice and guidance to show you a sense of what steps you would need to take if you want to pursue acting in the theater or film/tv/commercials, like a hypothetical road map to follow and apply your experience from these classes. That is probably why many people take acting classes anyway, with the dream of working in theater or Hollywood. I would recommend taking classes here, because it is probably the premier acting studio in Chicago at the moment. read more

If you are an actor and NOT taking class at Black Box I dunno what to say but...GO AND TAKE A CLASS. Really, these people have a great thing going over there. It's a tough but loving studio. It's real and gritty. It has made me a better actor, a better writer and an overall more aware and present human being. Best acting class I have taken since...I don't know when. Do yourself a favor and train at Black Box. You won't regret it. read more

I've taken several Meisner classes and I'm not a frequent Yelp reviewer but I feel so STRONGLY about the great work Audrey and Laura do that I felt compelled to voice my opinion. The pros: They start on-time and they have CLEAR BOUNDARIES at every stage of the work They are EXCELLENT communicators from first contact with administrative folks to receiving in-class assignments They are KIND AND AVAILABLE for questions both in-class and via email outside of class. Questions are received with respect and answered with clarity The space is clean and inviting Audrey and Laura are smart and intuitive, they have the capacity to facilitate major BREAK THROUGH'S for each and every student but in kind, gentle ways that draw from student's strengths They walk their talk cons: Haven't found them yet but will certainly let you know. read more

This place is extraordinary! I have taken Studio classes and participated in the ACADEMY and felt inspired, on edge (in the best way), and thrilled every day in class. The classes, students, and instructors have transformed me as an actor. I've worked with many Black Box instructors, and each one of them is extremely thoughtful and demanding. They push their students, while maintaining a uniquely, open environment where students feel free to take risks. Feedback in class was always incredibly personal and thoughtful, and I saw changes in my acting every day. The community of Black Box teachers and students is tight knit and incredibly supportive. I have never felt more alive or present as an artist than I have at Black Box. Anyone looking to push themselves out of their comfort zones and meet passionate artists should check them out! read more

"Work Hard and Be Fearless" is the mantra of Black Box. If you are not willing to do those two (seemingly) simple things, then this is not the place for you. If you are ready to be pushed to your limits emotionally and physically, then welcome home. I learned to let go of preconceived notions about what I "should" do as an actor, all the things we are taught that actually remove us from a story. I learned to focus on my partner - that they are the key to honest, exciting theatre. The team of instructors will kick your ass and fight tooth and nail for you. They are 100% in your corner, pushing you to be the bravest, most honest version of yourself. They don't blow smoke. They are brutally honest. And you will thank them after they push you to depths you didn't know you had. You want to act in Chicago? Study here! read more

I don't think I can say anything that hasn't already been said below. Read Erika N's review, it's pretty thorough. The teachers here have really changed my life. I kid you not, my friends. Even if you have only a passing interest in acting, take a class. You'll feel more like yourself than you ever have before. read more

I wish I would have taken class sooner! Kelly and Scott kicked my ass, helping me become more honest and present in my work. If you want to take your acting to the next level and you're ready to work hard and be fearless, enroll right now! read more

This program completely changed my life!!! Although I graduated college with a theatre degree, I mostly had experience with tech work before I came to Black Box. Having just moved to a new city, I found that the Black Box community was exactly what I needed to plug me into the Chicago theatre scene. The Academy was one of the most intense experiences of my life. Unlike other training I've had, the Black Box Method engages both the mind and the body with equal importance. We worked intensely every day. They weren't joking about the blood, sweat, and tears! By the end of the Academy, we had learned a process that I now use religiously before any audition or project that I do. The training is geared toward the professional actor. Not only did we practice scenes: we practiced auditioning, learned about what to expect post graduation, and were given tools to navigate the professional world. This training empowered me to do things onstage I had never believed possible. I eliminated my stage fright, unleashed my body, and found my voice. My scene from The House of Yes in the Final Showcase is the best work I've ever done, and I have never been prouder of anything. Furthermore, as I learned to be more fearless onstage, I discovered how much more fearless I was becoming off stage as well. I approach my day to day life with a greater sense of confidence and empathy. I graduated Black Box with connections, got an agent through an opportunity that came to me through the Final Showcase, and met several of my best friends. I cannot recommend this program highly enough!!! read more

This may be a great Meisner acting school, but unfortunately I was never able to experience a class there. I had called numerous times and wrote emails until I received an email a week later saying that I need to be interviewed via telephone, which was no problem. I had scheduled one interview and never received a call or an answer after I had tried to get in touch. I heard back via email two days later and scheduled yet another interview only to be left hanging once again. I called the office and left a message one last time explaining the situation and asked for a call back and never received one. The teachers may be great and I wish I was able to sign up for a class it but the reception staff is horrible and I would recommend the Black Box works on getting back to its potential clients more efficiently before they continue to lose them. Once again, I am not complaining about what a person can gain from taking a class, I am solely irritated with the fact that the process of signing up for a class has caused me to give up on this school. read more