This studio is where my acting journey began, and I'm so glad I found it. From the very first class, I felt a warm and supportive atmosphere where it's easy to step outside your comfort zone, learn, and grow. Every class is engaging, inspiring, and gives me something new to think about and work on. I really enjoy working with Ed. It's clear that he has a lot of experience, a strong acting background, and a deep understanding of the industry. I'm grateful for every piece of feedback because it's always thoughtful, honest, and gives me something to improve. I leave every class feeling inspired, more confident, and excited to keep learning. I highly recommend this studio to anyone who wants to grow as an actor. read more

I am writing this to share my experience as a former student to help future actors, particularly young women, make informed decisions about their training environment at the Chicago Actors Studio. The experience I had here nearly 13 years ago has haunted me, and nearly traumatized me out of the industry altogether. Thankfully, I went on to other schools and continued forging my acting career and have done well for myself. None of that was cultivated through the tutelage of Chicago Actors Studio. On the very first day of class, Ed Fogel, the owner of this school, announced to the room that I reminded him of his ex-wife simply because I was blonde, and stated that he was going to hate me because of that fact. Strange icebreaker, right? It was an uncomfortable beginning filled with copious amounts of seething hostility and too much personal information about this instructor. I laughed it off nervously, understandably thinking this was some kind of joke--albeit a very strange and humorless one. It was not. Throughout the course, his behavior was deeply unprofessional. He utilized targeted public humiliation, such as forcing me to repeat single lines mechanically without artistic guidance and yelling expletives or hurling insults my way in front of the class. It was clear to me: Ed wanted, not an actor making unique, intuitive choices, but a puppet that he could control. He talked to me like I was dense and laughed derisively as I "struggled" to parrot his exact inflections on words in my monologue. This did not feel like it was building my vocabulary or range of acting, nor did it do anything but erode my self-confidence. During partnered work, he openly bypassed me to apologize to my scene partners for being 'saddled' with me, claiming I would hold others back. "I'm sorry you've been stuck with her, but someone has to be. I know you can handle more difficult scenes, but we can't stretch her too far." This was said, almost verbatim, as if I were not there, standing right beside my scene partner. Even if I were truly a hopeless actor, this is not appropriate behavior to exhibit as a teacher in any industry. And the tired excuse of, "Well, this is a tough industry," is just that: tired. The acting industry, whether film or theater, has changed and progressed, and I've never experienced such flagrant bullying, abuse or unprofessionalism in the last six years as a professional working actor. Acting is a vulnerable art form that requires sensitivity and patience; and yes, grounding, too. But never does it require "tough love" that is really just abuse in disguise. While Ed may possess industry knowledge--which felt as dated and worn as the disgusting dilapidation of the building the school is set in--his classroom environment was not a safe or constructive space for artistic growth. Prospective students should be aware of this pattern of behavior before enrolling. read more

Uniquely human, supporting school. Feels like family. Ed makes it possible. Like all schools, not perfect. Best place for me as I get to know myself through performance. read more

Ed fogell is one of the most dedicated, kind, gifted, and helpful instructors in Chicago. He is honest. He won't let you fail but you HAVE to do the work. He doesn't like when students don't do the expected work. If you don't want to do the work to better yourself, why study at all? Theclasses are not designed to be completed in 8 week sessions and then advance to the next level- u have to earn your way up the levels (beginning, intermediate and advanced) to understand the whole gammet of how Ed teaches.You have to be ready to learn more challenging material at each level. Most ppl start with beginning acting and WHEN they have the skill they are advanced to intermediate and finally the advanced classes. Ed offers so much individual help to target your weak areas and improve YOUR skills so that you can get an agent and become a successful actor. Ed's free time is often dedicated to helping ppl individually with their reels, auditions, etc -often free of charge. As a result, his time is stretched and some things scheduled may over lap. That's because he can't say no to anyone. If that frustrates you, remember Ed would do the same for you when an unexpected audition comes up that you want to nail. Ed is a good director. Watch him. You will see in his eyes how much he cares for his students. He wants ppl to succeed. He's not going to fill your head with fluff- that's not Ed. He's also not going to let you make a fool of urself by putting crap on your reels like I've seen other " directors" do. He's tough as nails but so is the industry. You chose the most competitive field in the world, Ed will help you prepare for it. read more

Very unprofessional and no curriculum. He just talks & talks. Worst paid Acting lesson I've had.

I am glad that I enrolled in this Studio. I learned so much on values and quality acting and On-Camera techniques. Thanks to the Director, Edward Fogell for great job done. read more

Horrible training if you can even call it that. This place is very disorganized and the teachers don't provide clear instructions of what to expect in class. I had to sit through 5 hours of one instructor talking about himself. I left before the class ended the second week he was our teacher. He (the man never told us his name) clearly did not respect our time read more

Oh dear god...honestly there are WAAAAAAYYY better places out there where you can get the same and if not better education. It's not that they don't know what they're doing, cause they do. Ed is very talented, I'll give him that. However, I just got the worst vibe from them. I only went to a few classes but the entire time I felt so uncomfortable in the environment. It got to a point where I stopped going to classes or finding ways to not go. That's not a good sign. Ed also looooovvvveeeess to talk, which wouldn't be a problem...if it wasn't for the entire class. There was no time for class, it started when it felt like it and ended when it felt like it. It would end so late!!! Like an hour or two after the intial time it's supposed to end! Like helloooooooo people have school and work in the morning!!! if you're a woman, i'd stay away. I think that's why I got such a bad vibe. I remember he gave me a scene to cold read with this other guy. Mind you I was 16 and the other guy had to be late 20s if not in his 30s. The scene was very...suggestive. it didn't hit me until I got home that night. I feel so gross thinking about it, even if we were acting mature about it, Ed should've know better!!!! again, it's not that they don't know what they're doing, it's just that there's better places. better places with better vibes. read more

This is not an accredited training program or professional work environment. There is no class structure or syllabus. There aren't any working actors in the classes. The electric wiring is not up to code. The computers and AV equipment are outdated and broken. The unfinished kitchen and bathroom are not professionally cleaned. Despite the name, the Chicago Actors Studio is not affiliated with the well-respected 3-year MFA Actors Studio program in New York and Los Angeles. read more

This man may know a little something about acting but he is a sadist. He had me do a scene two or three times in which he watched me drag around an actress and pick her up on stage and he laughed and laughed and laughed and it had nothing to do with acting and he wanted me to do it 3 weeks in a row on a scholarship I had earned at his school he is a sadist. He gave me a ride to a contest he was sponsoring -a singing contest and I had to use the bathroom so we stopped at a local fair with thousands of people and we went to the porta potty and I just knew he was going to try to drive away and leave me there and that was when there was no cell phones about 20 years ago and that's exactly what he did when I got out of the bathroom he was gone and I remember where the car was parked out of thousands of cars and I prayed to God i would remember and I walked back and there he was running to the car! I got a ride from him to the location and then I rode back with someone else .he is a sadist. Then one time he offered to give me a ride back from another singing contest he was sponsoring at a karaoke bar and he was supposed to give me a ride towards the bus late at night at 4:00 in the morning that was to go north but he instead drove all the way South way out to the South side practically saying he was trying to catch the north side bus up and then when I saw a bus I was so panicked I told him to let me out and he let me out in the middle of the street without even turning and I got on the bus and it took me like an hour to go north and then another hour to go East he is a sadist. His wife who had cancer died but he was a sadist to her making her lug all the equipment around for all the karaoke contest that he had. he is a sadist .stay away from him. He thought I was the one responsible for calling the performink a then acting paper when a young girl woman came into the studio and he auditioned her and said that he was supposed to kiss her in the scene and she got so afraid she ran away stay away from him he's a sadist. read more

I'm am currently taking my second class there. I'm getting ready to sign up for my third class. I've found the insights and instruction there to be very helpful for my directing and acting pursuits. This is a competitive and difficult field and I find that CAS helps cut through to the basics and gives you the inside information needed. The instructors are helpful, friendly and giving. It's a good place to start or take your pursuits to the next level. read more

I'm appalled at the tactics to shame and belittle students. Ed prays on the younger/new to the industry actors sharing 'insights' that are outdated or just wrong about the industry. He boasts "telling it like it is" the downright abusive rhetoric this guy spews is unacceptable. You don't have to be treated this way to advance in this profession. read more

I've taken a few acting classes in the city and let me tell you, not a fan of this place at all. I heard about this place from Groupon and only saw two reviews online. It was a ten week acting class for a cheap price so I said, eh, why not? I go to register for classes only to find how unpleasant this place is. From the outside, looks a little rundown and in a weird location. I go in to find a small, empty theater that looked mostly like a bunch of storage. The website mirrors the establishment: awkward and outdated. I had to walk around the smelly, eerie place to find someone to help me. Fast forward to the first day of class, it gets worse. I walk in on a couple rehearsing before class on the only stage area they had. I sat down and watched an older, gentleman (who I later learned was the instructor) boss the two around the stage and even heard him telling the younger actress, "Would you just do it before I smack you" -not in a joking manner. Seemed a bit strange but whatever. Class didn't start till 20 minutes in and the instructor didn't seem to be welcoming at all. He never said hello or asked for my name so appeared like he didn't really care. The only thing I liked was the ice breaker exercise in the beginning of class. Other than that, I spent the rest of the class watching this guy "instruct" with his domineering attitude, like it was his way or the highway. Even getting irritated if someone didn't do something to his liking. It's the end of class and half the students didn't even get to do their scenes, so there goes 1 of 10 classes. Then I see this 60+ year old instructor and the 20 something younger actress from before making out in the corner. The whole thing just seemed like a really long uncomfortable situation. I left and never went back. A hundred dollars down the drain, but I'd rather not go somewhere for another nine weeks where I feel uncomfortable than try to get my monies worth. I'd suggest Acting Studio Chicago or Second City. Inviting, fun, comfortable atmosphere. read more

Stay away from this place ! Especially if you are serious about getting better . The education you get comes along with insults and false hope. Some of the "intermediate " and "advanced" actors have been there for as long as ten years and still don't get anywhere. If you are a young woman stay away from this place ... The creepy vibe the building gives off is nothing compared to the creepiness on the inside . #staysafe read more

I'm going to call it like I see it. I recently moved here after 15 years working Los Angeles as both a model and an actor. I only moved to Chicago in order to be closer to my aging mother who is in Ohio. I went to the "info session" for this place and was not impressed at all. After catching this dude in about 5 lies that I straight up KNOW are lies about the industry based on my actual working experience, I decided enough was enough and left during the break. I even coughed "bullshit" during one of the lies and was more than ready to back it up with plenty of facts. One of the lies is that one of the students drives there from Cincinnati because there is no work in Ohio. Straight lie. I have an agent in Ohio and I am CONSTANTLY auditioning 2-3 times a week for everything from print jobs & commercials to films. In fact, Ohio just doubled their tax break...so while this person might drive all this way just to go to class there, it's a lie about there being no work there. Again, that was just one of several lies. There are much better places to study in this city & they won't lie to you about the business side of things either. They're also in much safer neighborhoods too. read more

After being a student at Chicago Actors Studio many doors were opened to my career! I gained confidence in my skills to audition more often. Edward Dennis Fogel, artistic director , is a man of integrity and talent. He has taught and supported the careers of many actors working today in films and TV! All this bashing of the school is sad ....mostly from disgruntled people who may have had gripes that were never addressed, but those are rare occurrences. My own issues with registration and fees were always presented honestly. No scams allowed. My experience has always taught me that I am responsible for my education. There are many students who have benefited greatly from the staff and faculty at Chicago Actors Studio. What a shame to try to discredit, Ed Fogel who has dedicated his life to teaching acting as a craft and profession. A few negative comments cannot deny his 40 years of working with some of today's successful actors who were schooled to develop their own skills and strengths as actors. Ultimately, you will value the skills you develop at Chicago Actors Studio with classes taught today by professional actors and directors working in the industry you want to participate in today! A grateful student and actor! Denise Stout read more

I learned more in one night here than I did in four years of college theatre. For one, Ed the instructor how important it is to do a "road map" of your character. A "road map" means that you write down what the author says about your character, what your character says about himself, and what others characters say about your character. He also stressed how important it is to wear a costume during rehearsals and class performance. If your character is wearing a suit, then wear a suit. But what I like most about the CAS is that the instructors are tough on the students. They get on you for not knowing your lines, they get on you for not rehearsing, they get on you for not working on an audition monologue. If they hadn't gotten tough on me for those things, I wouldn't have attained the skills that have gotten me paid acting gigs. I just got a gig that paid me over a thousand dollars, all thanks to the skills I learned at the Chicago Actor's Studio. read more

I have been taking classes here since October 2016. What made me sign up was their free one day workshop. It consisted of meeting the artistic director, Ed Fogel, and it was there that he explained what they do, who they are, etc. We played some improv games too which was fun. I also choose this studio because they offer parking. There is free parking at the best buy next door. Just make sure you don't park near the signs that say "best buy/kohls customers." Their acting as a craft class is on going so you can start when it's best for you. I liked that as well. I started with Mary's beginning class for acting as a craft on Monday nights 7p-10:30p. It was a reasonable price for an 8 week course. There are three levels of acting as a craft (beginners, intermediate, and advanced). Everyone is welcomed to sign up for the beginning class but to get into the intermediate or advanced you must audition. I really enjoyed Mary's class. She is professional and supportive. Our class begins with some warm ups with voice and diction, then we go over a couple of exercises in the student handbook they give you, then you are assigned a scene with a partner. Each partnered scene performs for Mary and gets critiqued. You start on book then work your way to blocking. You spend about three weeks with one scene and your partner then move on to another scene with a different partner. I am now currently in the intermediate class taught by the artistic director, Ed. After reading the previous reviews and my experience with the studio I wanted to give my take on everything. When I first started Ed's class it was definitely a different class than Marys. There is a lot more expected from the student in terms of preparedness and development. Ed can come off strong at first and it can catch you off guard, it did for me anyways. But honestly, after getting to know the studio, my fellow acting students, and Ed himself I realized that everyone here wants you to succeed. Ed has so much experience with acting and life. I had a bad day in his class and he took me on the side (because he could tell right away I was struggling) and told me that he wants me to succeed and that I have his 100% support in anything acting I needed. He pushes me to be the best actress I can be. He encourages me to make discoveries in my scene and if you need help with anything acting I can count on him to be there. I am so happy that I get to be a part of such an amazing family here at the studio and to be have Ed as my teacher. I learn a lot from him at every class and he really has a big heart. He's always helping people and always shows his passion for the art of acting. I highly recommend taking classes here. There are so many to choose from and all the teachers here have a lot of experience in their field. read more

Not impressed. The instructor was incredibly rude. Instead of giving feedback, he laughed in my face when I didn't perform exactly how he wanted. It was basically his way or the highway...actually it was his way or be laughed at in front of your peers without proper and useful instruction or feedback. When I asked questions the instructor was short and curt with me and made my questions seem stupid and irrelevant The facility itself is dirty and cramped, not at all professional. The class went an hour later than scheduled. I felt belittled and insulted. I will not be returning and do not recommend this place to anyone. read more

Now this place is trying to bribe me to delete my review. Avoid this place like the plague it is!!! Here is my prior review: "I have studied at several acting schools and have a degree in theatre. This was the worst program I have ever experienced. I shall gladly abandon the balance of my tuition, and dump the remaining seven of my eight scheduled sessions. It is a small price to pay to never have to speak to these folks again." Some more details on what happened: 1) The start of the class was delayed by more than 30 minutes because the space was being used to shoot an audition (or test) reel. Despite the school having booked a conflict, and having my contact info (phone # & email) no one on staff bothered to tell the class there would be a delay. Instead they made the waiting students stay in a stuffy, grubby storage room clearly not designed nor equipped as a waiting area. It lacked sufficient seating for the people they made stay in it. When the class started it turned out the "instructor" was the startlingly grubby guy making belittling comments to the rattled actress in the audition reel. 2) The lesson was a total shambles. It started with the instructor saying, "You are wasting your time taking this class because you are too lazy to practice the drills I give you outside of class." He segued into, "Why haven't you brought your books? YOU NEED THEM FOR EVERY CLASS!" (These "books" are loose-leaf binders of photocopies of articles the "school" says it will supply students on the first day of class. There is a mandatory added surcharge to the class fee to cover the cost of the "book"). A couple of people, including me, said, "We haven't been given our books yet." The instructor said, "Go to the office and tell them to give you your books." So, instead of the instructor going to the office and getting the books, the students all go to the office. The guy in the office is shocked to see us. We ask for our "books". The office guy says, "I don't have any ready. I'll try to pull them together so they are ready before you leave today." Here's the thing. They knew this class was coming. They knew how many had registered. They haven't prepared the "books" in advance. We go back to the class gathering and report, "They don't have any books ready." "Well, you don't need them for this," the instructor says. 3) The instructor then distributes photocopies of a Shakespeare monologue. (One I know well because I have done the show in a strong academic production in a VERY STRONG Shakespeare program.) The instructor points at me and says, "Where is the first pause in the first phrase?" I reply, "I would place it here...." "That's wrong!" he says. Pointing at the next student he asks, "Where is the first pause in the first phrase?" This student guesses another place. "Wrong!" the instructor declared. He repeats this with each student until by process of elimination someone comes up with the answer he wants. Without explanation of why that is the correct answer, he turns, points at me and says, "Where is the next pause?" I said, "I'm not answering that. You haven't explained your rationale, and I'm not playing 'Guess What I'm Thinking'. Pointing at the next student he asks, "Where is the next pause?" Guess. "Wrong!" This repeats until we had guessed our way through the monologue. Only then did the instructor offer an incoherent attempt at an explanation of his preferences. By this point I was wondering if he was inebriated. 4) Fully a half hour after the delayed start of the "class" the instructor points at me and asks, "What's your name?" I reply, "Scott. WHO ARE YOU?" So FINALLY, an hour after the scheduled start time, and 30 minutes into the "instruction", the class teacher reveals his name. 5) things went downhill from there. Way downhill! I have NEVER experienced anything so exceedingly unprofessional and thoroughly incompetent in my entire theatre experience. When I shared my story with s number deeply experienced people in the Chicago theatre scene, they universally told me that Chicago Actor's Studio is well known to have a thoroughly bad reputation. Being new to the Chicago scene I happened into this debacle because I didn't ask around. Oh yeah, they never finished preparing the "book" I had paid for. read more

My God this place is Terrible! I've been to numerous schools in the US and this one is a joke! I was given a certificate from this place for a birthday present from my girlfriend. The class was supposed to last for about 2-3 months. The guy that runs the place, along with the teenage, interns, clearly don't care about their jobs. My first day I walked in and was supposed to be interviewed. I handed them my Gift certificate, that says I was in the system, and said that if I didn't like the school I could get a FULL REFUND after 2 classes. The owner claimed Im a liar and hung up on me! The website says how nice the place is but when you walk in it smells like a flooded basement, the seats are torn and smell, and the owner, is such a perv! Strange individual. You wan a good trainer look up Janet Milstein, she is unbelievable. read more

This place is disgraceful! I wish I could not only give a negative star, but let the city know what crooks these people are. The AD Ed is a terrible "teacher", not even deserving of that title. My personal experience was incredibly negative including unprofessional behavior, classes running 60+ mins late, directionless class plans, not to mention the facility itself is filthy. They are only in business by stealing money from people working hard to have a career. They don't have a "no refund" policy, but upon requesting my money back I was denied in a very harsh way. A common theme of this place. I would strongly recommend against anyone ever attending here. This is Chicago, there are so many wonderful places to learn acting amongst people who care about you and are there to help you grow in the best way possible. read more

So disorganized. No preparation goes into teaching classes, and everything is on the fly. I know what improv is, but this isn't it. It's just an excuse to let the children occupy the time left while the instructor checks his phone. They literally give out a few toys, then tell the children to come up with something in 10 minutes. Ok, fine but the children then go off on tangents with absolutely no direction or feedback. I feel so bad sending my child here. The one star is because I couldn't give zero or negative if I could. read more

To anyone looking to take classes here and improve their acting skills, please check out a free session before you go any further. I got a deal on Living Social for 10 free sessions for the Acting as a Craft Class. I am trying to improve my acting so I thought why not. I finally go to check this place out and the location looks like an abandon house that was turned into a business. The neighborhood had a lot of crackheads walking around. I parked my car a couple blocks away because there is no parking spaces available near the building. I get in the building and walk up the stairs. The building was in poor condition but I saw a lot of pictures on the wall which made the place feel a little bit more hearty than it actually was. As I walked into the office I met two people who I believed to be either the owner or class instructor. I explained that I was interested in signing up for a class. One of them started asking me constant questions about my acting experience as well as what I do on the side. This was what I believed to be an "interview". I started feeling a bit uncomfortable when he started asking me about using my camera equipment... I just met the guy. Turns out the guy "interviewing" me was only a student! The other guy was just an intern who told me I had to wait for a man named John to sign me up for the class. John was running late so the intern told me to stick around for a free session to see how I liked it. I decided to wait. Class was supposedly commencing in the next hour but I ended up waiting almost 3 hours for the instructor! Anyways when the "instructor" Ed finally arrived he immediately sat on the couch and looked like he was ready to fall asleep. He didn't even introduce himself to me until he opened his eyes, looked at me and said "who are you". He was incredibly rude. The first hour of "class" was pretty much Ed telling unpleasant stories about his wife. I thought to myself "what am I doing here" but another side of me said to stick around play Yoda's little game, maybe it would get better. So I did. I was wrong. I'm not a fan of Ed's teaching methods. I'm not sure If I just caught him on a bad day or whatever but he was a very lazy teacher. He slouched on the couch the whole time and didn't give much instruction on how to read the Shakespeare text. The class was very small only about 6 people total but half of them didn't even seem like they liked Ed. He was calling people the wrong names who have obviously been to Actors Studio before. I mean how hard is it to know your students names if there's only 6 people? Finally John showed up. He didn't even acknowledge me so I followed him straight to the kitchen when he was microwaving Lasagna. I approached him and told him how I wanted to sign up for classes. The man didn't look at me once except told me to go to the office and he'll be right there. He was obviously more interested in his lasagna. He didn't even ask me anything about myself, just told me the basics of the class. He didn't make any of the class sound interesting because he assumed I was just going to sign up anyway, which I did. All while he was eating his lasagna. While we were talking I heard Ed in the other room saying "keep it the hell down in there". Wow that's a nice thing to say Ed, I'm only trying to sign up for your class. Anyways John gave me my textbook, paperwork and charged 40 dollars to my card. Another thing questionable is the "textbook" that is given. It seems as though he got the books on acting from the library and photocopied them into his own book. It was very cheaply made and it cost me 30 bucks!! I decided not to stay for the rest of class and went home weirded out about the whole situation. First thing I did was my internet research on the place and turns out that this place is Legit, but NOT GOOD. If your serious about acting don't go here. I feel this place is good for people who just want to experiment, but it's not even good enough for that if you have to deal with a rude instructor. It won't help improve your craft because the instructors are just careless. If you want to see what talent dwells from this place, check out their CAS YouTube page and see for yourself. If you read all the positive reviews about this place, they are entitled to their own opinions but are any of those reviewers successful actors? Not in a mean way but they clearly don't know what a good acting class is. I emailed John telling him the class wouldn't work out for me. I even sent my book back and asked for a refund but I don't expect it back. They will probably just buy more lasagna. You really do get what you pay for. Instead, I suggest Second City. Great clean atmosphere and great enthusiastic teachers. I can't fathom what kind of waste of time this was. read more

I sent my daughter here for a few classes. They were Ok. Then private lessons...I told them what I wanted them to focus on during the private lessons and he did not seem to listen to a word I said. Promises made and no follow through. Very very disappointed. We will not return!! They were not thrilled my child wanted to Attend a school with a strong Drama program.... Strange and again disappointing. read more

I have been studying at the school for a year and a half, and I have learned so much about many aspects of acting. Ed cares a lot for his students. He prepares us both technically and in mindset. It can be very challenging sometimes, but that's often when you experience the most growth. read more

This place is awesome! I had never been to an acting studio and was a bit anxious about it. Fortunately, I can say they are very welcoming and got me set up quickly (with no hassle over the Groupon). The teacher, Jeff Norman, is great, taking time to attend to everyone at their level, and very willing to stay late to work with us. In all, very pleased. read more

This place is GREAT! I can honestly say I've made a really good investment taking classes at the Chicago Actors Studio. I've learned so much and I've improved more than I ever thought I would. The instructors are great and they know a lot about the art of acting. They will teach you what you need to know in order to become a successful actor. The classes are tough sometimes but you learn so much from them. If anyone wants a career in acting, I say this is a great place to start sharpening your skills. They also let you audit a couple of classes, meaning you get to sit in a class thats going on so you can decide for yourself if you wanna take a part of it before you pay them anything. Most people that come to the class usually end up signing up. read more

Best acting school ever! I found the deal on Groupon so decided to come and check it out. Impressed with the quality of information, teachers are very knowledgeable. I love this place, helped me tremendously with my voice, that's why I came here for, wanted to gain confidence, improve my memory, get to know more interesting people, learn to be seen and heard. And they're teaching all of these and much more! Ed is a great teacher, very experienced, understanding, love him! Richard is a great one too! I'm learning so much here and really grateful for this school! They're all fun too, we go out altogether sometimes and have fun outside of the school too. Recommended 1000% read more

The instruction is pretty good and you always learn new nuggets with each session. Filled with lots of Aha! moments.

I've been taking classes in Chicago actors studio already for couple years with breaks btw semesters since I often travel out of the city! I learnt a lot and made a lot of good friends during that time! I used to take acting as a craft class with mister Ed Foggel and voice and diction class to reduce my accent!! 3 years ago I had very heavy Russian accent and I remember Ed was so dedicated teaching us so we often were staying over time in class learning and he was meeting some student including me during the week or before the class to work on the accent for free if he'd see that you're serious about acting! Everyone who strives to be an actor is very supported in the studio! Which is awesome! It creates learning and friendly atmosphere. Currently I'm taking aac class with Robert Hardway! He works hard and make us 'sweat':) we grow so fast that even beginner class already doing classic contemporary scenes. Robert is very intense and class is so emotional every time that you go back home so inspired and can not wait to come back next class and show what you prepared! I would highly recommend the school for anyone who is serious about learning acting! Good luck!!! read more

I've been interning and taking classes here since August 2015. The instructors are amazing!! I have had the pleasure of training under almost all of the fantastic teachers that do not spoon feed information to us, and they also make sure that every method they use works with each individual student. The core acting program is constructed in a way that allows each student to make the strides necessary to be promoted to the next level of the program, which allows each student to work at their own pace. Being at the studio is like being at a second home. Everyone is treated like family! read more

Chicago Actors Studio is a wonderful place to to start and hone your acting skills. Classes are very intimate and students are always given stage time so the instructor gets to thoroughly monitor the student's progress. The studio creates a very warm community, they always come up with new workshops and events focusing on their students need to help them improve and be more diverse actors. read more

I had no idea what I should expect when I registered to the first free workshop I attended. That was July of 2017. I registered for the full workshop that same night, after hearing Ed talk about his experience, the workshops offered and why I should consider an acting career. I signed up for the beginners' workshop that night with no experience and no idea where I would go with that choice. All I knew was that I was done with my day job and I wanted to pursue my passion. Tonight, I'm sitting in the advanced class and I'm ever so grateful that signed up short of a year ago. I went from not knowing anything to being in advanced class and having a resume, not to mention the massive network of beautiful, kindhearted people that I get to surround myself with on a daily basis. I recommend the studio to anyone who is in doubt about their next move. Even if you don't sign up, just coming in and surrounding yourself with the energy and dedication that goes into the development of the actors here will propel you toward making the best decision for yourself! Ed, who is my teacher in advance class and Jonathan, the studio manager are passionate about what they do and bend backward for their students. Needless to say at this point that I would recommend this place to anyone! read more

This place was a joke. Enough said. Extremely unprofessional and dirty. Not even a legit place. Also they never pick up their phone or check their email. Luckily that was part of the reason I got my money back thanks to paypal. read more

I actually have a ba in theater, and are in shows regularly in chicago. Just wanted to keep my wheels oiled. Went to a free seminar and it was mostly warm ups which was ok for beginners. The two young ladies that have been taking classes there for years kept failing the exorcizes, so clearly something was wrong with this picture. The instructor had this weird chemistry with the girl that was from not the usa. 4 hrs and I learned nothing new and didn't feel refreshed. Prior, I kept walking pass the place bc it looks like an abandoned house. read more

I am really enjoying these classes. I started out because I wanted to get better at public speaking. These guys teach you tons about voice control. They also get right into getting you used to taking risks on stage. The classes are exceedingly interesting and I have already learned a great deal. I started the classes for the reason I stated but now I am just enjoying learning the art of acting. Definitely recommend. read more

I have very fond memories on my experiences as a student at CAS, as I was able to receive some of the finest acting training in the Midwest. All of the instructors I collaborated with, helped me to better understand and have a respect for the craft of acting. In addition, valuable skills related to the business side of performing were very helpful - along with insight into the process of auditioning, something that is essential for every actor to be aware of. Unlike other schools, CAS provides attention to the individual student and allows for a safe environment of collaboration with other actors - something that can often be lacking from other schools. In addition to the above mentioned attributes, I was able to learn and grow as a person from my time at CAS. The acting training and practical value of performing can help provide an individual with a skill set that is not only valuable as a performer, but also in a variety of other life experiences and interactions with others. Another rewarding aspect of studying at CAS, unlike anywhere else, is that you belong to a family of artists of whom you will share experiences with not just during your training - but likely throughout your life. As someone who values the craft of acting, I look back with great pride on my time spent at CAS, and look forward to continued learning and growth from the studio as well. read more

I have been taking the Acting as a Craft class with Richard Alpert since February, and am now enrolled in the Audition class with Ed Fogell, as well. Prior to this I had no acting experience. There are many things I like about the Chicago Actors Studio. With regard to Acting as a Craft I appreciate: the individualized attention within the group; learning to perform monologues, scenes from classic plays/playwrights, and cold readings. Theory, concepts and guidelines, such as, "the moment before," "the roadmap," and what it means to be "truthful under imaginary circumstances" are integrated into each class, as well as voice, diction and breath work. With regard to the Audition class I appreciate: individualized and intensive work on each or our audition monologues; tips and strategies on how to be successful in different kinds of auditions (i.e. commercials, industrials), and having on-camera work in every class. Both Richard and Ed have helped me prepare for various audition opportunities that have arisen. I had 4 lines in a non-equity independent film, and was recently cast in a community theater musical comedy. The training and support of these two teachers helped me to have the courage as a "newbie" to just go for it! The teachers provide a safe and collaborative environment. They give constructive, honest feedback to help me learn from my choices that don't work in order to improve my craft. There is a lot of preparation involved for the Acting as a Craft class: working on "Wherefore Rejoice" (Shakespeare) to help with your voice as an instrument, reading the assigned play, learning about your character and the relationship with other relevant characters in the play, memorizing lines, trying out different choices, and rehearsing at the studio before "performing" in class. It's worth the effort! And as a bonus, I've become friends with several of my classmates. read more

I agree, there is a steep staircase. After that, I must have entered a different space than previous writers. My 1st two beginning classes were with Chris. He was very interesting, encouraging and respectful. Fellow students were supportive. Chris got something else and Robert became our new instructor. Along with also being interesting, encouraging and respectful, Robert is most lively and entertaining. There are memory and voice exercises every week along with monologue and scene performances with feedback. Helpful tips on how to succeed are shared throughout class. Robert points out your strengths and is clear about areas needing improvement. He explains it is not in our benefit to "sugar coat". I want everyone I like to take this class. read more