Become an Actor at the Theatre of Western Springs

Submitted by the Theatre of Western Springs.

People age 18 and older who wish to be on stage at the Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) participate in an acting workshop called Studio. The two week class is open to the public, regardless of acting experience.

This year, Studio takes place from Aug. 15 - 30 at the theater, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs. It is taught by TWS Executive Artistic Director Eddie Sugarman.

“We welcome people of all experience levels to join us at the Theatre of Western Springs,” Sugarman said. “We call our dedicated volunteers ‘Actives.’ TWS Actives do it all: acting, set construction, ticket-taking and everything else it takes to put on show after wonderful show. We have a ton of fun!”

Studio 1 is “TWS Bootcamp.” It consists of 12 sessions during which participants work on and perform monologues and scenes. In addition, they learn about the different technical/design areas of the theater. Studio 1 culminates in the presentation of scenes to fellow Actives, family and friends.

Sessions take place on the following dates:

• 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15
• 7 - 10:30p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16
• 7 -10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18
• 7 -10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19
• 7 - 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
• 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22
• 7 - 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23
• 7 -10:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24
• 7 -10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26
• 7 - 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27
• 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29
• 7 - 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30 (Graduation)

Studio costs $40 which can be applied to the seven-play subscription for the 2015 - ‘16 season. Once a person has taken Studio, purchased a 7-play subscription and volunteered backstage or front-of-house, he or she is eligible for casting in TWS plays.

“It’s a very exciting time at TWS. We’re putting on an amazing season of plays and musicals this year and it’s always great to bring new people into the mix,” says Sugarman.

A rich, cultural heritage The TWS mission statement is: “To entertain, to educate, and to inspire across the generations through the art of live theater.”

From its founding a few months before the stock market crash in 1929, the Theatre of Western Springs has promoted entertainment, education and participation through community theater in the western suburbs. The theater’s founder, Mary Cattell, a Western Springs resident, was deeply committed to contributing to the area’s cultural heritage, a commitment that continues in her memory to this day. The nationally-renowned Children’s Theatre of Western Springs was founded in 1947, and today, theater arts are taught to more than 800 students each year.

All participants in the production of a play at TWS are volunteers, including the actors, and everyone is invited to participate. Currently there are more than 300 active members, all of whom donate many volunteer hours to produce each season.

Backstage learning opportunities abound. People, actors and non-actors, can work on set design, construction, set painting, costumes, make-up, lighting, sound, props, box office, lobby hospitality and many other jobs.

“I look at TWS as a master’s degree in theatre,” said a 20-year active member. “I have learned so much and, at the same time, made lifelong friends.”

Studio registrations are being taken. Call 708-246-4340, Ext. 221, or visit the website at: www.theatreofwesternsprings.com.