Theatre of Western Springs Announces Annual Studio Workshop

The Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) will be holding its “theater boot camp” Studio for residents age 18 and older who wish to perform on stage with the esteemed community theater group.

TWS requires actors to participate in an acting workshop. The two-week class is open to the public, regardless of acting experience. Studio costs $40 which can be applied to the seven-play subscription that is required for casting.

This year, Studio takes place Oct. 25 – Nov. 11, at the theatre, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs.

The 2014 Studio will be facilitated by accomplished director and teacher Amy Fenton. She is currently the artistic director at Triton College where she also teaches speech and theater arts. Fenton directed and taught at Chicago-area theaters, including Strawdog Theatre, Lifeline Theatre and Chicago Dramatists. She was also the director of TWS’ acclaimed production of Rebecca Gilman’s “Boy Gets Girl.”

“Studio is a fun and intense theater bootcamp,” TWS executive artistic director Eddie Sugarman said. “In two weeks, students work on monologues and scenes as well as getting introduced to the many different elements it takes to put on a high-quality production.”

Sessions take place on the following dates:

• 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25

• 7 – 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26

• 7 – 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28

• 7 – 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29

• 7 - 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30

• 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1

• 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2

• 7 – 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4

• 7 – 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5

• 7 - 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6

• 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8

• 7 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11 (Graduation)

Attendance is required at 10 of the 12 sessions. Studio culminates in a presentation of short scenes the evening of the final session followed by a welcome reception.

Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) is a non-audition theater. This unique system has worked successfully for TWS for nearly nine decades. Casting is done by members of the TWS Play Selection and Casting Committee who become familiar with the work and talents of all active members.

“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 now being taken. Call TWS office manager Abby Madden at 708-246-4340, ext. 221, or visit the Theatre of Western Springs for more information.