Become an actor at the Theatre of Western Springs

Submitted by the Theatre of Western Springs.

Western Springs, IL - People age 18 and older who wish to be on stage at the Theatre of Western Springs can participate in an acting workshop called Studio. 

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 July 9-24th, at the theatre, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs. This year’s Studio will be facilitated by Executive Artist Director, Eddie Sugarman. 

Eddie, a proud Western Springs resident, has been TWS Executive Artistic Director since 2014. After a successful stage career off and on Broadway, he moved to Western Springs and has worked at several Chicagoland theatres including the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and 16th Street Theatre. He is an award-winning playwright and lyricist with shows produced at theatres including the historic Ford’s Theatre in Washington DC and Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. 

He holds a BFA in musical theatre performance from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Arts Administration from Drexel University. At TWS he has directed Don’t Dress for Dinner and Little Shop of Horrors.

“Studio is a fun and intense Theatre Bootcamp” Eddie 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:

• Sat 7/9 9:30am-12:30pm
• Sun 7/10 7:00pm-10:30pm
• Tues-Wed-Thurs. 7/12-13-14 7pm-10:30pm
• Sat. 7/16 9:30am-12:30pm
• Sun. 7/17 7:00pm-10:30pm
• Tues-Wed-Thurs. 7/19-20-21 7pm-10:30pm
• Sat. 7/23 9:30am-12:30pm
• Sun. 7/24 6pm-10:30pm (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.

A rich, cultural heritage

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 theatre in the western suburbs. The theatre’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 TWS mission statement is: “To entertain, to educate, and to inspire across the generations through the art of live theatre.”

Built in 1960, TWS’s 20,000 sq. ft. building has a 410-seat mainstage. Named after Mary Cattell, a smaller black box theatre, which seats 115, was part of an addition built in 1975, and the ribbon was cut by the late Henry Fonda. Eleven major productions are mounted each season.

The nationally-renowned Children’s Theatre of Western Springs was founded in 1947, and today, theatre 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 now being taken. Email TWS Office Manager, Diana Visk, info@theatrewesternsprings.com