Testimonials

Testimonials

  • "If you want to be brave and truthful, go to Black Box. An actor couldn’t be in better hands. "

    Amy Morton
    Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble
    Tony Nominee, August: Osage County

  • "When Black Box claims that The ACADEMY is a program that will revolutionize your process, they aren’t kidding around. You will learn more in a few months than most people do in four years of college. You will be pushed to be everything you can be onstage. You will work really, really hard. And it’s worth it– it really creates a new realm of possibility for the actor. I couldn’t recommend it more highly. "

    Andrew Cutler
    ACADEMY Class of 2013
    Actor

  • "Audrey Francis and Laura Hooper are simply top of the line Meisner instructors. They create a safe and open environment where actors can open up, be vulnerable, honest and in the moment. Their training is ensemble based yet they know when to ‘collaborate’ with the group and when to focus on the solo artist. I recommend them highly. "

    Erica Daniels
    Associate Artistic Director
    Steppenwolf Theatre

  • "Black Box Instructors live what they teach. They are my role models in honesty and bravery and my inspiration. They invest in you and your progress as much as they would if they were preparing for a lead role in a Broadway, Tony Award winning play. "

    Patrick Gannon
    ACADEMY Class of 2013
    Actor

  • "Black Box classes have challenged me to be present without forcing anything, even if it means being ugly or ridiculous or unsure of what comes next. "

    Christine Lin
    STUDIO Student
    Broadway Actor, Chinglish

  • "The instructors at Black Box provide shining examples of how to be successful professional actors in the city of Chicago. I am consistently impressed with the artists that emerge from Black Box. Black Box instructors and students are hardworking artists that always impress and surprise. Working actors would do well to study with the accomplished instructors at Black Box. "

    Mickie Paskal, CSA
    PR Casting

  • "The energy between Black Boxers is one of a kind. "

    Matthew George
    STUDIO Student
    Playwright

  • "I love watching actors like Audrey and Laura – they have incredible access to their emotional wells because they understand that they need to bring themselves into every role. Their incredible personalities and fierce honesty make them two of the hottest young actors in Chicago. Their brand of acting excites audiences by embracing honesty in each moment on stage. They’re smart, talented and completely unique. "

    Adam Belcuore
    Casting Director
    Goodman Theatre

  • "Black Box has a real reputation in Chicago for producing actors that are interesting to watch and easy to work with. "

    Autumn Joy
    STUDIO Student
    Actor

  • "I’m finished with the studio curriculum, and I am more proud of this than my college degree. "

    Maria Margaglione
    STUDIO B5 Graduate
    Actor

  • "Black Box is the best place to go for an actor who’s stuck. I rediscovered my imagination and my passion for this business. "

    Laura Korn
    STUDIO Student
    Actor

  • "Each and every teacher brought new knowledge and insight to the process. All the teachers consider themselves students, assuring an authenticity and humility in their work. They were in the trenches with us and it showed. I particularly enjoyed going through the multiple stages of training with different teachers and was in awe of their abilities. In two weeks I saw one teacher on a national commercial, two on Chicago Fire, and another in an amazing Jeff Recommended play. "

    Elizabeth Antonucci
    ACADEMY Class of 2013
    Actor

  • "The ACADEMY is not for the faint of heart. It’s demanding, and exhausting, and a whole lot of work. It’s also the most artistically fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. "

    Jeffrey Bouthiette
    ACADEMY Class of 2013
    Actor

  • "With the process I have learned at The ACADEMY, I am now incapable of indicating what I think a character feels or wants. Instead, I have firm opinions about how I feel and what I want in the given circumstances and can’t help but hear and see others behavior. "

    Denise Hoeflich
    ACADEMY Class of 2013
    Actor

  • "They are incredibly gifted teachers who have the ability to teach each student in the way they need to be taught. It is a marvel to sit in class watching them recognize the needs of each student and responding in a way that is clearly tailored to that particular person. I have found a home at Black Box. "

    Lindsay Nance
    STUDIO Student
    Actor

  • "The ability to identify emotional behavior in my scene partners, and myself, is invaluable in the improv world. "

    Toph Enany
    STUDIO Student
    Actor + Improvisor

  • "The technique taught at Black Box just plain works. For those looking to revolutionize their process in a way that is personal and turns acting into an extreme sport, it’s not difficult to imagine The ACADEMY surpassing expectations in every way. "

    Jake Carr
    ACADEMY Class of 2013
    Actor

  • "As a dancer, Black Box showed me how to face my fears with my whole body. "

    Anna Zimowska
    STUDIO Student
    Dancer

  • "As we were told the first day of class, Black Box is not for the faint of heart, and I think that is especially true of The ACADEMY. It is a lot of work and a huge commitment—time, mind, body, and soul. But if you truly want to transform your artistic process in a unique and immersive way, if you are ready to dedicate yourself fully to nine months of exciting and eye-opening training, if you are prepared to take the plunge—then this could be the best thing you ever do for your art. "

    Simone Roos
    ACADEMY Class of 2013
    Actor

  • "Auditions excite me now! I’ve booked two commercials in one week and I know there’s more to come. If you’re ready to take your artistic integrity to the top level, you need to get yourself to The ACADEMY! "

    Melonie Collmann
    ACADEMY Class of 2013
    Actor