A college audition coach is the best way to begin navigating the competitive world of undergraduate and graduate acting/theatre school applications.
A college audition coach will help college applicants find audition material that sets them apart and shows off their innate acting abilities in a truthful, effortless, and effective way.
At Acting Studio Chicago, we believe that “Acting Skills are Life Skills”.
Students who choose to pursue degrees in theatre/acting are setting themselves up not only for an education in the arts but also for an education in themselves.
Beyond developing the skills needed to become successful actors and theatre makers, students who pursue acting/theatre degrees will graduate with a myriad of life skills, including those needed to effectively collaborate with others, the ability to problem-solve and think on their feet, techniques to feel confident in their body and voice, and the necessary tools needed to communicate and navigate conflict and relationships.
Not only will our college audition coaches help you find material, we also have resources available to help you professionally format your acting resume, and perfect your college admissions essays.
Coaches
Kurt has worked professionally in theatre, film, television and radio for more than 30 years, and has been teaching and coaching actors of all ages since 1992.
A Juilliard graduate, he has also studied at the Moscow School of the Arts in Russia.
Kurt is the former Artistic Director of The Theatre of Western Springs, a member of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble and has worked as an actor at Portland Stage, Milwaukee’s Pabst Theatre, National Jewish Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.
He also appeared in such films as Public Enemies, The Express, Witless Protection, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, The Relic, Dillinger, Howard Beach: Making the Case for Murder, and has been in seen in the television shows, Empire, APB, Sense8, Chicago Code, Detroit 1-8-7 and multiple episodes of Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, ER and Prison Break
“Kurt’s private instruction has helped actors get into schools like: Juilliard, Yale, Princeton, The Theatre School at DePaul, NYU, University of Southern California, Boston University, Columbia University, Northwestern University, RADA, BADA, the School at Steppenwolf, and many, many others.”
Although she has spent most of the last several years teaching, coaching, & directing, ADRIANNE CURY has had the privilege of working as an actor in Chicago with Writer’s Theatre, Famous Door, Next, First Folio, Chicago Shakespeare, Chicago Shakespeare Project, Drury Lane Evergreen Park, Bailiwick, Strawdog, Apple Tree, National Jewish, Lifeline, Organic/Touchstone and ShawChicago; and regionally with Indiana Repertory, BoarsHead, Human Race, New American, Artists Ensemble, and Wisconsin Shakespeare.
Ms. Cury is a proud member of Actor’s Equity & SAG-AFTRA, and teaches both adults and teens here at Acting Studio Chicago; the Senior BFAs at Depaul University TTS, and yearly on Grand Manan Island in Canada. She has conducted workshops & seminars for Triton College, North Central College, Theatre of Western Springs, and The Performer’s School, and she privately coaches for auditions in various locations.
“Adrianne Cury is simply one of the main reasons I am receiving my Bachelor of Fine Arts. I started working with her my freshman year of high school, and had absolutely NO knowledge of the college audition process, or even how to appropriately approach a monologue. She made sure I was prepared in every single way. It was incredible going through this process with her and taking in all of the feedback she offered. I still use so many of Adrianne’s character breakdown strategies when I’m looking at new monologues!” ~Maeve Doody, Sophomore Acting Major, Syracuse University
“Adrianne is fantastic! I fully credit her monologue coaching with helping me to get accepted into graduate school. Whether classical or contemporary, Adrianne knows her stuff and can get you where you need to be to land your audition.” ~Miranda Z, Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting at George Washington University
Sarafina has been working as a performer and teaching artist in Chicago for nearly 20 years. She holds a Post Graduate Award in Teaching Shakespeare from The University of Warwick, in conjunction with the Royal Shakespeare Company, in Coventry, England. She also earned a Bachelor’s from Roosevelt University and studied classical acting at Richmond College in London. She is the founder of “ShakesPlay!”, an independent workshop for middle and high schools, which teaches an on-your-feet approach to connect kids’ worlds to Shakespeare’s in a fun, friendly, and fearless way.
Sarafina is a member of Actor’s Equity & SAG-AFTRA. She has been seen on NBC’s Chicago Justice, several feature and independent films, and on many Chicago area stages. She is proud to be a member of the faculty of Acting Studio Chicago and to have the opportunity to share her energy and passion with others who recognize the incredible professional opportunities the Chicago performing arts community has to offer.
“Because of Sarafina’s coaching, I’ve never walked into auditions feeling as prepared and confident as I did when auditioning for BFA Acting and Musical Theater programs. She has allowed me to grow so much as an actor and present my skill set with confidence and ease when auditioning. Sarafina creates a safe space in which you’re able to take risks and explore different sides of yourself. I left every coaching session feeling more determined than ever about my abilities.” ~Emma Boghossian
“Sarafina’s compassion, grit, and determination to help her students is one of her highest traits. Her euphoric smile and presence make for a relaxing but challenging experience in class. She assisted me in picking choice monologues that has propelled my career. I could not be where I am without her help, and I am eternally grateful to her. She assisted me in my URTA (University Resident Theatre Audition) in which I beat out over 1000 students to land a full ride Scholarship to Florida States University/Asolo Conservatory. I currently am a first-year MFA student at FSU and am enjoying my time with my new friends and would always go back to Sarafina for classical and contemporary training.” ~Rueben Wakefield
Have More Questions? We are happy to help! Send us an email: info@actingstudiochicago.com
