Acting classes · Chicago and Illinois state-wide

Acting classes in Illinois.

One-to-one coaching from a working screen actor, serving students across Illinois. For children 7 to 17 and adult actors at every career stage.

Credits include
  • Netflix
  • Disney
  • Universal Studios
  • Paramount Pictures
  • Jean-Claude Van Damme
  • Clint Eastwood
Book a call

Book a call with Freya, from Illinois

Free, 15 minutes. We reply personally within two business days.

Acting classes in Illinois at Tingley's Acting Studio are one-to-one sessions serving Chicago and regional Illinois students. Coaching is remote over video in local CDT or CST. All coaches working with Illinois minors hold a current DCFS background check.

Illinois casting

What casting in Illinois looks like

Illinois's screen market is Chicago-centric, with Cinespace Chicago Film Studios anchoring a pipeline of network television and streaming productions. The city's historic theatre scene (Steppenwolf, Goodman, Second City) feeds directly into screen casting.

Timezone
CDT / CST
Safety check
Department of Children and Family Services background check, the Illinois DCFS
Format
Remote over video
For parents

Coaching for young Illinois actors

We coach performers aged 7 to 17 in one-to-one sessions. A parent or guardian is always in the building, and in the room or an adjacent room depending on the child's age and preference. Session material is agreed with the parent in advance.

All coaches working with Illinois minors hold a current Department of Children and Family Services background check, issued by the Illinois DCFS. Documentation is sighted by us before the first session with a minor, and by you on request.

Read more for parents → Our Child Safe Policy →

For working actors

Coaching for Illinois-based adult actors

For adult actors at every stage: pre-representation, signed but underworked, mid-career, and working actors preparing for specific high-stakes auditions. If you have a callback next Friday, we work the callback. If you are preparing a self-tape in 24 hours, we work the self-tape.

Material reflects the casting pipeline in Illinois. Accent work is available when the role demands it.

Read more for adult actors → See all coaching disciplines →

Student stories

Stories from Illinois

Real stories from Illinois-based students will appear here as they publish with consent.

My son's school drama teacher could not prepare him for a screen audition. Freya did.

L. P. Parent Illinois · Awaiting published story

The callback prep changed how I walk into rooms.

K. S. Adult actor Illinois · Awaiting published story

My daughter came home from her first session talking about objectives, not lines.

S. M. Parent Illinois · Awaiting published story

Illinois questions

  • Is Chicago a strong casting market?

    Yes, particularly for network television and comedic material. The city's theatre and improv institutions mean Chicago-based actors typically arrive with deep ensemble training.

  • What check applies?

    The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services background check.

Ready to start in Illinois?

Scroll back up and use the form, or book a 15-minute call. Free, no pitch, reply within two business days.