About Thespian's Forge Acting School

Our Story: Forged in the Heart of Chicago

Thespian's Forge Acting School was founded in 2008 by renowned Chicago actress, Vivian Holloway. Disheartened by the lack of practical, affordable, and community-focused acting training in the city, Vivian envisioned a school where aspiring actors could hone their skills in a supportive and challenging environment. Starting with just a small group of students in a rented studio space in Lincoln Park, Thespian's Forge quickly gained a reputation for its dedicated instructors, its emphasis on real-world performance techniques, and its commitment to fostering a close-knit acting community.

Over the years, Thespian's Forge has grown from a humble beginning to a leading acting school in Chicago. We've expanded our curriculum to include a wide range of courses, from introductory acting classes to advanced scene study, acting for film and television, musical theatre performance, improvisation, and voice and speech training. Our faculty has grown to include some of the most respected actors, directors, and coaches in the Chicago theater scene. We've also established strong partnerships with local theaters and production companies, providing our students with invaluable opportunities to network and gain professional experience.

Today, Thespian's Forge is proud to have helped countless actors launch successful careers in theater, film, and television. Our alumni can be seen on stages throughout Chicago and beyond, as well as on television screens and in major motion pictures. We remain committed to Vivian Holloway's original vision of providing accessible, high-quality acting training to aspiring performers of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Our Mission

To empower aspiring actors with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the competitive world of performing arts. We provide comprehensive, practical training in a supportive and inspiring environment, fostering creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong passion for acting. We are dedicated to enriching the Chicago acting community by nurturing talent and promoting artistic excellence.

Our Vision

To be recognized as the premier acting school in Chicago, renowned for our innovative curriculum, our exceptional faculty, and our commitment to student success. We strive to be a vital resource for the performing arts community, providing actors with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in their careers.

Our Core Values

• Excellence: We are committed to providing the highest quality acting training and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our interactions, ensuring transparency, honesty, and fairness.
• Community: We believe in the power of collaboration and support, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students can thrive.
• Passion: We are driven by a genuine love for acting and a desire to share that passion with our students.
• Innovation: We embrace new ideas and approaches, constantly seeking ways to enhance our curriculum and provide the most relevant and effective training.
• Accessibility: We strive to make acting training accessible to aspiring performers of all backgrounds and experience levels, offering affordable tuition and flexible scheduling options.

Meet Our Dedicated Staff

The Thespian's Forge is guided by a team of passionate and experienced professionals dedicated to providing students with an unparalleled learning experience. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to fostering the next generation of talented actors.