An introduction to the First Folio Technique and how to apply both in text analysis and when performing to the works of Shakespeare.

An intro to the basics of sword combat (epee blade) and tumbling.

Bring your current Headshot & Resume and receive feedback, analysis and current Chicago market trends from OPFT’s Casting Director.

Perform two contrasting monologue in a mock audition setting and receive constructive feedback from OPFT Casting Director and company members.

Learn what makes the magic happen! Theatre administrative professionals from all over Chicagoland come together to talk all things behind the scenes: from working with non-profit boards, applying for grants, how to start a theatre, audience relations, to creating effective, relevant and inspiring art.

Kevin Theis, a Chicago actor and director for over 25 years and audiobook narrator with over 130 credits on Audible.com shows interns the ins and outs behind becoming a Voiceover Narrator. Various topics to be covered (among others) include:

• How to seek out and audition for available audiobook jobs on ACX.com
• The ACX payment process, including by-the-finished hour, royalty share and “bounty” payments for narrators
• Audio recording, editing and processing hardware and software necessary to produce high quality audiobooks
• How to set up and utilize a home recording studio
• How to edit, create, process and upload audio files for auditions and audiobook production
• A primer on seeking out the larger, professional (and union) audiobook houses across the country
• Using music, sound effects and vocal effects to enhance finished pieces.

Both as Actors and a Stage Managers, the mystery surrounding Actor’s Equity Association and “when to turn” is … well a mystery. There is no pat answer, it is personal and dependent on a myriad of factors. We will be asking questions of folks from all sides of the fence – non AEA, AEA, and those who have dropped their AEA status. We will ask them for their reflections on why they have made (or might make in the future) the choices they have in regards to becoming part of the union – particularly in the Chicagoland market.

An intro to the basics of partnering acrobatics and tumbling.

How do we make theatre accessible to all? How can we share the experience of theatre with those who may need additional assistance? This workshop in an intro into the concepts that can grow a theatre into an inclusive creative producing environment for all patrons.

What they don’t teach you in school: being an actor is a continually self motivated business. This workshop is an intro into the business side of being an artist and tricks of the trade when running your own self employed actor business.

This workshop focuses on creating a toolkit for building trust in theatre spaces.