Classes give students tools to enhance their existing skills and provide a creative outlet for ideas and experiences. Students are also likely to find courses of interest in the Committee on the Visual Arts and the Department of Cinema and Media Studies. A LLEN is one of Chicago s leading playwrights whose works have been nationally and internationally produced. Practicum classes in areas such as directing and designing are taught by well-respected professionals from the city s vibrant theater community. In addition, some of the country s most important theater artists lead workshops, lectures, and discussions JoAnne Akalaitis, Kevin Spacey, Ping Chong, Tina Landau, and Gary Sinise, to name only a few of the recent visitors to campus.
Students have access to the city s thriving theater scene, which is one of the best in the world.
More than 125 companies perform at nationally recognized theaters as well as more intimate or experimental venues such as lofts and studios. Students have interned in all areas, from new play development to production management, and have mentors throughout the theater community. Others have acted on the Steppenwolf mainstage and have been assistant directors at the Goodman, Northlight, Court, and Steppenwolf. In addition, a variety of student discounts make attending performances economical. Anyone, no matter what year or what concentration, is eligible to work in any capacity on a show.