I have a lot of friends telling me to move to Chicago as opposed to New York. Saying it's more accessible and just as theatrically respected for an actor. I was also considering finishing my theater degree there, if I go. I'd love to dive in conservatory style, but reality requires I work. Not to mention, being in my thirties, I don't know that I want to or should be be away from auditioning for that long. It could be two years. My research has only found full-time programs. Does anyone out there know of any good BA/BFA Theater programs in Chicago that can be acomplished "adult learning" style? A few classes at a time. Thanks!

I don't know about adult BFA programs in Chicago, but your friend is right, there are a lot of acting opportunities there.

Steppenwolf is one of the great theater companies in America -- their production of the Pulitzer prize winning "August: Osage County", now playing on Broadway, is not to be missed.

That being said, I am pretty sure that the sheer number of opportunities is greater in NY.

Good luck with your decision. And whatever you do, your idea to get back into class is a good one.

Best,

Ron

I would start by talking to some of the faculty at Northwestern Univ., which is renowned for drama. Then maybe check with some of the other universities, e.g. U-Chicago, U-Illinois at Chicago, Roosevelt.

Chicago is a wonderful city, and a great place to learn the craft of acting -- especially with the active theater community that exists there.

But if you’re looking to make a career of acting – don’t even think about it. Unless you’re gifted or lucky enough to become involved with The Steppenwolf or The Goodman, it’s just too small a market to grow and expand your horizons.

One of the better aspects of Chicago is that, unlike New York and LA, they allow you to sign with as many agents as you wish (one of my young clients actually had ELEVEN AGENTS, something of a record). When you're ready for representation, may I recommended The Shirley Hamilton Agency. She is not only a tremendously hard worker, but has more years in the trenches than I (or she!) can count.

On the film acting end, Chicago isn’t very actor-friendly. You can thank Mayor Daly for that. I booked only one feature film there (“Payback” with Mel Gibson, when Gibson determined that New York was too expensive to shoot in). Many of the great acting teachers I studied with there have long gone on to greener pastures as a result of Daly’s suffocating attitudes toward their artistic endeavors. I believe that Ed Hooks still teaches there, but now must spend his time between The Windy City and San Francisco.

Additionally, if you’re interested in improving your comedy skills, Chicago always has Second City and The Olympic, the birthplace of many of SNL’s iconic talent.

But once you’ve gotten your acting legs, Chicago is still the Midwest. It’s limited. You’ll eventually have to move on if you’re seriously interested in furthering your acting career objectives.

“Whatever works.”

www.robertkim.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0453647

I would only recommend Chitown if you were born there and grew up there. I lucked out with having a great school to study in and having roommates that went on to contol a large part of the VO/commercial industry there.
Again, it is being at the right place at the right time and having contacts. Oh yeah, having some talent also helps. Good luck.