Professional, process-driven classes for young and adult actors, serving the Chicago suburbs and North Shore.

"This class taught me how to act without pretending and to make everything feel real."

"ATC has really helped me grow, not only as an actress, but as a person."

"Any show, class, or theatrical experience I've had can't compare to what I've learned at ATC. It has made me think about theatre in a whole new way."

"Cutting edge, full of heart, parent-friendly and student-centered -- the Actor's Training Center of Wilmette meets the needs of students in innovative, engaging ways and is a most welcome addition for families seeking meaningful opportunities in the arts." -- RIVES COLLINS, THEATRE DPT, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

"As the week of Thanksgiving comes along it is a reminder for us to not just be thankful for who we have and what we have but to let others know that we are thankful – that is the piece many of us miss so often."

"I would like to take this moment to let you all know how thankful I am that Milla has found a home at ATC. She loves working with all of you and being a part of this amazing program. She has been a member of several other programs and, without being disrespectful to those other programs, the truth is that ATC is leaps and bounds ahead of all of them put together.I am thankful that Milla is being treated like an actor and not just a child, and that she is learning that her chosen path is not full of people who will coddle her but those who expect hard work and preparation. I am forever thankful for your generous scholarship which allows Milla to continue her work at ATC. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! - ATC PARENT

"I would recommend ATC classes because they really stretch your abilities. I've improved so much!"

"Your enthusiasm and positive encouragement is always felt and empowering for the kids. We are so blessed to have such professionals in our backyard as a training ground for these young actors. Thank you for all you do for their enrichment and enable them to reach for their goals. Connor is so lucky to have such fabulous coaches and mentors."

"I wanted to touchbase and let you know what a great job you did with the kids in the improv class at Romona. I came to watch the last class last Thursday and I was so impressed with the way you engaged the kids, your seemingly endless patience, and your ability to roll with the punches. A true professional. It was a pleasure to watch you teach. Noa is signed up for the Romona production but because of watching your class, I am exploring additional classes at ATC. The quality of teaching (I'm also in class with Janet) is stellar."

"I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful classes you offer. My son is currently enrolled in your improv class. I cannot remember a class that he has ever taken that he has enjoyed more. He has already gotten so much out of this class after just one month! Please commend your fine improv instructor, he serves a great role model."

"We are so happy we found ATC!!! Elexa has said that it feels like home. She loves the classes because she is challenged, inspired and loves working with professionals (teachers and other students)."

"Can it really be five years already since I first called Philip about the ACT? Wow! I'm looking forward to fundraising to help keep ATC up and training new actors for years to come!"

"ATC is awesome and Carole and all of you are truly incredibly talented and amazing people!!!  We are thrilled to be part of ATC."

"These classes are the highlight of her week, she wishes she could just do these every day, instead of going to school. We are really happy we found ATC."

"ATC is great for beginners and for people who have lots of experience."

"Philip is so fun, fantastic, supportive and energetic. He breeds a fabulous environment, and is absolutely wonderful as a teacher."

"Philip and Jess, I can't begin to thank you for giving Carly the opportunity to learn from you.  After watching Philip's class on the last day (I wasn't able to make the camera final) I learned the craft is only part of the equation.  There are so many life skills to be learned from your training that will enhance the whole child. She can't wait to take classes in Winter!"

"I have grown immensely since the beginning of this class - it was the best acting class - EVER!"

"I've done lots of acting classes before, but Katherine helped me build my real emotions."

"I have done these types of classes before, but this one was way over my expectations. It was fantastic!" -- Lily Piekos, ATC Student

"I just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful class.  Allanah could not stop talking about how much she loved the class and how she cannot wait to be able to take Improv with you!  I truly appreciate the valuable lessons you taught this course that do not just apply to acting but to life in general.  This was a really amazing class."

"I wish I could go back in time and take the class all over again."

"My husband and I both could not get over the professionalism and poise of these young performers. We also wanted to thank you for offering this tremendous program. You have done wonders with the Wilmette Theatre. What a gift to this community. It was such a treat for my daughter to be able to learn from you. She can't wait to enroll in the next program!" -- Diane FAlanga, Parent

"I love taking poems and making them into plays because it is fun, and I like being a team. I like Philip Markle because he makes acting sparkle!" -- Lucy Hauser, ATC Student

"I want to thank you for the fabulous experience Cami has had with ATC! She loved working with Janet and more recently, with Doug. She feels that the classes at ATC are teaching her so much. We are just thrilled to be on board with your programs." -- Carrie Codell, Parent

"Doug McDade is one of the finest actors, director and instructor I have ever worked with. He has the ability to relate to actors of all ages and help them deliver a powerful performance from the back of the stage to the back of the house!" -- Rich Baker
Two-Time JEFF Award-Winning Veteran Actor

"I have never encountered any theatre classes which were kind enough to write feedback and share that with the actor afterward. This class was amazingly well run and a great introduction to the real world of film and television for my teenage daughter."

Katherine's enthusiasm as a teacher makes you want to do your best. She makes everyone feel equal and important.

"Even though we worked hard, I still had fun and learned a lot."

"I am so lucky I found a brochure of this place at an audition!"

"ATC provides top notch training in the North Shore." -- Jenny Wilson
Agent, Stewart Talent Chicago

"(Our daughter) absolutely loved your class and I am sure will want to retake it at some point. We were so impressed by the presentation and how much the kids enjoyed what you taught them."

 

"These classes teach you so much in such a short time."

"ATC's long-form improv classes are without a doubt the best improv class I've ever taken."

"Annabelle ADORES your class!   Acting Thru Imagination is one of the highlights of her week.   
She will definitely be continuing on at ATC."

"ATC doesn't just improve my acting, but my imagination and energy."

"'Thank you' is nowhere near adequate to express the gratitude I feel for the experience you have put together with the creation of Actors Training Center. Your school has been exactly what we have been looking for during the last several years." -- Samantha and Wayne Goble, Parents

"You are doing such a wonderful job with the Actors Training Center in Wilmette. I think that you have set the expectations very high, and that you are treating these kids maturely and like professionals. The results of your approach speak volumes as to how successful you have been with this approach. I have the impression that at some point we will see professional actors who are in the national spotlight, that will have roots at ATC and who will attribute their success to ATC, much the same way that Second City has built a similar reputation for itself in that regard." -- Mark FAlANGA

"Why is the Wilmette Theatre so wonderful? Because they turned an old movie theater into a truly interesting venue for concerts, movies, plays, and classes for kids. What if every town had a place like this? Where are the places like this in your community? Look around, find them, support them!" - ATC Parent

"Thank you very much for everything. our daughter has REALLY has enjoyed her time at ATC and we feel she has learned a lot and hopefully is "getting it" with coming out of her shell and confidence thing, thanks to your help and guidance. I think you all have won her over to ATC!"