Black Box Acting Studio

@octavio.montess popping on to remind you that the final deadline* to apply for the 2026 ACADEMY is March 31. Nothing means more to us than when alumni share their experience in the conservatory ❤️ *This means we need your General Information Form on file. You will automatically be emailed taping instructions when you submit the form. Tapes are due 7 days later. Final in person callbacks are April 11. Link for the logistics page with all the dates, info, and application links you need can be found in our bio.

So the thing about @palomiiiiiiita is that she's an incredible artist who was in Chicago (and teaching at BB when she was) and then moved to LA but is back in Chicago to act in a play she also wrote at @teatrovista . You've probably seen her on your TV, you've probably heard her voice on your radio, you've probably seen work she's directed. She is the very definition of booked and busy. But she's making time to chat with us a week from today about making the move, working in multiple markets, and multiple disciplines. Link in bio to grab your spot!

Core Classes in The Black Box Method start back up next week...especially looking at that weeknight B3 you've all been asking for 👀 M/W B1 with Eric is nearly sold out! There's also a weekend B1 with Andrew filling fast. Gavin is teaching not one but TWO B2s, weeknight and weekend options. And if you're ready to finish your training with your full process, Monique is on the mats in B3. Link in the usual spot to snag your space today.

Psst -- a friendly reminder that our team is here to help you nail that next audition, whether it's in person or on tape. Feeling stuck or like you need new audition material? We've got coaching for that too. Link you-know-where to book and check rates!

New Year, New Classes pt 3: @__jesstagram__ 's Commercial Intensive is back March 7 AND she's offering a brand new Advanced Commercial on March 14. Students who have already taken her one-day Commercial Intensive and ACADEMY graduates who've completed Commercial Week are eligible for automatic approval in the advanced class. Other experienced actors are welcome to apply for approval. Newer to commercials? Jump into her original Commercial Intensive on March 7. Can't get enough Jess? Understandable. You can enroll in both -- the first week will make you eligible for the second! Why are we telling you so far in advance? Her classes **ALWAYS** sell out. So don't wait to secure your spot!

New Year, New Classes pt 2: Scene Study with Jonathan Berry! Join @jdavidb2550 over four Saturday mornings to take a deep dive on scene work. Class is nearly full and scene assignments are coming soon, so don't wait to apply! The fine print: ACADEMY & B3 graduates are automatically approved to enroll and will be redirected to the deposit link once your application is received. All other students are encouraged to apply for approval. Link in the usual place to access the application!

New Year, New Classes pt 1. If process-based acting training was on your 2026 resolutions, now's the time to secure your spot in class (they're going fast!) We have 3 B1s and 2 B2s starting in just a couple of weeks. Link you know where to enroll. B3 will be back in the spring.

It’s the one weekend of the year all BB classes and gift cards are on sale! The January schedule is live — 3 B1s, 2 B2s, and a scene study with @jdavidb2550 — so if you’re hoping to train first thing in the new year, lock in your discounted enrollment asap! But…if you’re not sure of your schedule OR you want to pick up multiple classes on sale at once OR you’re waiting for B3 in the spring… Grab a gift card on sale! They can be redeemed for the full retail value at any time. 20% off with the code BBBF20 through Tuesday.

Classes start next week and @__jesstagram__ @hoodhippaye @biancaniazi @thebarefootgriot @gavinrhys96 and @amandacfink are all on the schedule 👀 Haven’t secured your spot yet? What are you waiting for?!

Final STUDIO session of 2025 kicks off a week from tomorrow with our One Day Commercial Intensive with @__jesstagram__ of @oconnorcasting . Then, we’ve got 3 B1s, a B2, and a B3 all kicking off the first week of November. Space is going fast but spots are still available in all classes. Link you know where to sign up today! Remember, no class the week of Thanksgiving!

Have you seen the August Pro Series line-up?? Not only does our theater scene study with @labakesy start this weekend but we’ve also got a brand new on camera series for you with @vicmusoni @nettawalks and @helenjoolee . Scroll to learn more, link in bio to enroll.

This icon is back at BB for a one-night theater scene study in August, now on a Sunday night for all y’all who asked for the new time! Director Session with @labakesy Sunday night Aug 17 6p-9p LAURA ALCALÁ BAKER (she/they) is a Chicago-based director and new play developer specializing in unearthing the missing canon and reimagining the existing one. Her work lives in the intersection of a mixed child, one and both – Mexican American. Laura has developed and directed new works such as Matthew Paul Olmos’ a home what howls (Steppenwolf), Isaac Gomez’s The Leopard Play, or sad songs for lost boys (Steep Theatre), The Way She Spoke (DCASE, GTC), Omer Abbas Salem’s The Secretaries (First Floor Theater), RUST by Nancy García Loza (Goodman/New Stages), and the audio drama BRAVA (Make Believe Association), which is available on all podcasting platforms. Other select works include I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (Denver Center for the Performing Arts), Somewhere Over the Border (City Theatre/People’s Light), Anna in the Tropics (Remy Bumppo), Bull (Paramount), The Pillowman (The Gift Theatre). Upcoming: Dream Hou$e at ReFracted Theatre Company, One of the Good Ones at Kansas City Repertory.