Chicago actors are a loyal bunch. When they heard of Act One Studios’ financial problems, their unhesitating generosity helped save the venerable acting school.
For the past 30 years, Act One Studios has offered classes to professional and aspiring actors in theatre, film, television, commercials, voiceover and improv, which are taught by some 30 working professionals.
Just a month ago, Act One owners actor Steve Merle and his wife, teacher and actress Anne Jacques, were going to close the acting school, due to a nightmarish series of unpredictable circumstances.
“The last few years have been a rollercoaster ride,” says Merle. “In 2008, we were bursting at the seams and needed more space,” but they had to postpone a planned expansion from 13,000 to 20,000-sq. ft. in the space it has occupied for years at 640 N. LaSalle St.
The new space was going to accommodate three more classrooms, a black box theatre and space to start a conservatory program, but the sour economy put the expansion on hold.
“We were still doing okay,” Merle says, “until we were hit by an IRS issue that we ultimately won after two years” – the IRS apologized for the paperwork gaffe – “but it cost us money to fight.
“At the same time, we had a debacle with the phone and computer services shutting down during key enrollment periods, and a national acting school came to town” that usurped 20-30% of Act One’s enrollment.
“It was one thing after another. Expenses kept going up. We absorbed a mountain of debt in those two years. We stayed afloat but it was a losing battle,” Merle says.
With the threat of permanent closure imminent, the studio sent out a fundraising plea to current and former students, friends and colleagues in the acting community at large.
The response was immediate and overwhelming. “The actors were fabulous,” says Merle. Checks were delivered with hugs and mailed with heartfelt notes attached, generous donations came in through PayPal, appreciation letters and offers to help in any way poured in.
Even the landlord, a supporter of the arts, favorably restructured the lease, thus saving the school a substantial amount of money.
Just two weeks after the fundraiser, Merle announced, with gratitude to Act One’s many supporters, that having paid its debts, it would remain open and a new term would start Sept. 6.
Actor/filmmaker Stephen Cone to lead a new Indie Film lab
Merle is optimistic about the upcoming term. “The energy here is wonderful. We’re very positive and filled with new ideas,” he says.
For the fall term Act One Studios has revamped its Film Acting Department and will open an Independent Film Lab, led by award-winning Chicago actor/filmmaker Stephen Cone, who won rave reviews for his recent feature production of The Wise Kids.
Another new faculty addition is veteran actress Susan Monts-Bologna, who spent 15 years in New York appearing in movies, the soap Search for Tomorrow, numerous commercials and stage works.
Even with a new look and fresh ideas, “What will forever remain,” says Merle “is our dedication to the excellent training & support for actors of all levels that makes Act One Studios a place worth saving.”
Act One Studios’ phone is 312/787-9384.
