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Stage 773 Launches Education Program with Acting, Dance, Branding Classes

 Amanda Jane Long and Brian Posen inside Stage 773.
Amanda Jane Long and Brian Posen inside Stage 773.
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DNAinfo/Erica Demarest

LAKEVIEW — If you've ever wanted to act, fire dance, or take a really good headshot, Stage 773 may soon be the place to go.

The Lakeview theater at 1225 W. Belmont Ave. is launching its first education and programming series this fall.

Both professional actors and folks looking for a new hobby can sign up for classes ranging from career development to basic acting skills. 

"We are filling a gap in the Chicago theater education world that is so needed," creative director Brian Posen said. "There are so few options of really high quality acting meat-and-potato classes."

The current fall lineup includes mime, slapstick and vocal coaching. Classic and advanced scene study and script analysis are also in the works.

Programming director Amanda Jane Long said the classes are a great way for working performers and writers to round out their resumes — but non-performers will also find value.

"We've got a voice and speech teacher coming in," Long said. "Obviously, it's really lovely for actors and improvisers, but everyone is asked to speak in their jobs and career so often, so that's a great skill."

One of the program's most unique assets, Posen said, is The Clubhouse, which offers six- to eight-week workshops for ensembles.

Established theater or improv groups can come to Stage 773 with a set goal — whether it's learning certain acting skills or how to write scripts — and Posen will create a unique program for the group.

"An improv group might come to me and say, 'We have all this training in improv. We want to learn the skill of creating a sketch comedy show. How do we do it?' Or, 'We are a group that's always funny. We want to do dramatic stuff. How do we do that?' I'll connect them to the artists" that can teach those skills, Posen said.

The first "floor" of The Clubhouse includes six weeks of workshops. The second, more advanced "floor" focuses on producing a show, which will debut at Stage 773 and be videotaped for the ensemble. Prices range from $1,800 to $2,200 for the entire ensemble.

Regular classes and workshops will start after Labor Day, and run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Prices range from $80-225.

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