About

Founded in January of 2009 by Laura Hooper and Audrey Francis, Black Box Acting began as a boutique studio with just 12 students and 2 classes. Their approach was simple: a streamlined curriculum based on human behavior, and a fierce commitment to creating a home where actors could continually challenge their creative limits.

One year later, The STUDIO had grown to facilitate more than 115 students, ranging from theatre professionals to non-actors, and within 2 years the student base tripled. Nearly 80% of these students were enrolled in long-term training, which inspired Audrey and Laura to add a new facet to the business.

The ACADEMY is the culmination of Laura and Audrey’s goal to help actors take the technique out of the classroom and onto the stage. Crafting an intensive conservatory program was the next step to providing maximum training opportunities within the acting community.

• "Black Box is the real deal. An actor couldn't be in better hands."

  Amy Morton
  Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble
  Tony Nominee, August: Osage County

• "Black Box classes challenge me to be present."

  Christine Lin
  Black Box Student
  Broadway Actor, Chinglish

• "I recommend them highly."

  Erica Daniels
  Associate Artistic Director
  Steppenwolf Theatre

• "Being a student at Black Box has been the single most important experience in my professional life."

  Sarah-Jayne Ashenhurst
  Black Box Student
  Actor

• "I am consistently impressed with the artists that emerge from Black Box."

  Mickie Paskal, CSA
  PR Casting

• "Black Box deepened my understanding of the world and my place within it."

  Heather Jencks
  Black Box Student
  Actor

• "The energy between Black Boxers is one of a kind."

  Matthew George
  Playwright

• "They embrace honesty in every moment."

  Adam Belcuore
  Casting Director
  Goodman Theatre

• "Black Box is the best place to go for an actor who's stuck."

  Laura Korn
  Black Box Student
  Actor

• "Black Box is teaching me to be a warrior."

  Todd Kiech
  Black Box Student
  Actor + Dancer

• "I have found a home at Black Box."

  Lindsay Nance
  Black Box Student
  Actor

• "Black Box is the training ground for fearless acting."

  Jacob A. Ware
  Black Box Student
  Actor

• "Black Box Acting has absolutely transformed my work as an actor."

  Jennifer Alexander
  Black Box Student
  Actor

• "What I've learned at Black Box grounds everything I say and do in truth."

  Toph Enamy
  Black Box Student
  Actor + Improvisor

• "As a dancer, Black Box showed me how to face my fears with my whole body."

  Anna Zimowska
  Black Box Student
  Dancer

• "I am so grateful that Black Box exists."

  Tim Cunningham
  Black Box Student
  Actor

• "Trust me, these ladies are onto something."

  Mandy Walsh
  Black Box Student
  Actor