The ACADEMY is Black Box’s most rigorous training program, designed to catapult the actor from student to professional in 100 days. The program culminates in the ACADEMY Industry Showcase, where actors present their work to local and regional agents, casting houses, and directors. ACADEMY graduates have signed with agents across the city, booked roles on network television shows, won awards, and appeared on stages across Chicago, including Steppenwolf, The Goodman, and many others.
The ACADEMY Class of 2023
Early Decision Application Deadline 1: JANUARY 5, 2023
Early Decision Application Deadline 2: FEBRUARY 17, 2023
General Admissions Application Deadline: MARCH 31, 2023.
Early Decision applicants will either receive a commitment of early acceptance or a deferral to April decisions. All general admissions applicants as well as early admissions deferred applicants will receive a final decision on their admissions status no later than May 15th, 2023.
To begin your application process, please fill out The ACADEMY Application — General Information Form. Once we receive this general application, you will receive instructions on completing the rest of your application.
In order to consider your application, we must receive your remaining application materials by January 5, February 17, or March 31 respectively depending on which deadline you are applying for. The remaining materials include:
- A self-taped artistic statement and video introduction (2-minutes maximum)
- An audition self-tape consisting of either a contemporary monologue OR scene of your choosing (2-minutes maximum)
- The Financial Aid Application (if applicable.)
Our admissions team will review your application on a rolling basis as soon as we receive all components. If we are able to move forward with your application, we will reach out to offer you an in-person callback and interview. At that time, we will also ask for a letter of recommendation to be emailed to admissions@blackboxacting.com by the callback date. Callbacks will be scheduled on the following dates:
- Saturday, January 21, 2023
- Saturday, March 4, 2023
- Sunday, April 16, 2023
Financial Information:
The ACADEMY tuition is $9000. The application fee is $25. The $2500 deposit is due no later than 10 days following an offer of acceptance. If you cannot meet this 10-day deposit timeline, please fill out the Financial Aid Application.
An offer of acceptance will include our standard payment plan options:
| Payment Date | Option A | Option B | Option C | Option D |
| Deposit Date | $9000 | $2500 | $2500 | $2500 |
| June 16, 2023 | – | $6500 | $3250 | $1625 |
| July 21, 2023 | – | – | – | $1625 |
| Aug 25, 2023 | – | – | $3250 | $1625 |
| Sept 15, 2023 | – | – | – | $1625 |
Limited Financial aid is available. Not all applications will qualify. To apply for financial aid, click here.
2023 ACADEMY Class Times:
June 5, 2023 – September 29, 2023
Classes will be held Monday through Friday.
The Daytime Ensemble will train from 10am-1pm.
The Evening Ensemble will train from 6:30pm-9:30pm.
Showcase Rehearsals:
October 2, 2023 – October 17, 2023
Rehearsals will be held Monday through Friday.
The Daytime Ensemble will rehearse between 10am and 2pm.
The Evening Ensemble will rehearse between 6:30pm and 10:30pm.
Filming, Performances, and Graduation:
October 18-21, 2023 both ensembles will be asked to hold 9:00am-10:00pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
ACADEMY Orientation will be held at the beginning of the first day of classes – June 5, 2023 – at 10am and 6:30pm, respectively.
If you have any further questions after reviewing the above information, please contact our Admissions Department.
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