JOIN THE COMPANY
AT THE THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS

We welcome artists of all experience levels to join us in our work, just as Mary Cattell did when she founded this theatre in 1929. TWS would not be recognized as one of the western suburbs' most vital cultural institutions without the help of hundreds of talented, friendly and dedicated people. First, whether you act on our stage or work behind the scenes, you will need to become an official active member of TWS by purchasing a season subscription to our Mainstage and Forum productions. TWS cuurently has a company of some 330 "Actives". Remember, you need not be interested in acting on the stage to become an Active; many of our members are in it for the fun of participating in our productions with a level of professionalism that isn't always found in community theatre.

Second, all persons interested in acting on our stage must attend and complete the Studio 1 workshop offered each year in October, and is open to anyone 18 years of age or older. In October of 2009 , the Studio workshop was conducted by Kurt Naebig of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble. (Kurt was later named Artistic Director, effective April, 2010). Studio 1 consists of ten sessions, and attendance is mandatory at 8 of the 10 sessions. Participants perform improvisational exercises, monologues and scenes. In order to remain eligible for casting in a TWS production, new active members must subsequently complete the Studio 2 workshop, offered every February, within two years of completing Studio 1. The Studio workshops are free and are open to all new active members, regardless of experience.The Studio sessions are fun—you'll make new friends and learn something about the culture and traditions of our 81 year-old theatre.

To maintain Active status, members must purchase a season subscription and contribute each year to the work behind the scenes or front of house in some manner. As Actives see shows and work on-and off-stage for others, they become a well-rounded citizen of our theatrical community. By providing such a complete artistic experience, TWS makes it easy and fun to express your creative side in a supportive environment.

The Theatre of Western Springs is a successful, challenging volunteer-based theatre founded in 1929 by Mary Cattell. We know that you will find TWS an interesting and invigorating place to utilize and be recognized for your time and talents. Come and check us out — our Managing Director (Bill Hammack) will be happy to show you around.

STUDIO 2010

Are you interested in joining us and acting on the TWS stage? STUDIO 1 is our annual "casting call", but it's more than that. It's a workshop which introduces you to the culture of TWS in an environment that is shared with other aspiring actors.

The Studio workshop is TWS’ unique method for procuring actors.  It is offered to our subscribers free of charge, and is conducted in the Fall over a 2 week period consisting of 10 sessions.   Participants may or may not have prior acting experience.  Even if you have performed on Broadway, you must complete the Studio workshop to act at TWS.  The only requirements are that you be a TWS subsriber with a 7 play subscription series and be 18 or older.

In the Fall of 2010, Studio will taught by Kurt Naebig, the Artistic Director here at TWS and a well-known Chicago director and actor. During the Studio sessions, participants join in a variety of activities, in a relaxed non-audition setting.  Studio I culminates in a presentation of scenes after which the graduates are eligible for casting.

After completing Studio I, participants are eligible to attend Studio II, offered every February.  Studio II is a continuation of Studio I and must be taken within two years of completing Studio I to maintain acting eligibility.

If you are interested in enrolling in Studio, give us a call here at TWS at 708-246-4043. Our dates for 2010 Studio 2010 are as follows  

All casting at our theatre is done by the TWS Play Selection and Casting Committee through a non-audition process.  Casting is announced by letter, usually ten weeks prior to the first scheduled rehearsal.  The Play Selection and Casting Committee has contingency plans to use a number of members before casting for the play is announced.  If an individual is unable to accept a role, an alternate cast member is contacted.

The casting concept is tilted toward a total approach to TWS rather than simply the desire to play a specific role.  Actors commit to the project; not just the role. The purpose is to encourage acting members to become involved in more than one aspect of TWS.  Therein lies the uniqueness of TWS.  The success of our theatre lies in the fact that our volunteer Actives take over many of the responsibilities of the work of the theatre.

Our 2009 Studio Graduates FRONT ROW: (Left to right)Janet Gassmann, Kourtney Peneschi, Maria Perez, Melanie Espinos, Kurt Naebig (Instructor), Amy Turner, Sean O'Neill,  Larry Cima MIDDLE ROW:  Eugenia Callison, Pat Politano,Dilene Bishop, Joanne Brychel, Courtney Cordova, Jennifer Collins,  Nancy Molidor, Newenka DuMont, Sally Kapela BACK ROW: Bill McNamara, Peggy McCaffray, Bonnie Walk, Jim McBride,Marcia Faye, Marc Kubil, Natalie Jones,Paul Nolan, Stanley Kosek, Taylor Lotfi, Evgenia Vavoulas, Steve Etheridge, Eric Weiher, Jeff Siddall, Diane Dean

TWS Changes Lives.

Come find out what we mean. If you have any questions regarding the theatre or about the studio workshop, please don't hesitate to call the theatre at 708-246-4043. We look forward to meeting you.