About Veridian Stage Academy
Discover our history, mission, values, and the passionate team dedicated to helping you achieve your acting dreams in Chicago.
Discover our history, mission, values, and the passionate team dedicated to helping you achieve your acting dreams in Chicago.
Veridian Stage Academy was founded in 2010 by veteran stage actors, Eleanor Vance and Marcus Bellweather, with a vision to create a nurturing and rigorous training environment for aspiring actors in the vibrant theater scene of Chicago. Eleanor, a celebrated performer known for her captivating roles in classic and contemporary plays, and Marcus, an accomplished director and acting coach with decades of experience, recognized the need for an academy that not only honed technical skills but also fostered creativity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the craft.
The academy initially started as a small workshop in a rented studio space in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, offering introductory acting classes and scene study sessions. Word quickly spread about the quality of instruction and the supportive community that Eleanor and Marcus cultivated. As demand grew, Veridian Stage Academy expanded, moving to a larger facility in the heart of the Chicago Theater District in 2015. This new location allowed the academy to offer a wider range of courses, including advanced acting techniques, stage combat, voice and movement training, and acting for film and television.
Over the years, Veridian Stage Academy has become a respected institution in the Chicago acting community, known for its commitment to excellence and its dedication to nurturing the next generation of performers. Our alumni have gone on to successful careers in theater, film, television, and other performance-related fields. We are proud of our history and the impact we have had on the lives of countless actors, and we remain committed to our founding vision of providing exceptional training and fostering a vibrant artistic community.
In 2020, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Veridian Stage Academy adapted and innovated, offering online courses and workshops that allowed students to continue their training from the safety of their homes. This transition to online learning broadened our reach, attracting students from across the country and around the world. As we move forward, we are embracing a hybrid model that combines the best of in-person and online instruction, ensuring that we can continue to provide accessible and high-quality training to actors of all backgrounds.
The mission of Veridian Stage Academy is to empower aspiring actors with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the competitive world of performing arts. We are committed to providing a comprehensive and rigorous training program that encompasses all aspects of acting, from foundational techniques to advanced performance skills. Our goal is to foster creativity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the craft, while creating a supportive and inspiring community where actors can thrive.
We believe that acting is a powerful art form that can transform individuals and communities. We are dedicated to training actors who are not only skilled performers but also thoughtful and engaged citizens who use their art to make a positive impact on the world. We strive to instill in our students a lifelong passion for learning and a commitment to excellence, preparing them for successful careers in theater, film, television, and other performance-related fields.
Our mission is guided by the following principles:
We are committed to upholding these principles in all that we do, ensuring that Veridian Stage Academy remains a leading institution for acting training in Chicago and beyond.
At Veridian Stage Academy, our core values guide everything we do, from our curriculum and teaching methods to our interactions with students and the broader community. These values reflect our commitment to excellence, integrity, and a deep respect for the art of acting.
We strive for excellence in all aspects of our training program, from the quality of our instruction to the performance opportunities we provide. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of professional practice.
We foster a supportive and inclusive community where actors of all backgrounds can thrive. We believe that collaboration and mutual respect are essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment.
We encourage creativity and experimentation, providing students with the freedom to explore their artistic potential. We believe that innovation is essential for pushing the boundaries of the art form.
We are passionate about acting and dedicated to sharing our love of the craft with our students. We believe that passion is contagious and inspires others to achieve their full potential.
We believe in the importance of lifelong learning and encourage our students to continue growing and developing as artists throughout their careers. We provide ongoing support and resources to help them achieve their goals.
Veridian Stage Academy is led by a team of experienced professionals who are passionate about acting and dedicated to helping our students succeed. Our instructors are seasoned actors, directors, and coaches with years of experience in the industry. They are committed to providing personalized guidance and mentorship, helping each student develop their unique talents and achieve their full potential.
Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Co-Founder & Lead Instructor
Instructor of Voice & Movement
Instructor of Stage Combat
