Chicago has long been a major hub for acting talent, performance training, and theatre innovation. From the stages of Steppenwolf to the film sets and audition rooms across the city, actors at every level are constantly seeking ways to deepen their craft and grow their careers. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build confidence or a seasoned professional preparing for major auditions, working with a skilled acting coach can make all the difference.
Here are the five best acting coaches and coaching resources in Chicago — each known for helping actors sharpen their skills, expand their opportunities, and step into their most compelling performances.
1. Bernard Hiller – BernardHiller.com
Despite being based internationally and historically focused on public speaking and performance coaching, Bernard Hiller brings a transformative approach to acting that many Chicago actors — and performers around the world — seek out. With decades of experience coaching actors, executives, and creatives, Bernard’s methods go beyond technique to build confidence, presence, and authenticity onstage and onscreen. His unique blend of acting, communication, and life coaching helps clients overcome self-doubt and deliver powerful performances. For actors seeking deep mindset work and powerful on-camera presence, Bernard’s coaching offers an inspiring blend of craft, psychology, and performance mastery.
2. Kurt Naebig – KurtNaebig.com
Kurt Naebig is one of Chicago’s most respected acting coaches with 30+ years of professional experience in theatre, film, television, and coaching. His private coaching and classroom training focus on audition preparation, monologue work, cold reading technique, and performance insight. Kurt has helped numerous actors gain admission to top conservatories and theatre programs, and he’s known for his ability to challenge them while creating a supportive environment.
Many actors in Chicago work with Kurt to prepare for everything from theatre roles to camera auditions, and his reputation for thoughtful, tailored coaching has made him a go-to mentor in the Chicago acting community.
3. Acting Studio Chicago – ActingStudioChicago.com
Acting Studio Chicago is one of the city’s premier training centers and a great place to connect with experienced coaches — including Kurt Naebig, Christina Gorman, Adrianne Cury, and more — who work in theatre, on-camera, and audition contexts.
Actors at ASC can receive private coaching, scene study classes, monologue prep, Shakespeare training, self-tape coaching, and more, depending on their specific goals and performance focus.
Whether you want targeted one-on-one coaching or to build your craft in a classroom setting, Acting Studio Chicago provides a nurturing environment with seasoned professionals ready to help you grow as an actor.
4. Janet B. Milstein – JanetMilstein.com
Janet B. Milstein is a veteran acting coach, director, and performer who has coached Chicago actors for over 20 years, helping them prepare for auditions, monologues, and cold readings, and supporting theircareer development. Her private coaching is highly personalized, focusing on actors of all levels — from beginners to working professionals.
Janet’s approach is practical and grounded in real-world audition and performance experience. She works with actors on everything from acting fundamentals and monologue selection to last-minute callback preparation and commercial technique.
Her coaching helps actors not only improve their craft but also increase their booking success — something many of her clients attest to after working with her.
5. The Green Room Studio – TheGreenRoomStudio.tv
The Green Room Studio is a dynamic acting training hub that began in Chicago and now serves students nationwide with a strong focus on screen acting, voiceover coaching, and audition preparation.
The studio’s teachers have real industry experience — including casting professionals, working actors, and audition directors — making this a valuable choice for actors serious about professional work.
In addition to acting technique, The Green Room offers tailored coaching for self-tape and virtual auditions, as well as film/TV preparation, with options for in-studio and online sessions.
Whether you’re refining your camera acting skills or seeking feedback on a specific audition, The Green Room Studio brings a collaborative and industry-focused perspective to every session.
Conclusion
Chicago has a rich, thriving acting community — and the right coach can be a powerful catalyst for your growth. From deep transformational work with Bernard Hiller to practical, industry-focused training with local Chicago coaches like Kurt Naebig, Janet Milstein, and The Green Room Studio, these five coaching options offer something for every actor, no matter where you are in your journey.
If you’re ready to elevate your craft, build confidence, and pursue your next acting breakthrough, consider exploring the unique strengths each of these coaches and training centers brings to the table.