THE CORCORAN SCHOOL OF THEATER ARTS
The Corcoran School of Theater Arts offers children of diverse backgrounds the chance to express themselves, to explore big ideas and little ones, to work and play hard for the sake of making art, to fulfill a commitment to themselves and others, to experience the rich rewards of sustained effort, to gain valuable life skills and hone specific skills for performance. At The Corcoran School professional theater artists and technicians work side by side with students to make great works of theater that just happen to be executed by children.
About the Teachers
KellyAnn Corcoran is a 15-year veteran of Chicago off-loop Theater. Originally a graduate of Webster University’s Conservatory of Regional Theatre, KellyAnn spent two years doing Equity regional theater before settling in Chicago and founding the critically acclaimed Dolphinback Theater Company. Dolphinback was frequently praised in the Chicago Reader and its 11-time Jeff nominated production (including a Best Director nomination for KellyAnn), American Divine was lauded in American Theater Magazine and called by Albert Williams of The Reader “the best Off-Loop theater production I have ever seen.” Since that time KellyAnn has actively worked with numerous Chicago theatre companies as a director, writer, singer/songwriter and solo artist. She has also continued her education in the area of Early Childhood Education and run one of Chicago’s finest pre-schools, as the Co-Director of the Florence G. Heller JCC Center for Early Childhood Education. KellyAnn’s duel commitments to theater and to education have led her to recently develop The Corcoran School for Theater Arts at Chicago Dramatist’s.
Orion Couling has been blending stage combat with social activism for over 7 years. As founder of EDGE (Esteem Development Through Greater Expectations) he challenges youth through the use of combat mime to make connections with each other and the world around them. He teaches studio classes in Chicago area and fight directs with independent films, local stage productions and Tall Ships. He is also the Artistic Director of Gymkhana Studios. He is recognized as an Associate Teacher for Dueling Arts and as an Advanced Actor Combatant for SAFD. He graduated from Northern Michigan University.
In the winter and spring of 2009 The Corcoran School will present MacSith, an hour production Of MacBeth as a Sith warrior.
Tina Howard studied theater in NYC at The Acting Studio and NYU. While she loves all aspects of the theater, her one true love is Costume. She is blessed with the ‘gift’ of thrift, and with her trusted Trixie ( Husqvarna Viking sewing machine) all things, well most things, are possible. Tina is especially pleased to work at Corcoran School with the most talented actors she has had the pleasure to meet. Life has taught Tina one certainty she would like to share : “You never know about shrinkage”.
Bill Olbrisch is a Chicago based clown, actor, and teaching artist. He graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in English Literature in 1996. That same year Bill began his journey into clowning when he attended the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. He spent all of 1997 traveling with Ringling Brothers as the circus’s advance clown. These amazing experiences were the foundation upon which he has built his career and artistic vision. He has been a professional performer for more than a decade, performing as Biz the Clown in his comedy juggling show and acting in local and nationally touring plays. In 2003, Bill was invited to be a teaching partner for Pros Arts Studio’s acclaimed youth circus program in Pilsen. Since then he has been an active teacher, directing student productions in both in-school residencies and after-school program settings.
MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER CALL 773-816-4502
Corcoran School of Theater Arts works hard to keep the cost of classes affordable.
We do accept and appreciate donation. No amount is too small.
Thanks to all who have already given time and money to the school.
