Coaching

Kurt is one of the most sought after acting coaches in Chicago. He has been coaching and teaching actors since 1992 and has helped performers get ready for theatre, film, grad and undergrad auditions. Kurt’s private instruction has helped actors get into schools like: Juilliard, Yale, Princeton, The Theatre School at DePaul, NYU, University of Southern California, Boston University, Columbia University, Northwestern University, RADA, BADA, the School at Steppenwolf and many, many others.

Video: Kurt Gives Tips on Monologues

Private Coaching for Auditions includes:

  • Monologues and Cold Readings
  • Theatre, Film, Grad and Undergrad Auditions
  • Can Find Pieces Catered To Your Individual Needs
  • I also coach via Zoom, Skype, Facetime or Google Hangouts.

About Kurt

Kurt has worked professionally in theatre, film, television and radio for more than 30 years, and has been teaching and coaching actors since 1992. He has directed countless plays and worked as an acting teacher and coach. He has worked with, and assisted casting directors Jane Brody, Mali Finn, and Lynn Stalmaster. A Juilliard graduate, he has also studied at the Moscow School of the Arts in Russia.

On camera, Kurt has appeared in such films as “Public Enemies”, “Road to Perdition”, “The Express”, “Witless Protection”, “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer”, “Dillinger”, “Howard Beach: Making the Case for Murder”, and TV episodes of “Chicago Fire”, “Chicago PD”, “The Chicago Code”, “Detroit 1-8-7”, “ER” and “Prison Break”.

On stage, Kurt has performed at Steppenwolf Theatre, National Jewish Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare and A Red Orchid Theatre. Kurt is a current member of Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, a former artistic director of The Theatre of Western Springs and former co-owner and director of The Acting Studio Chicago.

Coaching Inquires:

To schedule a coaching, or learn more, contact Kurt at 630-935-7125 or by email.

Audit one of Kurt’s classes at Acting Studio Chicago.

Acting Agent:

Grossman & Jack Talent
213 W. Institute Place, Suite 306
Chicago, IL 60610
p: 312.587.1155

Voiceover Agent:

NV Talent
900 N. Franklin St., Suite 709
Chicago, IL 60610
p: 312-563-0136

Solo Show bookings:

For information about booking a solo show , contact us at 630-935-7125 or by email.

What Students Have to Say…

“Since taking your classes I have been working consistently! I still use the monologue from class and coachings and have gotten called back for every audition I’ve gone to.”

—Dara Trainer

“Working with Kurt has been one of my best experiences as an artist. He generously shares his wealth of knowledge and talent to prepare any actor for their college auditions or otherwise. Working with him helped me get accepted, and pursue both a BFA at NYU and later, an MFA at Yale. I am extremely grateful for our work together and could not recommend him enough.” 

—Michael Saguto

“Kurt’s private coaching has been life changing for me. I attended the URTA auditions and I received callbacks from top schools like Calarts, UMKC, FSU/Asolo as well as many others. I now have a full-ride scholarship to Florida State University to study theater at the Graduate level. I could not be where I am without Kurt.” 

—Rueben Wakefield

“Thanks for coaching me on both Chicago Fire episodes, and at times being my personal therapist. I felt very prepared going into each day of filming. Even when they steered me in different directions, I came in with a specific point of view thanks to our work. I couldn’t have done it without you.” 

—Max Stewart

“School is great! I love Juilliard! Thanks for everything!” 

—Frank Harts

“Kurt has the uncanny ability to steer you in unexpected and exciting directions with just a few words of guidance.”

—Bryn Packard

“Kurt’s electrifying energy has helped me become more excited about monologues in general and gets me excited to work.”

—Chelsea David

“This class went BEYOND my expectations. I’ve had A LOT of training and this was by far the most beneficial. Kurt is a magical acting wizard. The atmosphere was welcoming and warm. I loved Kurt’s input feedback, energy, passion, etc. He knows his stuff and I feel very grateful for having learned from him. Honestly, I can’t think of anything to​ do better. The class was fun and beneficial. Kurt made a 4 hour class feel like 10 minutes.”

—Bre Brown

“All My Children was so much easier after what I learned in your classes. I think my work was much cleaner, stronger and more interesting.”

—Taylor Miller

“I just wanted to say thank you. I was accepted into the MFA Acting program at The New School for Drama and Acting. I couldn’t have done it without our coaching sessions.”

—Selena Lopez

“You are such an inspiration to me, – I have never been so excited to learn in all my life Thanks for everything. By the way, I was accepted to all the schools I auditioned for. You Rock!”

—Misti Chamkunthod

“After studying with Kurt this spring, I was cast in Collaboraction’s Sketchbook and Steppenwolf’s upcoming Elephant Man. Kurt pushed me to take risks that really paid off.”

—Lily Mojekwu

“Kurt’s Monologue Class was highly recommended to me by many Chicago actors. After taking his class, I knew I wanted to work further with him as a private coach for my URTA auditions – all but 2 schools called me back and invited me to apply. I gained great material and successful self-tapes for future auditions as well!”

—Elodie Senetra

“I really connected to the monologue you picked for me, and used it for my School at Steppenwolf audition. Thanks to working with you, I got accepted into the program this summer. I recommend you to all my friends looking for coaching.” 

—Ryan Patrick Dolan

“Your love for theatre is contagious. Please keep doing what you are doing.”

—Allison Latta

“I appreciate the mix of intelligence, sensitivity, specificity and excitement that you teach with.”

—Rachel Sondag

“I have been accepted in the British American Drama Academy and will be spending my summer in Oxford, England. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

—Jon Arndt

“Sometimes the difference between success and failure is inspiration and knowledge. Thank you for eagerly providing both.”

—Lisa Fontana

“Because of your excellent monologue coaching, I have been accepted to De Paul University.”

—Kelly Marie Dawson