The Actors Training Center

The mission of the Actors Training Center (ATC) is to provide children, teens and adults a creative outlet, a welcoming professional space and industry-grade training — regardless of their financial standing. For over a decade, we’ve worked to foster a community of people, like-minded in their enthusiasm for the dramatic arts within a safe, supportive environment. ATC, under the leadership of Carole Dibo, has a national reputation for bridging the gap between a young actor’s needs and the industry’s expectations. We’ve helped hundreds of students to feel comfortable in their own skin, learn and work collaboratively with peers and mentors, form lasting bonds with new friends, and even land roles on Broadway, in touring companies, movies, TV shows, and feature films. 

Our students Train to Work and Learn for Life!

And we now need your support to help us stage a brighter future.

 
Since 2012, ATC has operated as a division of the Wilmette Theatre Education Project, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity. Due to the high demand for its programs, ATC is launching independently and forming a new 501(c)(3).

With your help, our goal is to:

• PROVIDE MORE SCHOLARSHIPS: ATC’s mission includes accepting students into our programs without regard to financial need. We never turn a student away. However, like most non-profit educational institutions, tuition does not cover our expenses.

• CREATE BETTER SPACES + PLACES: While we will continue to operate above the Wilmette Theatre, we are adding a new and improved studio space in downtown Wilmette. We are also expanding our curriculum to reach new students throughout Chicago neighborhoods with our new “ATC@” series.

• EXPAND PREMIERE PROGRAMMING: We are expanding course offerings to meet the demand of our premier programs to reach students all over the Chicago area.

 ATC is a home where students feel safe, loved and challenged. Far beyond the training required for the entertainment industry, we help students improve their listening and communication skills and empower kids who feel they don’t have a place in their schools or the positive support to help with their social-emotional development. Our students are well-prepared for next steps like Jr. High, High School, College and the social challenges each presents.

 TRIBUTES FROM ATC STUDENTS:

 “I had social anxiety and resisted going to school. ATC helped me find my voice, form wonderful new friendships, and get up on stage with confidence.” — ATC student

 “The Actors Training Center definitely helped me get into Carnegie Mellon University and now be where I am at today, on Broadway.”  — Nathan Salstone, Original Broadway Cast, “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child”

 “I discovered I could actually be funny!” — ATC student

 “ATC founder Carole Dibo, runs a program that is equally focused on understanding and fulfilling your passion as an actor and also understanding and fulfilling the needs of the business. That’s a great thing to be able to teach a lot of young actors.” — Rachel Brosnahan, Golden Globe Winner, Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

 “You have created a bona fide gem...where passion ignites, the bar is raised, skills are nurtured...and all with an enormous dose of reality.  What a gift.” — Karen Jones, Parent

 “After retiring from teaching, I decided to do something out of my comfort zone. ATC gave me the courage and support to move beyond what I’ve always known.” — Adult student

 “ATC gave me the passion and the knowledge I needed to know that I was meant to act.  I am now in New York and I’m the happiest I have ever been.” — Maeve Ryan, Current Student at NYU Tisch Drama School

 “ATC offers the best actor training for teens and young adults in the Midwest.  Carole set the bar high, which will always make ATC the first stop when looking for young talent in Chicago.” — Geoff Soffer, New York Casting Director

PLEASE DONATE to support ATC and arts education that enriches the lives of our students and our communities. Your support is essential to help us launch independently, grow our programs in welcoming spaces, and continue to create life-changing experiences for every child, teen and adult student.

www.actorstrainingcenter.org