Our Mission
At StageReady Academy, located in the heart of Chicago, our mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality training in acting, dance, and vocal performance. We strive to cultivate a supportive and inspiring environment where students of all levels can develop their artistic talents, build confidence, and pursue their dreams in the performing arts. We are committed to fostering creativity, discipline, and collaboration, preparing our students for success on stage and in life.
We believe that the performing arts are essential to a vibrant and thriving community. Our goal is to make arts education accessible to all, regardless of background or experience. We offer a range of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our students, from introductory classes for beginners to advanced workshops for seasoned performers. Through our dedicated faculty and innovative curriculum, we empower our students to reach their full potential and become the next generation of artists and leaders.
Our History
StageReady Academy was founded in 2010 by renowned Chicago actress, Eleanor Vance. Inspired by her own experiences in the performing arts, Eleanor envisioned a school that would provide aspiring performers with the tools and support they needed to succeed. Starting with just a small acting class in a rented studio space, the academy quickly grew in popularity, attracting students from all over the Chicago area.
Over the years, StageReady Academy has expanded its offerings to include dance and vocal training, attracting a team of highly skilled and experienced instructors. In 2015, the academy moved to its current location in the vibrant theatre district of Chicago, providing state-of-the-art facilities for our students. Today, StageReady Academy is recognized as one of the leading performing arts schools in the city, with a reputation for excellence and a commitment to student success.
Eleanor Vance, now the Artistic Director, continues to be actively involved in the academy, ensuring that her vision remains at the heart of everything we do. Her passion for the performing arts and her dedication to her students have shaped StageReady Academy into the thriving community it is today.
Our Values
At StageReady Academy, we are guided by a set of core values that shape our approach to teaching, learning, and community building:
- Excellence: We strive for excellence in all that we do, from our curriculum and instruction to our facilities and programs.
- Creativity: We foster a culture of creativity and innovation, encouraging our students to explore their artistic potential and think outside the box.
- Collaboration: We believe that collaboration is essential to success in the performing arts. We encourage our students to work together, support each other, and learn from one another.
- Integrity: We are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in all our interactions.
- Inclusivity: We embrace diversity and inclusivity, welcoming students from all backgrounds and abilities.
- Passion: We are passionate about the performing arts and dedicated to sharing our love of the arts with our students.
Our Team
StageReady Academy is proud to have a team of dedicated and talented instructors who are passionate about teaching and mentoring the next generation of performers. Our faculty includes experienced actors, dancers, vocalists, and choreographers who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the classroom.
Michael Reynolds
Academy Administrator
Michael Reynolds is the Academy Administrator at StageReady, responsible for the daily operations and ensuring a smooth experience for all students. He has a background in arts management and a passion for supporting the performing arts community in Chicago. Contact him at [email protected] or (312) 555-2787.
Samantha Lee
Head of Dance Department
Samantha Lee leads the Dance Department at StageReady Academy, developing the curriculum and mentoring dance instructors. She is a celebrated dancer and choreographer with years of experience performing and teaching across the country. Reach out to her at [email protected] for dance-related inquiries.
David Chen
Head of Vocal Department
David Chen oversees the Vocal Department, ensuring students receive top-notch vocal training. He has an extensive background in opera and musical theatre. He’s dedicated to helping students find their unique vocal style. Contact him at [email protected].
Learn more about our talented instructors on our Instructors page.