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ABOUT

The Name

A forge is a workshop for a blacksmith - full of hard work, consistency, and craftsmanship. It's not easy molding metal. Hammering away at a skill isn't for those who give up easily. The Forge is for those who chase dreams, make careers out of thin air, and smirk in the faces of those who said they couldn't. 

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If you're looking for a school that will pat you on the head and tell you good job, whether you're getting better or not, we're not for you. We are here to train the actors and filmmakers who are ready to do the hard work, stay consistent, and fight to be better at their craft day after day.

Our Team.

Work with some of Chicago's finest filmmakers, actors, and educators, and learn more about our team below.

Workforce

Work off tuition or save up credit with our work program for those, like Sarah, who want to change their stars and can't afford it.  

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  • Help during classes and intensives

  • Work on social media and marketing

  • Get your hands dirty and help at the space

  • Offering $15/hour in credit for anything at The Forge

More About Workforce

If training is financially out of reach, we still have your back.

FAQs & Policies

  • Class/Intensive/Event Cancellation
    If you have enrolled or registered for any of our classes, intensives, or events and are no longer able to attend, please send us a cancellation in writing. There is a $35 cancellation fee. As stated above, 50% of all payments are nonrefundable. If a refund for the leftover 50% is requested at least 13 days in advance, that amount, minus the $35 cancellation fee, will be placed back on the original card you used within 3-5 business days. Between COVID-19 and the ever-changing nature of our industry, we want to be as flexible and accommodating as possible. If you book something and can’t make it to class, we’re thrilled for you! In order to keep our doors open and continue providing affordable training and resources to our community, we hope you understand that we cannot budge on our refund/cancellation policies. Thank you for understanding and continuing to support us. We appreciate you.
  • I enrolled for something, but I can't take it because _______.
    That stinks, friend! Please check our payment policies thoroughly before enrolling because most of our classes, intensives, and demo reels sell seats like concert tickets: Once it's yours, it's yours. If you can't make the concert, it's your ticket to try to sell. Please contact us if you've read the refund policies thoroughly and still need assistance. We'll do our best to help without putting the studio in financial hot water.
  • Tardiness
    If you can’t be on time, be early. It is not only expected to be in class on time, it is mandatory. Latecomers disrupt not only the instructors of the class but also those that have paid for their time to be there. Repeated tardiness will result in the student being asked to either arrive on time from then on, or not at all, and no refund or credit will be given.
  • I enrolled in something, then you ran a sale!
    We try to run sales as often as we can afford to make classes accessible for all! If you miss a sale, there's always a possibility of another before the class starts, but not guaranteed. With several of our classes selling out consistently, it makes sense to sign up when you see openings. If you go into Target or Home Depot and ask for sales prices outside of their sales times, they may be able to help. We don't have Target/Home Depot money, unfortunately, and your ticket is your responsibility once enrolled.
  • Payment Policies
    Payments for all programming at The Forge (excluding Demo Camp) is due upon booking to save a seat in the room. Fifty percent (50%) of all enrollment payments are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-negotiable. Since classes are small and seating is limited, we cannot provide payment plans for weekly classes. Please contact us for more information if you would rather pay by check. There is a $25 service charge on all returned checks.
  • Student Removal
    Instructors at The Forge are empowered to make decisions about students they feel are behaving counter-productive to that environment, or exhibiting conduct unbecoming of a student. Any instructor can have any disruptive student removed from class at their discretion, with or without prior warning. In the case of such removal, no refunds or credits will be given. Any student caught exhibiting violent or threatening behavior toward staff or fellow students will be immediately suspended from all classes and will not be allowed to return. There will be no refund or credits given. Any student caught using, in possession of, or dispensing alcohol or illegal drugs on the premises or leading up to or during a class or workshop will be immediately suspended from all classes and will not be allowed to return. There will be no refund or credits given.
  • Moving from Tier to Tier
    The Tier System was established to help students and teachers identify their current level and how to best improve their careers. • Tier One - Beginners • Tier Two - Intermediate • Tier Three - Advanced or professional If you sign up for a class that is not the right tier, The Forge team is here to help. Your teachers and coaches will encourage you to level up and recommend you when they feel you're ready or when you've auditioned for higher levels. If you enroll in a higher tier than your teacher feels you're ready for, they will make the recommendations to move to a lower tier to keep the entire class at a certain level of education. You will be asked if you'd like to transfer into another active class that's currently in session if there's space, or give you a partial credit for another class in the future. If you aren't sure which tier is right for you, please get in touch before enrolling, as some classes have non-refundable deposits.
  • Service Cancellation
    We do not offer refunds for our services, but we CAN offer you the full credit back towards a future class, service, etc as long as you contact us more than 24 hours before the appointment. If you have booked a service and need to move it, we're happy to accommodate that change within 5 business days of your original booking. Past that window, we can no longer reschedule. Canceling any service within 24-hours of the appointment will lose you 50% of the credit back. Between COVID-19 and the ever-changing nature of our industry, we want to be as flexible and accommodating as possible. If you book something, we’re thrilled for you! In order to keep our doors open and continue providing affordable training and resources to our community, we hope you understand that we cannot budge on our refund/cancellation policies. Thank you for understanding and continuing to support us. We appreciate you.
  • My teacher had to postpone class because they were working on set. Now what?
    Since instructors at The Forge are all working professionals in their field, there are times when an instructor may be called out of town or onto set with short notice to…well…work. In that event, we will postpone class and notify all students by email. Don't worry, your class will just extend by a week. You're not losing a class.
  • I can't make it to the class I bought! Can I transfer?
    The short answer is no, buying a class is like buying a movie ticket, we can't resell your ticket. But, please check our policy section for more information on transfers.
  • What do I wear?
    We want you to wear whatever you are most comfortable in. But, clothes are required, yes!
  • Can I audit a class?
    We offer the option to audit all classes at 50% of the class value. All lectures will be recorded and sent to audit participants. Acting participation is not included in this fee.
  • Do you offer discounts or internships in exchange for classes?
    We often offer discounts to students who take more than one class and send out flash sales on social media. To stay up to date, subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of the page. We do offer internships from time to time! Get in touch with us to learn more.
  • I took some classes. Will you help get me a job now?
    We cannot make suggestions for representation, nor can we guarantee work for you after you've taken a class. We will give you the tools to be able to work, but you've got to hustle to get those jobs yourself.
  • I booked a tier II or III class without consulting with your team. Now I'm here, and it's to advanced for me. Can I get a refund?
    Unfortunately, we cannot afford to process refunds or shift your enrollment to a new class at no cost. We are always available to discuss which class you belong in prior to booking, if you're not totally sure, and we highly recommend you begin with the lower tiers.
  • I missed a class! What do I do?
    When life happens and you have to miss a class, just let us know! We can honor one makeup class in the next session of your course. We cannot go beyond one class due to the size of our classes and studio.
  • Studio One
    Studio One is our largest space, still designed to limit the amount of folks who can be there. It's great for castings, table reads, classes, or a flex space. Some folks have used it for shoots, makeup rooms, and rehearsal spaces - whatever you need, we're happy to help. Basic Rate: $75/ hour ◽️Exclusivity Fee: Adds $25/hour. If you’d like to reserve the entire space so no one can use it at the same time, we’ll lock down our schedule just for you! ◽️Space Liason: Adds $20/hour. Booked 30m before your appointment to open the space and 30m afterwards to clean and lock up. Additional payment dependent on class sessions and staff hours at our studio - we will let you know when you fill out the form! Size: 18'x21' Included Gear: Two LED Light Heads - Ceiling Mounted 40" Smart TV Seated desk All rentals include the use of the lobby, kitchenette, bathroom, and wifi. If you'd like to lock off the entire space, please get in touch with us!
  • Studio Two
    Perfect for one-on-one coaching session, a quiet space for a Zoom callback, or a quick self-tape, Studio Two is our smaller room for tighter budgets. Rate: $25/ hour ◽️Exclusivity Fee: Adds $25/hour. If you’d like to reserve the entire space so no one can use it at the same time, we’ll lock down our schedule just for you! ◽️Space Liason: Adds $20/hour. Booked 30m before your appointment to open the space and 30m afterwards to clean and lock up. Additional payment dependent on class sessions and staff hours at our studio - we will let you know when you fill out the form! Size: 10'x12' Included Gear: Two LED Light Heads - Ceiling Mounted Seated/Standing Desk Ring Light Lamp All rentals include the use of the lobby, kitchenette, bathroom, and wifi. If you'd like to lock off the entire space, please get in touch with us!
  • Bathroom
    Our bathroom is an ADA bathroom, ready for everyone. We only have one bathroom, but our neighbors at Backlot Coffee and Jimmy's Pizza Cafe have lovely bathrooms if you feel like giving them a visit.
  • Kitchenette
    Our kitchenette is all yours - please make yourself at home! Refrigerator with freezer Microwave Coffee grinder + tea bags Coffee percolator Carafes servers are also available Kettle Plates + Bowls + mugs Cutlery Glassware Water bottles + water filter
  • Lobby
    Walk right into the lobby, just off Montrose Avenue. We have space for twelve folks to wait on benches; more chairs can line the hallway as needed. Our location liaison will manage our front desk for the day, but please let us know if you have someone who can run the desk!
  • Table + Chair Kit • $10/day
    Enjoy access to all of our tables and chairs to use as you need them.
  • Camera • $60/hour
    Need a camera for your casting or upcoming audition? $60/hour - Inclusive of Camera Tech $20/hour - Camera Tech - Required $40/hour - Camera + Tripod
  • Microphone Kit • $5/hour
    Rhode plug-and-play microphone kit - plugs into universal audio jacks.
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