Playwright Scene Study Series
Class Summary
Taught by Artistic Director Charles Askenaizer, the Invictus Scene Study Series classes focus on the work of a singular playwright. The class will focus on one or more of a playwright’s works for the theatre, with each actor studying and playing multiple characters. The scene study mirrors the process of an Invictus production, starting with table work, following with on-your-feet scene and monologue work.
Two Separate Sessions:
Paula Vogel Scene Study
Sundays from January 11 through March 1
(7 weeks, no class 3/15)
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
$375 per student
Anton Chekhov Scene Study
Wednesdays from February 18 through April 1
(7 weeks)
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
$375 per student
Class is limited to 14 students.
Instructor: Charles Askenaizer
On-Camera Acting
Class Summary
This intensive five-week course is designed to deepen the actor’s understanding of on-camera performance through analysis, scene work, and professional feedback. Each session combines practical work on camera, media analysis, and discussion, culminating in a final showcase for invited casting directors.
The focus is on:
Building self-trust in performance
Exploring a range between subtle and bold choices
Learning to use the camera as a scene partner
Developing a toolbox of techniques applicable to film, TV, and theater
DETAILS
On-Camera Acting
Thursdays from January 8 through February 5
(5 weeks)
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
$325 per student
Class is limited to 18 students.
Instructor: Michael B. Woods
Directing for the stage
Class Summary
Taught by acclaimed Chicago director Lou Contey, this class goes through the ins-and-outs of directing a theatrical production through an examination of script analysis, design, casting, and the rehearsal process.
DETAILS
Directing For The Stage
Wednesdays from January 14 through February 4
(4 weeks)
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
$275 per student
Class is limited to 18 students.
Instructor: Lou Contey
Audition Workshop
Class Summary
Taught by Invictus Casting Director Becca Holloway, this 2 day workshop explores the ins and outs of the audition. From the business of reviewing headshots, resumes, and audition etiquette to preparing monologues and sides, this workshop will have you ready to take on your next audition!
DETAILS
Audition Workshop
Saturday January 10 and Sunday January 11 (2 days)
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
$125 per student
Class is limited to 20 students.
Instructor: Becca Holloway
All classes will be offered in-person at the Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, Illinois 60618.
Full payment must be made to confirm registration.
Class tuition is refundable if cancellation request is received no less than 48 hours before class commences. Refund will be net of a 3% credit card processing fee. Please email classes@InvictusTheatre.com to request refund.
REGISTRATION STEPS
Please click here to pay for your class and secure your spot.
Submit your headshot and resumé via our Registration Form.
YOUR INSTRUCTORs
Charles Askenaizer
Charles Askenaizer (he/him) is the Founding Artistic Director of Invictus Theatre where over 8 years he has led Invictus Theatre to 35 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 5 wins. Invictus Theatre directing credits include ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES//PERESTROIKA (Jeff Recommended), THE WINTER’S TALE (Jeff Recommended), NETWORK, THREE SISTERS, THE CRUCIBLE (Jeff Award Nomination - Director, Jeff Award Nomination - Production), JULIUS CAESAR, WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGNIA WOOLF? (Jeff Award Recipient- Director, Jeff Award Recipient- Production), HAMLET, 'NIGHT, MOTHER (Associate Director), THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, and OTHELLO. Since 2018 Charles has also directed several productions for Invictus's outreach programming in partnership with the Cook County Juvenile Justice System and Lawrence Hall. In 2024, Charles was named one of New City Magazine’s “Players 50 2024: The Rising Stars and Storefront Stalwarts.”
Michael B Woods
is a multi–award-winning stage and film actor who has been working professionally in the Chicago area for nearly two decades. A graduate of The Second City Conservatory, Michael received the Jeff Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of the title role in Cyrano (Boho Theatre Ensemble) and earned Jeff Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his performances as Trigorin in The Seagull (Eclectic Theatre) and as Macduff in Macbeth (Invictus Theatre).
His additional theatre credits include Love and Understanding (RedTwist Theatre), Inana (TimeLine Theatre), Sideman (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre), Big White Fog (Court Theatre) among many others. On film, Michael has starred in the feature films Range Runners, Sinister 2, and Tears to a Glass Eye.
Michael’s television work includes recurring roles in Gillian Flynn’s Utopia (Amazon Prime), Chicago P.D. (NBC), and Empire (FOX). He has also appeared in The Bear (Hulu), Shining Girls (Apple TV+), Shameless (Showtime), In an Instant (ABC), and numerous national commercial campaigns for clients such as Xfinity, State Farm, BMO Harris, and Extra Gum.
He recently guest starred in the HBO Max series Duster and will appear in a multi-episode arc in Season 2 of Dark Matter (Apple TV+), premiering in 2026.
Lou Contey
Lou’s directing career spans over 40 years. As an ensemble member with Shattered Globe Theatre and an associate artist at TimeLine Theatre he has directed more than eighty productions. He is a multiple JEFF nominee and has received one Equity JEFF award and seven non-equity JEFF Citations, as well as an After Dark Award. He has taught acting and directing for the theatre programs at The Theatre School/DePaul University, Roosevelt University, UIC, The Acting Studio, and Act One Studio. His many Chicago directing credits include THE PRICE, AWAKE AND SING!, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, ALL MY SONS, WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG,, and THE HEAVENS ARE HUNG IN BLACK. He has also worked at The Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf, Strawdog Theatre, A Red Orchid, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Eclipse Theatre, and American Theatre Company.
Becca Holloway
Becca Holloway is a director, casting director and producer in Chicago. Directing Credits (Selected) : WISE GUYS, DIE HARD 4 YOUR LUV, LOUIS LEPRINCE (Factory Theater), MUTED., DOGS (Red Theater), DISASTER! THE MUSICAL (Big Noise Theater). Becca is the resident casting director for Red Theater, Invictus Theatre Company, Midsommer Flight, and is also the curator of the monthly Readings at Red series to help support and develop new plays written by Chicago local playwrights.