The Theatre School at DePaul University — Attraction in Chicago

I am very happy I transferred out of this school. Folks who are considering applying here, please proceed with caution. I strongly urge you to reconsider. I wish somebody had told me the truth about The Theatre School when I was a senior in high school.

This conservatory could be of great value to up and coming theatre artists, especially given that Chicago has such a vibrant theatre scene. But due to the uncompromising rules surrounding theatre participation outside of the school (which is not an option for BFA actors and an enormous, often impossible, obstacle for other theatre majors), The Theatre School creates an insular bubble in which students can only grow within the walls of their conservatory. However, if the content of what TTS students were learning daily was as rigorous as promised in orientations and tour guides, experience outside of the classroom would not be as necessary. Sadly, the majority of professors (not all) at TTS are far more interested in lecturing on themselves than on relevant theatre topics. This may be part of the reason why there are such harsh rules surrounding theatre participation outside of the school. Without a captive and naive audience, TTS professors and faculty would be forced to do their jobs of catering to students, rather than themselves. Naturally, given all of these factors, the productions are less than impressive, despite the surplus of talented students. It is very hard to do you best work when the environment is so toxic.

It makes me very sad that such a bland and disappointing conservatory resides in Chicago. Unlike elitist faculty at TTS (and some students, because attitudes spread), Chicago theatre artists are some of the most humble, authentic people I have been privileged enough of to work with. I hope that my review does not stop aspiring theatre artists from joining the artistic community here. There are plenty of ways to be involved in theatre in Chicago without wasting tuition money on The...

We went to see a show called Monster performed by a group of 2nd year students, and it blew my mind. The talent of this group of fabulous young people was extraordinary and bodes very well for our upcoming stars of the future. I loved my evening at DePaul,. Thank you to everyone we met for your warm welcome and making us feel right at home...

A great place to see both classic and modern plays alike! DePaul produces a high quality theatre program, and many of our alumni have gone on to win Oscar's. So keep an eye on the students on stage, cause you might see them accepting an award next time...