Our History
Thespian Academy was founded in 2008 by Eleanor Vance, a celebrated stage actress with a lifelong passion for the performing arts. Eleanor envisioned a nurturing and rigorous training environment in Springfield, Illinois, where aspiring actors could hone their skills and unlock their full potential. From humble beginnings in a small studio, the academy quickly grew in reputation and size, attracting students from across the state and beyond.
Initially, the academy focused on traditional theatrical training, emphasizing Stanislavski's method, classical text analysis, and stagecraft. As the academy evolved, it expanded its curriculum to encompass contemporary acting techniques, film and television acting, and musical theatre. The faculty grew to include seasoned professionals with diverse backgrounds in theatre, film, television, and voice acting, ensuring that students received well-rounded and industry-relevant instruction.
Over the years, Thespian Academy has produced numerous successful alumni who have gone on to achieve recognition in regional and national theatre productions, independent films, and television series. The academy has also forged strong partnerships with local theatre companies, providing students with opportunities to gain professional experience and network with industry professionals. The academy’s annual showcase, held at the historic Springfield Theatre Guild, has become a highly anticipated event, providing graduating students with a platform to showcase their talent to agents, casting directors, and theatre producers.
Today, Thespian Academy stands as a leading acting school in the Midwest, committed to providing exceptional training, fostering a supportive community, and empowering students to pursue their dreams in the performing arts. Eleanor Vance's vision continues to guide the academy's mission, ensuring that every student receives the personalized attention and mentorship they need to succeed.
Our Mission
Thespian Academy's mission is to provide comprehensive, rigorous, and inspiring acting training that empowers students to become versatile, confident, and creative performers. We are committed to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment where students can explore their artistic potential, develop their unique voices, and prepare for successful careers in the performing arts.
We strive to instill in our students a deep understanding of acting theory and technique, while also encouraging them to embrace experimentation, take risks, and develop their own individual approaches to performance. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in acting fundamentals, as well as advanced training in specialized areas such as character development, scene study, improvisation, voice and movement, and on-camera acting.
We are dedicated to providing our students with opportunities to learn from experienced professionals who are actively working in the industry. Our faculty is comprised of seasoned actors, directors, playwrights, and voice coaches who bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the classroom. They are committed to providing personalized attention and mentorship to each student, helping them to identify their strengths, overcome their challenges, and reach their full potential.
Beyond technical skills, we aim to cultivate in our students a sense of professionalism, ethical responsibility, and artistic integrity. We believe that actors have a unique power to inspire, challenge, and connect with audiences, and we encourage our students to use their talents to create meaningful and impactful work. We are committed to preparing our students not only for successful careers in the performing arts but also for lives of purpose, creativity, and service.
Meet Our Experienced Faculty
Eleanor Vance
Founder and Artistic Director. Eleanor is an award-winning stage actress with over 30 years of experience in professional theatre. She has performed in leading roles in numerous classical and contemporary plays, and has directed productions for regional theatre companies across the country.
Specializes in Classical Acting, Scene Study
James Harper
Acting Instructor. James is a seasoned film and television actor, known for his roles in critically acclaimed dramas and comedies. He has appeared in numerous network television shows and independent films, and has taught acting workshops at universities and theatre festivals.
Specializes in On-Camera Acting, Improvisation
Olivia Reed
Voice and Movement Coach. Olivia specializes in vocal technique, physical expression, and stage presence. She has worked as a voice and movement coach for numerous theatre companies and has trained actors for Broadway productions and national tours.
Specializes in Voice and Diction, Stage Movement
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Thespian Academy boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide students with the best possible learning environment. Our facilities include:
- The Vance Theatre: A fully equipped black box theatre with flexible seating, professional lighting and sound systems, and a sprung floor.
- The Stanislavski Studio: A dedicated rehearsal space for scene study, character development, and movement work.
- The Green Room: A comfortable lounge area for students to relax, socialize, and prepare for performances.
- The Costume and Wardrobe Department: A fully stocked costume shop with a wide variety of costumes, fabrics, and accessories.
- The Tech Booth: A digital editing suite for students to produce and refine their audition tapes.
Our facilities are regularly updated to meet the evolving needs of our students and the demands of the industry. We are committed to providing our students with access to the latest technology and equipment, ensuring that they are well-prepared for successful careers in the performing arts.
The Vance Theatre, named in honor of our founder Eleanor Vance, is the heart of our academy. It provides a versatile space for student productions, showcases, and masterclasses. The theater's flexible design allows for a variety of staging configurations, from traditional proscenium to intimate thrust stages. The professional lighting and sound systems ensure that every performance is visually and aurally stunning. The sprung floor provides a safe and comfortable surface for actors to move and dance.
The Stanislavski Studio is a dedicated rehearsal space designed to foster creativity and collaboration. The studio is equipped with mirrors, ballet barres, and sound systems, making it ideal for movement work, vocal exercises, and scene study. The studio's neutral décor and natural light create a calming and inspiring atmosphere for students to explore their craft.
Our Commitment to Community
Thespian Academy believes in giving back to the community and using the power of theatre to make a positive impact. We actively engage in outreach programs and partnerships that bring the arts to underserved populations in Springfield, IL and surrounding areas. Our students and faculty regularly volunteer their time and talents to support local organizations and initiatives.
One of our core programs is the "Theatre for All" initiative, which provides free acting workshops and performances to children and adults with disabilities. We partner with local schools and community centers to offer inclusive and accessible theatrical experiences. Through these workshops, participants develop their communication skills, build confidence, and explore their creativity in a safe and supportive environment.
We also collaborate with the Springfield Food Bank to raise awareness about food insecurity through theatrical performances and fundraising events. Our students have written and performed original plays that address the challenges faced by individuals and families struggling with hunger. These performances not only raise money for the food bank but also spark important conversations about poverty and social justice in our community.
In addition to our outreach programs, Thespian Academy hosts free public performances and workshops throughout the year. These events provide opportunities for community members to experience the transformative power of theatre and learn more about the art form. We believe that theatre should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or economic status. By offering free programs and performances, we aim to foster a love of the arts and build a stronger, more vibrant community.