At The Lumina Acting Academy, we pride ourselves on having a team of dedicated and experienced instructors who are passionate about helping students reach their full potential. Our instructors bring a wealth of knowledge from their diverse backgrounds in theater, film, and television. Get to know the individuals who will guide you on your acting journey.
Eleanor Vance is a seasoned actress and director with over 20 years of experience in the Chicago theater scene. She holds an MFA in Acting from the Goodman School of Drama and has worked with renowned theater companies such as Steppenwolf and The Second City. Eleanor specializes in scene study, character development, and classical acting techniques. Her teaching philosophy centers on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment where students can explore their creativity and take risks.
Specializations: Scene Study, Classical Acting, Character Development
Marcus Bell is a multi-talented actor, writer, and comedian with a background in improvisation and sketch comedy. He is an alumnus of The Second City Conservatory and has performed in numerous improv shows and stand-up comedy clubs across Chicago. Marcus is passionate about teaching improvisation techniques to actors of all levels, helping them to develop their spontaneity, comedic timing, and ensemble skills. He also teaches workshops on writing and performing original comedic material.
Specializations: Improvisation, Sketch Comedy, Comedic Timing
Aisha Rodriguez is a film and television actress with credits in several independent films and network television series. She has a BA in Film Studies from Northwestern University and has trained with some of the top acting coaches in Los Angeles and New York. Aisha specializes in on-camera acting techniques, audition preparation, and building a successful acting career in the film and television industry. She is dedicated to helping her students develop their screen presence and navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry.
Specializations: On-Camera Acting, Audition Technique, Film & Television
Daniel O'Connell is a voice and speech coach with extensive experience in dialect training and vocal performance. He holds a PhD in Theater from the University of Illinois and has worked as a voice consultant for numerous theater productions and film projects. Daniel specializes in helping actors develop clear and expressive voices, master different dialects, and overcome vocal challenges. He is committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment where students can explore the power of their voices.
Specializations: Voice & Speech, Dialect Coaching, Vocal Performance
Jasmine Lee is a movement and physical theater specialist with a background in dance, yoga, and martial arts. She has a MFA in Physical Theater from the Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre and has performed in physical theater productions around the world. Jasmine specializes in teaching actors how to connect with their bodies, explore their physicality, and use movement to enhance their performances. She is passionate about helping her students develop greater awareness, flexibility, and expressiveness in their bodies.
Specializations: Movement, Physical Theater, Stage Combat
Samuel Peterson brings a wealth of experience from his years as a stage manager and theatrical technician to Lumina Acting Academy. His expertise is invaluable in the technical theatre course, where he teaches students the practical aspects of theatre production, including lighting, sound, and set design. Samuel earned his BFA in Technical Theatre from DePaul University, and his hands-on approach ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of what goes on behind the scenes.
Specializations: Technical Theatre, Stage Management, Lighting Design
Olivia Hayes is a Chicago native with over a decade of experience in the world of acting. As a graduate of the renowned Act One Studios, she has starred in various theatrical productions throughout the city. Olivia’s warm and nurturing approach makes her an excellent instructor for beginners, as she focuses on building foundational skills and confidence in her students. She specializes in teaching basic acting techniques, stage presence, and how to deliver compelling performances even with minimal experience.
Specializations: Beginner Acting, Stage Presence, Performance Coaching
Ethan Wright is an accomplished voice actor with credits spanning animated series, commercials, and video games. He brings his experience and expertise to the voice acting program at Lumina Acting Academy. Ethan specializes in vocal modulation, character voice creation, and audition techniques for voice acting roles. He is dedicated to providing his students with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive world of voice-over work, ensuring they are ready to make their mark in the industry.
Specializations: Voice Acting, Voice Modulation, Character Voices