Stephen Schellhardt
About
Me
Stephen Schellhardt (he/him) is a multi-talented performing artist hooked on theatre since the second grade when he organized, cast and put on a performance of The Wizard of Oz for his entire grade school. What followed has been a marvelous theatrical journey encompassing a musical theatre degree from Carnegie Mellon University’s acclaimed drama school and a professional career since in New York City, the Chicago area, regional and international theatres.
Stephen has worked across theatre as a performer and as a creative. He is a Joseph Jefferson Award-winning director and actor, as well as educator, choreographer, producer, casting director and artistic director. In Chicagoland, Stephen has worked with every equity theatre company as well as with the Lyric Opera, the Ravinia Festival, and Northwestern, Roosevelt and Rockford University. He was in the national tour of Altar Boyz and performed in Jane Austen’s Persuasion at The Royal Winchester Theatre in England and at the Shanklin Theatre on The Isle of Wight.
Stephen has served as Associate Producer and Casting Director at Writers Theatre in Glencoe before becoming a visiting professor at Northwestern University and then head of Musical Theatre at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt. He also served as company member and artistic director at Chicago’s BoHo Theatre for six years.
Over the 15-plus years of performing, teaching and directing professionally, Stephen recognizes that everyone has a story to tell, a song to sing and a distinct perspective to offer. His personal passion for education, social justice and employing his broad experience to help guide and coach aspiring performing artists has become a top priority. In any artistic environment, he seeks to create a brave space for theatre artists to explore their authentic selves, gain confidence in their work, sharpen their skillsets and refine the tools essential to achieve longevity within the craft of theatrical performance.
Actor & Director
Coach
Stephen uses his vast theatrical experience to ensure his guidance is enjoyable, highly practical, and will develop and build your skills, confidence and talent – whether you’re just starting out as an aspiring artist, assembling self-tapes, preparing for an audition or callback, expanding your repertory, polishing your audition books, or preparing for the extensive college audition process.
Why work with Stephen? He believes strongly that any musical and theatrical training can improve your:
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Self-esteem and confidence.
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Ability to think imaginatively, be creative, be aware, and have fun.
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Listening and communications skills.
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Ability to work collaboratively and effectively on a team.
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Memorization skills.
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Ability to take and give feedback.
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Ability to celebrate differences and diversities.
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Ability to express emotions.
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Ability to act spontaneously and without self-consciousness.
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Ability to tell a story, communicating it with and without using words.
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Development of a personal style.
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Ability to improvise.
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Mastery of how to rethink, refine, reconsider and redo, all vital in life.
To Stephen, theatre and the performing arts can – and does – change the world. How can Stephen help you in your journey to achieve your goals? Coach with him!
Coachings may be canceled up to 24 hours before your scheduled time. Any cancellations made after that will be charged in full.
Virtual and In-Person Sessions Available!
“I believe strongly in leading with kindness. My coaching philosophy is goal-focused, process oriented and centers on instruction, mentorship and collaboration. As an instructor, I seek to ensure my clients become better observers, creators and critical thinkers. As a mentor, I strive to discover clients’ abilities in our craft and process, then guide them individually as they identify and pursue their own artistic motivations. As collaborator, with other professionals and theatre artists and Chicago’s deeply rich theatre scene, I continually pursue improving and evolving my teaching methods, updating my research and tailoring various approaches to each individual client. I truly love what I do and look forward to working with other artists every day.”
- Stephen
Pricing
$100
for a 60-minute coaching session
add a self-tape reader or piano accompanist to our session for just $25
$75
student cost for a 60-minute coaching session
add a self-tape reader or piano accompanist to our session for just $25
$50
for a 30-minute representation and career consultation meeting
$400
for Stephen's College Audition Package
The college audition search can be daunting, scary, and nerve-wracking. Where do I begin my search? Should I pursue a BFA or BA? Is a conservatory program right for me? Should I double major? What are prescreens auditions ? What’s an audition package? How do I know which program will be the best fit for me and my hopes and dreams?
All of these are essential questions to ask yourselves and with a little guidance and perspective, I can help you answer these questions and ensure you are prepared and excited to tackle the college audition process with confidence.
Pricing includes:
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Preliminary consultation to discuss personal goals, colleges and programs of interest, audition requirements/materials needed for each college of choice.
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Five 1-hour long in-person coaching sessions
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Recorded accompaniment for self-tapes, pre-screens, etc.
Optional add-on: pre-screen and self tape for $75