I've been wanting to take an improv class for years and so glad I did my first one through Piven! First of all, Gillian is SO helpful and accommodating throughout the registration process and with anything administrative. I emailed more than I would have liked having to attend class late or even miss a class and Gilian and team were so understanding. I took Adult Improvisation Games Risk Taking with Jen and it was such fun! There was a mix of advanced students and beginners like myself, and everyone was extremely respectful and kind and created a safe space to experiment and not feel embarrassed as someone who had no idea what they were doing. Classes are a mix of games, as in the title, and exercises "performed" by small groups. Whenever I was watching the other groups I felt like I was watching a professional comedy show! Classes flew by. I would recommend to anyone looking for a fun breakup of the work week or to advance their improv skills! read more

I can't say enough good things about the Piven Theater Workshop for kids! They have wrapped my son in and made him feel so comfortable and confident. Middle school years can be awkward, but I see that the middle schoolers who participate in Piven are wonderfully themselves in their hilarity and in their budding maturity and remaining childhood-ness. The instructors are respectful of all children and families and the administrators are very hands-on and approachable! read more

Our teenage son has done Piven classes and camps for a number of years now, and has really loved every minute. Always excited to go, and makes sure himself that we've signed up for the next class, which is not always the case! We've been so impressed with the care that the staff takes and the warmth they show for every kid in there. I actually just re-read the end-of-class assessment his teachers wrote from a few weeks ago and it really touched me to see how well they've gotten to know him. read more

My daughter has loved working with Piven Theater Workshop. In addition to her acting skills improving, we have seen increase in confidence, public speaking skill, and an increase in friendships with new people. So glad we found Piven! read more

Again Pivens went above and beyond! My granddaughter is learning so many skills which is helping her in her every day life. She is able to take these skills and use them in school, in communication with others and her confidence and has gone up tremendously. I recommend pivens to any and everyone! read more

I had my first class there tonight, and they are amazing. I have never laughed so hard in my life! I was a little intimidated/nervous going into it since I had never done it before, but within 5 minutes my inhibitions were completely gone and I let myself go with the flow. It's so much fun. Even if you don't want to be an actor/famous/etc, their classes can make you much more outgoing and really let you express yourself. read more

Just watched a play last night at Piven Theater. My first time there ever. I know I'm a huge fan of Jeremy Piven, even though it was his 'rents who helped this theater come to pass... It's quite the intimate theater, but I can guarantee, the performers use the entire tiny little space to the best of its abilities. Not only did I get the chance to watch a very powerful play there (Tusk, Tusk. Very good play), but the building itself has another theater attached, and so many activities within one location, I was curious to see what else I would have the opportunity to encounter. There was an art gallery in the hallways and students taking a late night class. It made me miss school, and appreciate how much Northwestern University develops their fine arts classes. The play I had the pleasure of viewing transformed this small theater into the home of three little kids, and you were able to feel their emotions, expressions and anxieties. That's what a great play does. It had me clenching my hands in the seats just trembling with the outcome. I highly recommend you watch a play at Piven Theater. You get to see raw talent at its earliest, but it's a knockout when you see what their potential will lead these young actors and directors to become. read more

I wholeheartedly recommend Piven Theatre Workshop. Many years ago, when my daughter (who is now a professional actress) was young, she took classes at Piven. She enjoyed the classes, and I felt great about the warm but challenging and creative environment. Now that I have time, I have taken 3 classes for myself, in Story Theatre and Scene Study. Piven remains exciting, challenging, warm, creative, and kind. I look forward to another class. read more

While I appreciate people's enthusiasm over Piven, I have one serious complaint and I can say I am not the only one to have had this particular problem with them. If not for their short-sighted policies, my kids would probably still be going, but as it is, they have lost this customer completely. For starters, if you wish to sign your children up for a class, the age groupings are not quite appropriate. My teen had taken a class there when she was 9 and she wanted to return again when she was 13. We thought she would be in a class with kids her own age or even older, but instead, they grouped the kids in her age range with younger children. The improv classes were then based upon subject matter more appropriate to the younger kids. Farm Animals, for example. I don't know of many teens who want to sign up for classes where they are pretending to be farm animals. After one class, my daughter complained that it was exactly the same as the class she took as a 9 year old. The only other class available at the time for her to take conflicted with her schedule and they WOULD NOT REFUND OUR MONEY. They also did not offer for the money to be used during their next session for a different class. Basically, they felt entitled to keep $500 for nothing. They became irritated with ME when I asked to apply the money to another session. They then became defensive when I asked them to at least use the money to assist another child in the community. They said they do plenty of outreach and it was none of my business. Finally I asked them to consider the $500 a donation and even that took a few phone calls before they finally sent a "thanks for the donation" letter. I know of no other business that can keep $500 of your money and give you nothing in return. They chose to not even offer to extend it to another session. I'm not in the habit of handing $500 to anyone in exchange for nothing, nor do I find this organization worthy of a donation. I would avoid Piven at all cost if I were you. There are other highly respected theater schools in the area that have just as much to offer and far more business sense. Unless you want to take a gamble with your hard-earned money, I would avoid this organization completely. read more

I went to acting school here for a good while, I was invited to the summer conservatory my last year there, that was by far the best experience I've ever had in theater. I was attending Piven at the same time I was taking other schooling for improv and scene study, Piven by far had the best staff, the best teaching methods, and helped me develop the most out of every bit of acting training (for theater) that I've been through (with some great classes you couldn't find anywhere else). It's been a few years so I can't account for any new staff but Mikilina and Joanne were the BEST! There was also a male teacher I had I can't remember his name unfortunately. But the other two taught a lot of stuff when I was there, and were both very talented themselves. Seriously, some of the most awesome memories ever stem from those days. Makes me want to quit pursuing a career that will actually pay my bills just reminiscing. :) read more

I have been in the Chicago theater community for the past 20 years. When my daughter expressed in theater, I sought out the best quality classes for her. PIVEN, without a doubt!!! The teach life skills that go way beyond the usual "cookie cutter" acting classes for kids. They learn to find their individual creative voice, how to really listen and emphasize with others etc. My other daughter who is shy and never wanted to set foot on stage. She saw what fun her sister was having and is now a real Piven-ite! read more

Piven has been a wonderful experience! They give a great theatrical experience to the Evanston community! I am in awe of the positive experience and creativity that they offer from ages 6-96! Piven offers the community to think outside the box and welcome one of the best creative outlets in the north shore! read more

All three of our kids have taken classes with Piven Theatre. The teachers and staff are warm, welcoming, and truly care about the kids. This is a training center for youth and adults, so the emphasis isn't on final performances as much as on learning the craft. That may be why so many actors who participated in classes at Piven go on to find success in the business (and in other realms.) The method truly teaches critical thinking, positive interactions, and ensemble skills. read more

a real powerhouse company. Lots of smart people are involved in this company. I don't have a lot of time to write a full review but I really want to get more involved with this company. read more

My son just completed a class at the Piven. As a whole I think the Piven Theatre Workshop is a great place. However, the children's class my son took had way too many kids in class. He took a class at Second City last spring and absolutely loved it but, the class was smaller (10 kids or less). It made it easier for the kids to build relationships and the class was an hour instead of 1 1/2 hours at the Piven. I think for the 4th to 6th grade age group Second City has a better class especially if a child is just taking class for fun. Now if you have a child who is passionate about theater , the Piven theatre Workshop would probably be good but, I would not recommend unless the child is very passionate about theater. On that note I will say that if you have a child or adult who is passionate about theater, this is an amazing theater. The teachers are wonderful. The two teachers who taught my son's class really taught the kids a lot as evidenced during their show on the last day of class. Also, I took an adult class 10 years ago at the Second City Training Center with Jonathon Pitts who also teaches adult classes at Piven. Out of the 7 or 8 teachers I have taken improv class with over the years by far he is the best teacher I have ever had. Do know if you take his class he is going to expect a lot out of you, work you hard and sometimes make you mad but, it is all to make you better and he puts the same amount of effort into his teaching as he demands from his students. read more

My daughter is a Piven student and couldn't be happier with the training she's receiving in improv and acting. The teachers are friendly and supportive but also have high expectations for their students. The focus on the body and physical movement/spatial awareness has increased my daughter's confidence on stage and makes the Piven method different from other programs she's attended in the area. She especially enjoyed this Spring's scene study class and has already registered for a high school level performance lab in the Fall. Piven required her to sign an attendance contract since the students will be preparing for an end-of-session performance. Love that the kids have to make a real commitment and are treated like professionals! Piven also offers students comped tickets to productions, a fantastic benefit and additional learning experience. My daughter and her friend (also a student) attended Melancholy Play last Friday and enjoyed it tremendously. read more

Piven is the place to get first class theatrical training! Fantastic middle and high school programs and great mentoring!

What a creative and beautiful group of people that come together to create something unique and empowering through Theatre. I can't say enough good things about the fantastic teachers who have led the youth classes over the years that our child has been involved, but I love the kids who participate as well. So glad we found Piven when we moved to the area 6 years ago! It's a highlight year after year to be a part of such an amazing and inclusive group. read more

Just finished an on-camera class for high schoolers at Piven; what a great experience! The instructors were very friendly and offered us a multitude of resources about the industry. They teach all the essentials of commercial and TV/Film acting. Lots of fun and extremely educational! read more

One of the most amazing performance training centers in Chicago, Piven's unique process is a must for a erious actor. The ensemble based approach to improv allows for the actor to find his/her voice. For 45 years and counting Piven has been developing performers and inspiring audiences alike! read more