Marcus Bellweather brings over 20 years of experience in stage and film to Veridian Acting Academy. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Marcus has performed in numerous Broadway productions, including "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Death of a Salesman." He has also appeared in several critically acclaimed independent films. Marcus is passionate about helping actors develop their craft and find their unique voice. He emphasizes character development, script analysis, and the importance of emotional connection in his teaching. His students consistently praise his insightful feedback and his ability to create a supportive and challenging learning environment. Marcus's scene study classes are highly sought after, providing actors with the tools and techniques they need to excel in auditions and performances.

In addition to his acting credits, Marcus is also an accomplished director. He has directed several off-Broadway productions, earning him a reputation for his innovative and thought-provoking interpretations of classic and contemporary plays. He is a strong advocate for new works and has mentored many emerging playwrights. At Veridian, Marcus also leads workshops on audition technique and Shakespearean performance.

Seraphina Dubois is a leading improvisation instructor and comedic performer in Chicago. She is a founding member of the renowned improv troupe "The Spontaneous Combustion" and has performed at comedy festivals around the world. Seraphina's teaching style is energetic, playful, and deeply rooted in the principles of "yes, and..." She encourages her students to embrace spontaneity, take risks, and find the humor in everyday situations. Her improvisation classes are popular with actors, writers, and anyone looking to improve their communication and collaboration skills. Seraphina holds a Master's degree in Performance Studies from Northwestern University and has been teaching improv for over 15 years.

Seraphina's expertise extends beyond traditional improv. She also specializes in long-form improvisation, musical improv, and applied improvisation, which uses improv techniques to improve teamwork and problem-solving in various professional settings. She has led workshops for corporations, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. Seraphina believes that everyone can benefit from the skills learned through improvisation and is committed to making her classes accessible and inclusive.

Javier Ramirez is a highly sought-after voice and speech instructor and dialect coach. He holds a PhD in Vocal Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a certified instructor of Fitzmaurice Voicework®. Javier has worked with actors on stage, film, and television, helping them develop clear, resonant voices and master a wide range of accents and dialects. His teaching approach is grounded in anatomy and physiology, providing students with a deep understanding of how the voice works. He emphasizes breath control, articulation, projection, and vocal health. Javier's dialect coaching credits include productions at the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Javier is also an accomplished singer and choral conductor. He has performed as a soloist with several orchestras and choirs and has conducted numerous choral ensembles. He brings his musical expertise to his voice and speech instruction, helping actors develop a deeper understanding of rhythm, phrasing, and vocal expression. At Veridian, Javier offers private voice lessons and workshops on accent reduction and public speaking.

Anya Petrova is a dynamic movement instructor and physical theatre specialist. She trained at the Moscow Art Theatre School and has performed and taught internationally. Anya's teaching style combines elements of mime, commedia dell'arte, and Viewpoints, encouraging students to explore their physicality and develop a strong connection between their bodies and their emotions. Her classes are physically demanding but also deeply rewarding, helping actors develop greater body awareness, coordination, and expressive range. Anya is also a certified yoga instructor and incorporates elements of yoga and mindfulness into her movement training.

Anya is passionate about creating original physical theatre pieces and has directed several critically acclaimed productions. She is a strong advocate for using movement as a form of storytelling and believes that physical theatre can be a powerful tool for social change. At Veridian, Anya also leads workshops on stage combat and clowning.

Charles Davies is an accomplished actor and on-camera acting instructor with extensive experience in film and television. Having worked on numerous sets, he provides invaluable insights into the technical aspects of acting for the camera, including hitting marks, understanding shot sizes, and adapting performances for different media. Charles has starred in popular television shows like "Chicago Fire" and "Empire," and has also worked on independent film projects showcasing his versatility.

He focuses on teaching actors how to make subtle yet impactful choices that translate well on screen. His classes cover audition techniques, script analysis tailored for on-camera work, and strategies for building a professional on-camera acting career. With a strong network in the Chicago film community, Charles also provides opportunities for students to showcase their talents and connect with industry professionals.