School

TheatresCool is the only professional training ground in Central Illinois that teaches the technique of method acting to beginning and professional actors. This same technique is used by the world’s favorite actors like Robert Deniro, Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche many of whom worked with or taught Kymberly during her training at the Actors Studio MFA Program and beyond in New York City.

TheatresCool is an artistic home that celebrates diversity, self-expression, professionalism and where creativity leads individual talents to their realization. TheatresCool is a loved local business that supports the arts within the community and provides a place for local artists to share their talent!

Our students perform modern and contemporary scripts like those seen in New York City and Chicago theatre, right here in Bloomington-Normal.

• View our Programs & Register for Classes
• Check out Upcoming Performances

ABOUT US

Artistic Director and Owner: Kymberly Harris

Kymberly Harris kymberly@theatrescool.com is the founder of TheatresCool and the Artistic Director of Fresh Bread Productions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit company. Fresh Bread Productions started with an ensemble of MFA graduates of the Actors Studio, NYC. The company staged Savage In Limbo at the Producer’s Club, sponsored by Bravo Television and Cablevision, as well as Rant, performed at the Public Theatre and The Cherry Lane Theatre, which benefited Safe Horizon Battered Women Shelters. Kymberly’s original plays have been produced off broadway where, Bumping Umbrellas ran for a year at Don’t Tell Mama and the 42nd Street Theatre, and is currently being made into a screenplay. She holds an MA from Illinois State University and a double MFA in acting and playwriting from The Actors Studio Drama School. A member of AEA, AFTRA, the Dramatists Guild, Kymberly has appeared on stage at Labyrinth, the Public Theatre, Circle in the Square, NEXT Theatre where she originated the role of Holly in Eric Simonson’s Bang the Drum Slowly, as well as many other off Broadway and Chicago theatres, and is currently focusing on acting in film, television, and can be seen in many commercials and print ads. She is an award winning actress, playwright, and producer who teaches and directs beginning and professional actors. Read more about her at www.kymberlyharris.com!

Artistic Associate: Sarah Tongren

Sarah Tongren is a graduate of  Saint Xavier University in Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication. She has been a student at TheatresCool since April 2009, and began working professionally with the theatre soon after. Sarah is involved with the theatre in many ways including marking, social media, website maintenance and production. She is also currently assisting the Artistic Director with writing projects for publication. Sarah absolutely loves working at TheatresCool, and thankful for opportunities and professional growth it provides her as an actress and business professional.

Publicity Associate: Rachel Mann

Rachel Mann is a Chicago native and graduated from Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. There, she actively engaged in numerous art and photography classes. Upon culmination of her high school career, Rachel moved to Normal, Illinois. She currently attends Illinois State University and pursues a Business-Marketing degree, while also utilizing her free time to practice the principles of art and design. Rachel is a new addition to the TheatresCool team, and she is excited to work with the talented and experienced staff.

Technical Director: Todd Seefeld

Todd Seefeld is an Illinois State University and Illinois Weslyn University alumni. Returning to his hometown after 20 years in Chicago as a luthier, he began relocating guitar remedies in downtown Bloomington, having worked with Buddy Guy and Steve Vai in the past. He is currently working as a technician at Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts, and he recently came to TheatresCool as the Technical Director.

Booking Manager: Now Hiring!

TheatresCool is seeking an energetic Booking Manager to book bands and acts that want to perform weekends at the theatre. Experience is a large plus! We are looking for someone with a great attitude, work ethic and a passion for music, connection to bands and the ability to fill our intimate theatre setting with audience members. This is an excellent professional growth and networking opportunity for the right, self-motivated person with initiative. To join our professional staff, please send letter of interest along with resume to kymberly@theatrescool.com!

Resident Casting Director: Steve Christopher

Steve Christopher is an actor/producer/casting director from Peoria, Illinois. He has been involved with more than200 films and television projects, from New York to Los Angeles, since his reemergence in the industry about six years ago. Steve recently saw the release of The Telling, a horror anthology produced by Chuck Williams (Bubba Ho Tep) and Bridget Marquardt (Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches). The making of the film is featured in Season 5 of the popular E! Channel show The Girls Next Door. Steve played the killer in the movie, in addition to assisting with casting, script rewrites and other production efforts. He has been an acting student of TheatresCool practically since the beginning of the adult program. He has been instrumental in casting many of the actors of TheatresCool in projects such as the feature films Finding Virginia, Satanic Panic, Dead Bodies Everywhere and My Guaranteed Student Loan, in addition to several commercials and industrials for clients such as Busey Bank, Eureka vacuums, the State of Illinois, and others. You can learn more about Steve on www.IMDb.com.