Actor’s Craft Offers More Than Just Acting . . .

by Colleen Kappeler

When people first think of downtown Kenosha, professional acting training may not be what comes to mind! What a blessing for Kenosha, and surrounding areas, that a well-trained coach settled and began work here. From the upstairs of the Pollard Gallery on most afternoons you can hear the echoes of children’s voices. What sounds like play (and I know from experience they love it as much as play) is really acting training in progress. Maureen Cashin Bolog, who uses the Chubbuck Technique to train actors of all ages, specializes in more than just getting work for actors. She creates new life experiences and a new approach to life.
The Chubbuck Technique teaches “actors to use the obstacles in life, not to spiral down into despair, but to propel themselves up to WIN their objectives,” Bolog explains. She is repeatedly told that her Acting Technique class is “life changing.” Adults and children who have taken this class apply their new knowledge and abilities to films, commercials, competitions and scholarship awards. Even those who do not aspire to acting learn self-confidence as well as how to be creative, funny, and interesting people. “Learning to act well requires a person to open up to experiencing life more fully,” Bolog explains. She’s had people drive from as far as four hours away to attend weekly classes with her. Being in the middle of Milwaukee and Chicago, which both offer acting opportunities, serves her well.
As for Bolog she loves what she does and is passionate about – something that everyone who knows her can see for themselves. “I think being an acting coach is my calling. It’s something I decided I wanted to do in 1987. I am passionate about it.” Bolog moved to Los Angeles for six years to study acting and continues to return to California to train with Ivana Chubbuck, who works with Academy Award winning actors. “I want my actors’ skills to be competitive with those successful actors on the coasts,” she says.
Downtown Kenosha offered not only a good location between two major cities, but was affordable and welcoming for Bolog. “I love being in the Pollard Gallery loft….Judy Rossow, Milt Smith, and the volunteers of the Rhode truly serve the community with creating opportunities for artists and people who want to experience the arts.” Being self-employed, working downtown added another dimension to her business as well,

“I feel part of a team of people who care about the arts and care about Kenosha.”

Whether you, your children, or someone you know is interested in pursuing acting or in gaining any number of skills (like self-confidence and pubic speaking), Actor’s Craft offers what you need. In an encouraging, enthusiastic, and energizing atmosphere, Bolog helps people move forward into confidence, no matter their choice in careers.