Sam Kyker Acting Instructor
About
About Me
Hi, I’m Sam. I’m an actor, writer, and teacher based in Chicago, and I’ve been performing for more than a decade. I trained and graduated from The Second City, the world’s largest school of improv and sketch comedy, and I’ve also worked in theatre, film, and live entertainment across the city.
What I love about teaching acting and voice acting is that it’s not just about technique. It’s about finding your own voice and your own truth. I believe realism is the strongest foundation for any performance. Whether you are playing comedy, drama, or stepping into a voice booth, audiences connect most when you are grounded, honest, and present.
What You’ll Learn
Acting Lessons: Build authentic characters, connect emotionally, and stay real even in heightened or comedic situations. You will leave each session with tools you can use on stage, on camera, or in everyday confidence.
Voice Acting Lessons: Learn breathing, diction, pacing, and performance. You will discover how to bring scripts to life, make strong choices, and adapt your voice for commercials, narration, animation, and more.
My Teaching Style
My classes are structured but flexible. I always come in with a plan, but I make space for discovery and surprise. That is often where the best breakthroughs happen. My goal is for you to leave not just with improved skills, but with a sense of excitement about your own creative voice.
Why Work With Me
I have produced and performed in Chicago theatre, created original shows, directed marketing campaigns, and trained with some of the best teachers in the business. I bring that wide-ranging experience into every lesson. Students tell me they feel supported, challenged, and surprised in ways that make them grow.
If you are curious, motivated, or just looking to try something new, I would love to work with you. Let’s get started.
Specialties
Student age(s)
Experience level
Drawing style(s)
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Geoff S.
Alex B.
Tanner M.
Kevin K.
Bailey J.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Depending on a student's skill level, I will discuss the fundamentals. If it is clear that they understand the fundamentals the most important thing for me is to assess what the student would like to accomplish. I like to attack student goals with fervor and focus. A lot can be gained from Theory, but really each individual student is far more important than Theory. As far as I'm concerned, every student has something new to teach me. They will be given this opportunity.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
In Des Moines Iowa at the 7-Eleven theater competition I received awards for audience Choice twice, judges Choice twice, Best in Show twice, best performer once, best writing twice, and won the overall competition three times. I then moved to Kirksville Missouri where I studied theater at Truman State University. There I also founded the independent performance and art coalition to help students produce their own work. Through it I produced and directed over 10 creative projects. After this I was an apprentice at downstairs Cabaret Theatre in Rochester New York. After this I moved to Chicago to study improv and comedy at the Second City. I was added to the Ensemble for under the gun theater, and did three shows a week there for a full year. I am the original Creator director and producer of MASHterpiece Theater, ImprovOpoly, #GrindMe, Action Jackson, and The Adaptation Game.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I charge 50 for an hour lesson, 70 for an hour and a half, or 85 for two hours.
How did you get started teaching?
In college I took two courses. One of them was youth directing where I got to work with a high school to direct their one act play for speech contest. The second was a psychology of Theatre class which included a teaching element. I worked with a Kindergarten class to help them perform a classroom version of The Three Little Pigs. My life was definitely influenced by good teachers, and my independent acting instructor was no exception. I like to think I bring that to my students.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students as young as two to three years old, though I would not recommend that for independent acting classes. I have also coach students as old as 18 and 19. My age range is wide.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I have a friend who studies film directing at Columbia, and this year she was kind enough to feature me for a documentary project. She focused on my work, and featured the fact that I was recovering from a medical issue. I'm extremely fond of this omage and respect.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
The only way and acting instructor is worth your time is if they help you find material and monologues to perform, and assess your goals. Without those two things the entire class can feel like a waste of time.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do you want to act? Are you interested in enough in acting to make an investment? If you are willing to make that investment, what do you expect to get out of it?