Joanne Underwood is one of our senior acting teachers, directors and actors. She has taught a variety of classes at Piven, from games and improvisation for nine year olds to professional classes for adults. In addition she has given workshops at schools and theaters around Chicago including Lifeline Theatre, Roosevelt University, and Columbia College. She has acted widely at local theaters including Raven, greasy joan, and Piven where she appeared as Cordelia in King Lear starring Byrne Piven and Florina in Mad Forest (which won the 2003 After Dark Award for Best Ensemble). She has studied acting with the Moscow Art Theatre, Shakespeare & Company, and the Chicago Shakespeare Company. Most recently, she appeared as Olenka in Joyce Piven’s lab production of “The Darling.” When not onstage, Joanne is a psychotherapist with a private practice in Evanston.

Donna Osowski is one of our senior acting teachers, having taught classes in games, story and improvisation to children and adults. She has directed a variety of fairytales and literary pieces for the Performance Project at Piven for 15 years. She most recently appeared on the Piven stage in Dead Man Walking, staged readings of Far Away and To the Lighthouse, and she has performed in the Piven Improv series Anytime Anywhere. Other credits include Jewish Stories (Piven) and Summer and Smoke (The Den Theatre). She has a degree in theatre from Illinois State University. Donna. She is the Education and Community Partnership Manager for the Workshop. In her personal time, she enjoys riding her bicycle around Chicago and photography, and mixing the two together. It's the best way to see the city.

Antora DeLong is an actress, dancer, improviser, administrator, and general performer-of-all trades. Originally from Indiana, Antora earned her B.A. from Northwestern University’s Theatre Program. She came to Piven in 2013 as an Administrative Assistant, and quickly fell in love with the Workshop’s approach to education, play, and community. She has appeared in numerous workshops, readings, and productions at Piven, and she served as Piven’s Education and Community Outreach Manager for several years. Outside of Piven, Antora has had the pleasure of performing with Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, (re)discover theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Redmoon Theatre, First Floor Theater, and Odradeck Theatre, among others. Antora relocated to Austin, Texas in 2018, and while she was there she continued to perform at theatres including The Archive Theatre, Different Stages Theatre, and New Manifest Theatre Company. Antora is excited to be back in Chicago and at Piven Theatre Workshop!

Anna Walker (she/her) is a stage and production manager in the Chicago area and is thrilled to be stage managing both YPC and Project for the second year in a row. Previous credits include work with Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Haymarket Opera, Utah Festival Opera, and Griffin Theatre Company. Anna also serves as Piven's Facilities and Production Manager. Otterbein University graduate.

Henry Muller is a lighting designer, programmer, & technician, as well as a recent graduate of Northwestern University where he studied theatrical design. He designs regularly at The Actor's Gymnasium and Loyola Academy in Wilmette. As a technician, he works at theatres across the Chicagoland area, including Writer's Theatre, Steppenwolf, and many others. He would like to thank his family & friends for their continued love and support.

Zoë Snead (any pronouns) loves making theater that is silly, imaginative, and meaningful, and enjoys solving the crazy puzzles of how to build a set. She is a recent graduate of Northwestern University, with degrees in theater and electrical engineering. Previous design credits include: 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Actors Training Center), Antigone (Lovers & Madmen), Spring Awakening (Jewish Theater Ensemble), and Merrily We Roll Along (The Dolphin Show). Previous technical direction credits include: Cabaret (Jewish Theater Ensemble), Matilda (The Dolphin Show), and most of the shows they've designed. Special thanks to their wonderful siblings, friends, and the Chicago goose population.