Joanne Underwood

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.

Creating in the Cracks: Joanne Underwood is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been counseling people for over a decade. She strives to create a warm, supportive atmosphere in which problem-solving can take place. She specializes in helping those suffering from anxiety, depression, trauma, college-related issues, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. She was affiliated with the C. G. Jung Center for many years and views therapy as meaning-making journey and a creative endeavor. Besides working with individuals, she leads support groups for creative artists, and teaches acting at the Piven Theatre Workshop in Evanston.