Robert Schleifer is an actor, instructor, and photographer based in Chicago. An Actors' Equity Association member, Robert's most recent appearances include John Singer in THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre, Tuc in Suzan Zeder's THE EDGE OF PEACE at Seattle Children's Theatre in Seattle and at The University of Texas at Austin, and Howie Newsome in OUR TOWN at The Actor Theatre of Louisville in Kentucky.  He has also appeared in numerous prominent theatre productions, including the national Broadway tour of Deaf West's BIG RIVER.   

 

Robert spent seven seasons with the famed Goodman Theatre in A CHRISTMAS CAROL as Mr. Adams and the Ghost of Christmas Past. His performances as Ariel in THE TEMPEST (Milwaukee Shakespeare Company), Don Pedro in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Amaryllis Theatre in Pennsylvania), Hamlet in HAMLET DREAMS and the stage manager in Bailiwick Rep's OUR TOWN met with great acclaim.

 

Robert has had the privilege of teaching classes and workshops all over the world, including renowned opera programs in Italy and Austria.  Domestic presentations have taken place at University of Wisconsin, Northwestern University, Columbia College, University of Chicago, Goodman Theatre, Whitney Young High School, North Carolina School for the Deaf, and Chicago International Film Festival.  He has also worked with the prestigious Conservatory at Act One Studios in Chicago.

 

Robert received his education at the Rochester Institute of Technology, University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, and Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.  His many awards include the After Dark Outstanding Performance Award for the role of Dr. Dysart in EQUUS, Best Ensemble for POLICE DEAF NEAR FAR, Holy Ghost in the Jeff Award-winning musical POPE JOAN.  He also was the recipient of prestigious 3Arts Award and a 3Arts Fellowship from University of Illinois-Chicago.