“A true proponent of creativity and artistic craft” – Marcee Doherty-Elst
“His intelligence and savvy are evident in every aspect of his work” – Kristin Sponcia
“Mark is one of the best collaborators I have worked with” – Kristina Van Slyke
Marcee Doherty- Elst
Actress/Co-Producer
“I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Mark on several projects of varying scope and outcomes. A true proponent of creativity and artistic craft, Mark works hard to ensure each event is a showcase of the artists he works with as well as the craft itself. I’ve worked with Mark in several different capacities; as a co-producer, a casting director, an artist and more- and with each project Mark has found creative solutions to set us up for success. He is dedicated, kind, creative, dependable and organized- often taking on the dual responsibilities of the “business” side of an event as well as the creative and educational elements. Perhaps most importantly, he goes above and beyond to ensure a high quality experience for artists and audiences alike. I have observed Mark working with students and professionals and am always amazed at his ability to find common ground and make everyone on his team comfortable while at the same time providing everyone a safe space to create and thrive.”
Dan Haumschild
Former Director of Education, HERC
“Inspiration is not manifested out of the blue; it is made possible by individuals like Mark who set the intention to make the life of the campus community vibrant through dedication and commitment to their field of expertise. If all professors were willing to imagine themselves as active participants in the holistic framework of a dynamic learning community, the very mission of ‘University’ would come to life in all of its grandeur. Mr. Boergers has set this example for his colleagues at Cardinal Stritch University and has elevated the bar for what it means to be a Professor in the modern moment.”
Monty Kane
Former Student, Actor (Big Mouth Talent)
“I will always be eternally grateful for how Mark shaped my raw work ethic into something that would help me earn a living as an actor. As my instructor & theatre director for 4+ years, Mark taught me the importance of honing my craft and studying the likes of those that came before me with passion for the arts; whether it was learning what ‘iambic pentameter’ was for the first time or who ‘Stanislavski’ even was, Mark introduced me to a bright new world of acting and how to use characterization with what I have when playing/storytelling in performances. As my mentor througout college and post college, Mark wouldn’t hesitate to introduce & lead me to the most important connections I have had in my career thus far; Agencies, coaches, casting companies, etc; just my whole entry into the business was on the shoulders of Mark, him having a fantastic reputation and relationships with the people in those areas; with me wanting to jump into the business of being ‘on-camera’, having only theatre experience, Mark is the one who started to transition me to the intricate differences they became to be for me as an actor. The ‘theatre to on-screen’ work wasn’t easy, but I often think how impossible it would have been without Mark and his passion for the arts, mentorship, guidance, and showing me how possible it everything was from the beginning.”
Laura Vela
Former student, Assistant
“I count myself lucky to have learned from Mark as a professor and mentor. I always looked forward to classes and rehearsals with Mark. He promotes a grounded, centered, collaborative space that is open to dialogue and discovery. His positive classroom atmosphere allows a safe space for teamwork, creativity, and growth. He understands the importance of balance, dedicated work and self-care, and encourages students to find that balance in their professional and personal journeys. I value Mark’s experience as a theater and business professional – he opened my eyes to so many facets of the professional world and provided opportunities to engage in and embark on my career. His approach to teaching applies not just to theater, but to all aspects of life. I am truly grateful for Mark’s wonderful mentorship and guidance, and I look forward to working with Mark in years to come.”
Kristin Sponcia
Director of Vocal Music
“From the very first encounter, I was immediately struck by Mark’s warm and approachable demeanor. He exuded a genuine friendliness that made working with him a delight from the start. As the chair of the Theater Department and later the Visual and Performing Arts Department, Mark showcased remarkable leadership skills that extended far beyond the ordinary. He proved himself to be a visionary director, breathing life into creative concepts and transforming them into breathtaking realities. As a consistently effective administrative leader, Mark never hesitated to advocate for his team, ensuring that we were shielded from unnecessary burdens and challenges. I always felt confident that he had our backs, especially when it came to addressing concerns and navigating administrative complexities. Mark had a unique talent for setting clear expectations while giving his team the freedom to explore their creativity and ideas. Under his guidance, I felt empowered and encouraged to thrive. Mark’s leadership created an environment that fostered growth and innovation, enabling these achievements to blossom.
Beyond his professional acumen, Mark is a genuinely good-hearted man. His intelligence and savvy are evident in every aspect of his work, and his ability to find humor in any situation is truly remarkable. Working with him was not only enriching on a professional level but also personally rewarding. He is an exceptional individual, and any institution would be incredibly fortunate to have him as a valuable member of their team. I wholeheartedly recommend Mark Boergers to any organization seeking a dedicated, visionary, and compassionate leader.”
Kristina Van Slyke
Costume Designer, Collaborator
“Mark is one of the best collaborators I have worked with in my 25 year career as a costume designer. From our first meetings, Mark plants seeds of his vision and then opens the project up for all artists to contribute and explore interesting ways to bring the project to life. This dynamic collaboration continues throughout the design process, into the rehearsal space and onto the stage as we work together to bring all of the parts together into one creative final product. He is always open to creative problem solving and patiently listens to all ideas. In my time as a designer with the team at Cardinal Stritch University, I was always excited to see what new creative adventure Mark would take us on. We reimagined fairy tales, gave a musical the Gaga treatment, explored gore, gender roles, love and humanity from many different angles. We pushed the boundaries of our physical theater space and obsessed about the minute details until we knew that we were opening with the best production we could put out there. We performed during the pandemic with creative technical problem solving. Mark’s relationships with his students and artistic team were so full of trust that they propelled the art forward and it became an opportunity to explore a new kind of theater. This filled our souls through pretty challenging times. As the chair of the theater department, he fought for opportunities for his students, went to bat for his staff and made show selections that utilized the resources of the department to the fullest. I cherish the projects I have worked on with Mark and hope that we get the opportunity to work together again. When he calls, I always say yes.”
Megan Kohl
Actress
“I’ve worked with Mark in a number of different capacities….. he’s been my director, he’s auditioned me for both commercial and theatre projects, he’s been my audition coach and my fellow actor – and in every capacity Mark has been a strong partner, a valuable resource and a pleasure to work with. Though he is highly professional, he makes the rehearsal room and audition room welcoming and friendly. He is a valuable audition coach who works with patience and attention to the actor as an individual. Though he does – and demands – detailed and thoughtful work, his rehearsal and audition rooms are places to talk openly and to explore the work as equals and collaborators. I believe that it is this mix of professionalism and attention to detail along with his sense of humor and a willingness to be real and open that make Mark’s work rich, specific and full of liveliness and heart.”
Tyler Meredith
Actress
“A truly insightful, approachable, and collaborative director, Mark is a joy to work with and encourages actors to work bravely and honestly within the world of the play. He assists the cast in creating and establishing a strong sense of ensemble as a starting point for us to work from. His direction of Shakespearean texts is innovative and fully embraces the heightened language, in turn making it more accessible to modern audiences. Truly looking forward to working with Mark again!”
Adam Stephensen
Actor
“Every actor reaches a point where large classroom work and workshops isn’t enough and they need individual attention. For me working with Mark on a one-on-one basis was exactly what I needed. We worked together towards exploring specific on-camera techniques for ME rather than general guidelines that anyone could use. He has years of hands on experience and took the time to get to know me as a person and performer in order to craft our lessons toward my needs. I grew immensely as an auditioner, in camera comfort, and trusting in my own intuitions.”
Julian Hester
Actor
“Since I had the fortune of going into a project with Mark with the prior knowledge of his natural talent, eye for classical text, love for big stakes and heightened circumstances and having seen the process he developed in Chicago at DePaul, I never had to look back or question the risks I wanted to take as an actor in working with him. He was always on board, or one step ahead of me spurring me further. It is his actor’s instinct that allowed him to at once keep individual paths through a story in vibrant reality, while pushing the limits of each actor’s skills beyond their own understanding of themselves artistically. He never backed down or allowed you to give up on yourself. I’ve never worked with a more direct, coherent, and trusting storyteller than with Mark as a director. With Romeo and Juliet, his ‘BS factor’ as I came to call it, always kept the otherwise flighty and flowery impulses grounded in a real world that exists today, in that space, for that audience, which I think is difficult to accomplish with a role observed as being flowery, flighty, and never rooted. This fear was never in me while in Mark’s hands. ”
Belinda Bing
Stage Manager
“Mark is a delight to work with. He is dedicated to his projects and creates a calm rehearsal room atmosphere where all parties feel free to create. As a stage manager, he values my opinions, my concerns, and me in general. Mark has always valued my time and well-being which is something I do not always find in every director I work with. He is one of the most positive collaborators in the industry.”
Natalie Sallee
Actress/Co-Producer
“Mark is a skilled and gifted teacher, director and mentor. Not only is he exceptionally talented as a performer, he is also a patient and dedicated coach for other artists. His passion and respect for theatre makes him a teacher that you, as an actor, can trust to help you blossom and succeed. Mark has helped me with numerous auditions by guiding me towards full realization of my pieces (audition material). I leave a session feeling confident in myself and the work I’ll be presenting. He gets my five-star review and high recommendation”
MARK BOERGERS. 