ANNUAL REPORT

1 MISSION STATEMENT The Theatre School at DePaul University (TTS) educates, trains, and inspires students of theatre in a conservatory setting that is rigorous, disciplined, culturally diverse, and that strives for the highest level of professional skill and artistry. A commitment to diversity and equality in education is central to our mission. As an integral part of the training, The Theatre School produces public programs and performances of a wide repertoire of plays—classic, contemporary, and original—that challenge, entertain, and stimulate the imagination. We seek to enhance the intellectual and cultural life of our university community, our city, and our profession.

VALUES • Education: The Theatre School is primarily a place of learning and for the making of humanity. It is a place for the moral, spiritual, social, political, and artistic development of all engaged in this noble enterprise. • Respect: The Theatre School engenders respect for self, for others, for learning, for alternative communities, and for the profession itself. • Freedom: The Theatre School encourages creativity and freedom of expression as a part of a commitment to our professional standards and responsibilities. We strive to create an atmosphere that is conducive to exploration and risk taking. • Imagination: The Theatre School celebrates the primacy of the imagination in all its work. • Spirituality: The theatre is, in a real sense, a sacred place for reflection, awakening, visioning, and the development of moral awareness. It is a place to challenge beliefs and to understand the self in relation to others. DIVERSITY ACTION STATEMENT The Theatre School is committed to fostering and nurturing the reality of who people are, who they have been, and who they want to be. We embrace the diversity of what we see, what we hear, and what we feel. We give voice; we represent people and ideas. Our community engages in lively exploration between and beyond categories of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, religion, nationality, ability, and artistic discipline. We examine, appreciate, and share the complexities of culture through artistic collaboration and in doing so, create a safe and supportive environment for our students, faculty, staff, audiences, and visitors. VISION The Theatre School provides the best theatre training in the country. 2 Welcome to The Theatre School’s 2015-16 Annual Report. This year has been a year of both reflection and a year of PRODUCER AND EXECUTIVE DEAN JOHN CULBERT planning for the school’s future. We completed a strategic plan that outlines our goals for the next six years. These goals will serve as guideposts for the future to determine where we are headed, and what changes need to be made to get there. The goals of our 2022 Strategic Plan are as follows:

• Define The Theatre School as a theatre training conservatory for the 21st century that effectively prepares its students for an evolving profession. • Remove economic barriers to acquiring an education at The Theatre School for students with talent, commitment, and desire. Equip all students with support needed for the successful completion of a degree. • Position The Theatre School as an intellectual and artistic hub where its community (students, faculty, and staff) intersects and collaborates with the University, the professional field, Theatre School alumni, and the public. • Matriculate students who understand their role within their profession and responsibility to their community.

In addition to the creation of our strategic plan, the Theatre School community worked on projects ranging from the Carnaval of New Latina/o Work, to the creation of new murals in The Theatre School; from the Wrights of Spring festival of new plays, to hosting college fairs and courses in the Liberal Studies program. This is in addition to all of the activities surrounding our productions and work in the classroom. I am pleased to share with you some of the accomplishments, activities, and accolades from this past year made possible by the hard work of our students, staff, and faculty.

WELCOME 3 YEAR-AT-A-GLANCE Applicants: 44,176 from IL, audience members 19% public 81% from out of state performances 413 Admitted students: 3,160 University student audience members 17% from IL, from out of state 764 University faculty and staff audience members 83% 2,319 Alumni room reservation hours Admitted students from 30 different states Event attendees , 14 710 Admitted: 103 females, 54 males hosted 1 national conference world premiere productions 3 and 1 national college fair audition/interview weekends in Chicago, LA, NY, Atlanta, Houston, San Francisco +57.5% new Instagram followers 15 +24.2% new Facebook likes Approximately 900 people auditioned/interviewed +9.01% new Twitter followers

2,332 first-time ticket buyers 29 Theatre School students 78.57% declared minors 1,462 graduation rate (out of 77 graduates) BFA applicants Chicago Playworks has welcomed Theatre School students 1,439,497 declared double majors audience members since it began in 1925 8 (out of 77 graduates) Applicants from 21 different countries, 49 different states 75% of 2016 graduates had GPAs of 3.5 or higher 4 FEATURES LATINA/O THEATRE COMMONS 2015 CARNAVAL OF NEW LATINA/O WORK

The Theatre School welcomed The Latina/o Theatre Always Lost by Virginia Grise; the living’life of the daughter Commons (LTC) and over 200 attendees in partnership mira by Matthew Paul Olmos; Wolf at the Door by with HowlRound for the 2015 Carnaval of New Latina/o Marisela Treviño Orta; Más by Milta Ortiz; The Sweetheart Work national conference, July 23 – 25. LTC uses a Deal by Diane Rodriguez; Swimming While Drowning by “commons-based approach to transform the narrative of Emilio Rodriguez; and Mother Road by Octavio Solis. the American theatre, amplify the visibility of Latina/o Numerous Theatre School alumni were featured in the performance making, and to champion equity through readings and current students served as volunteers advocacy, art making, convening, and scholarship.” throughout the festival. The conference provided The Theatre School community the opportunity to be a part Carnaval 2015 was produced in association with Teatro of important discussions surrounding the future of theatre Vista and the Chicago Alliance of Latino Theatre Artists in this country and to showcase Latina/o artists. (ALTA Chicago). The conference showcased local and national Latina/o theatre and brought together artists, The conference also featured the thoughts and teachings of producers, scholars, and advocates. Carnaval 2015 created Lisa Portes (Chair, LTC Carnaval 2015; Head of MFA Directing, new partnerships between small and large institutions and The Theatre School at DePaul University), and Henry local and national theatre communities and celebrated the Godinez (Co-founder and Former Artistic Director, diverse voices of the new American theatre. Teatro Vista; Resident Artistic Associate, Goodman Theatre).

Carnaval 2015 featured numerous readings of new work, By mounting this event, the LTC expanded the dialogue including: Parachute Men by Mando Alvarado; Satyrincoño around the challenges playwrights, artists, and culturally by Migdalia Cruz; Sweep by Georgina Escobar; APPEAL— specific producing organizations face in trying to A New American Musical of Mexican Descent by Amparo produce new Latina/o work. Carnaval 2015 served as an Garcia Crow; Perfectamente Loca/Perfectly Insane by opportunity for much needed discussions about the state Magdalena Gomez; Siempre Norteada: Always Late, of Latina/o theatre in the twenty-first century.

Photos by Michael Courier 5 FEATURES NEW MURALS DECORATE THE STAIRWELLS OF THE THEATRE SCHOOL

Scene Painting for Theatre freelance world. This course better prepares students for practical work upon graduation. Instructor Joanna White The three murals now exist in two different stairwells in The Theatre School. The entire class is credited for helping to Students complete each mural. Maggie Armendariz (BFA Scene Design ’17) Camila Devereux (BFA Scene Design ’17) The ship, octopus, and drafting mural can be found in the Claire DiVito (BFA Scene Design ’17) southwest stair, leading from the scene shop to the second Christina Hubbard (BFA Scene Design ’17) floor production office. The mural was designed by Angela Angela McIlvain (BFA Scene Design ’17) McIlvain (BFA Scene Design ’17). Jaclyn Miller (BFA Scene Design ’18) Jessica Olson (BFA Scene Design ’17) On the second floor, a re-creation of the Merle Reskin Mara Zinky (BFA Scene Design ’17) Theatre stage door exists in the northwest stair. A colorful design is juxtaposed next to the stage door, inspired and In the spring of 2016 three new murals were created at created through a “paint-by-number” initiative. Students, The Theatre School. This artwork was the result of the faculty, and staff were invited to contribute by filling Scene Painting for Theatre course offered at TTS. This in a small section of the mural. A large part of the TTS year-long, three-course sequence was led by scenic community was eager to take part in the project, leaving artist Joanna White. The goal of this course was to teach their mark on the school’s walls. The mural was designed design students how to use theatre-related skills in a new by Jaclyn Miller (BFA Scene Design ’18). environment, how to give back to the community, and how to organize themselves to work on off-site projects. On the third floor of the same stairwell, Claire DiVito (BFA Scene Design ’17) and Camila Devereux (BFA Scene Design The course explored more technical practices of painting ’17) co-designed a lighting-and-catwalk inspired mural including: discussion of the formulation and handling of outside of the Fullerton lighting storage and catwalk. scenic paints and dyes, brushes and tools, and application techniques. Understanding practical laboratory work Not only does this course teach practical skills for scene helps portray realistic representations of a variety of painters, it also adds artistic character to the walls of textures and materials on a large scale, leading to fully the school. The project furthers DePaul University’s developed illusionistic and pictorial stage scenery. Being Vincentian values of bettering spaces surrounding able to use scenic skills on a mural or any other large-scale community and offering service, answering the question painting project can offer another source of income in the of “what must be done?”

Photos by Hayley Barron 6 FEATURES DEPAUL ETC

During Premiere DePaul orientation sessions, The Theatre The program is organized by Dexter Zollicoffer, Diversity School provides an educational resource to incoming Advisor at The Theatre School and Charee Holloway, first-year students on the values and beliefs of DePaul Assistant Director of the Center for Identity, Inclusion University through the DePaul Educational Theatre and Social Change. The 2016 summer ensemble featured: Company (DePaul ETC). The Theatre School partners with DePaul’s Center for Identity, Inclusion and Social Change Javier Andujar (BA Creative Writing ‘17) to cover a wide range of topics such as Vincentian values, Gregory Fields (BFA Acting ‘19) consent, and the discussion of race and gender issues, all while also debating the best dish at the Lincoln Park Kayla Forde (BFA Acting ‘18) Student Center. Jake Pinckes (BFA Theatre Arts-Directing ‘19) A theatre troupe of DePaul students create and implement performances and talkback sessions on Delaney Feener (BFA Acting ‘18) The Theatre School’s Fullerton Stage. Following each performance, the cast facilitates small group discussions Afiya Sajwani (BA Psychology ‘16) about the themes of the performance and provides space Donyae Lewis (BA Journalism and BA Creative Writing ‘18) for incoming first-year students to think critically about issues of social justice while encouraging them to be Madeline Kranz (BFA Theatre Arts and BA History ‘17) proactive about building an inclusive DePaul community. Danny Fender (BFA Stage Management ‘19)

Dylan Fahome (Playwriting ‘16)

Photos by Hayley Barron 7 December 4, 2015 Faculty member Coya Paz featured on March 2016 Student Frankie Charles (BFA Theatre IN THE NEWS WBEZ 91.5 sharing her views on the Lysistrata-like role of women Technology ’18) selected as one of twelve theatre artists from The Theatre School is proud to celebrate the in Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq. underrepresented groups in live entertainment production for USITT’s Gateway mentorship program at USITT 2016 in Salt newsworthy accomplishments of its students, Lake City. alumni, faculty and staff. January 2016 USITT recognizes The Theatre School with a 2016 Architecture Honor Award. April 2016 Ike Holter’s (BFA Playwriting ’07) Exit Strategy makes July 23, 2015 Chicago Reader features Lisa Portes as its New York debut, and is presented by Primary Stages and “This Week’s Chicagoan” for her involvement in Latina/o Theatre January 2016 Catherine Adler & Jamie deRoy in association with Philadelphia Commons Carnaval of New Work. Alumnus Christopher Theatre Company. Exit Strategy was nominated for an Off- Mannelli (Arts Broadway Alliance Award for “Best New Play.” Leadership ’09) named September 20, 2015 Lisa Portes named one of “20 Theatre Executive Director Workers You Should Know” by American Theatre magazine. of the Geva Theatre April 12, 2016 Faculty member Ernie Nolan named the Official Center in Rochester, Representative to ASSITEJ International for TYA/USA. New York. October 23, 2015 The American Institute of Architects honors The Theatre School with a “Distinguished Building Award.” The May 6, 2016 Alana Arenas award was presented at the AIA annual design awards at Navy Pier. January 24, 2016 (BFA Acting ’02) awarded Alumna Gillian the Clarence Derwent Anderson (BFA Acting Award for most promising November 5, 2015 Tarell Alvin McCraney (BFA Acting ’03) joins ‘90) reprises her performer in 2016 by the the University of Miami’s Theatre Arts Department (College of beloved role as Agent Actors’ Equity Foundation Arts & Sciences’ Department of Theatre Arts) as a Professor of Dana Scully in for her performance in Theatre and Civic Engagement. The X-Files on Fox in Head of Passes at the Public a six episode series. Theater. She was also a recipient of a Lucille Lortel Award for her performance. February 5, 2016 Faculty member Cameron Knight featured in a two-page Backstage.com article analyzing the actor as both an artist and an entrepreneur. May 11, 2016 David Naunton, an adjunct professor in The Theatre School’s sound design program, receives the Robert Christen “It isn’t enough to be able to perform; actors have to Award at the Michael Merritt Awards, honoring excellence in know how to navigate getting hired, begin to generate design and collaboration. their own work, and the product that they are. Entrepreneurial thinking would offer them the best return on investment.” May 24, 2016 Admissions Director Tracee Duerson featured on Backstage.com, discussing how to choose performing arts colleges. “Students will find their way and should love February 18, 2016 Alumnus Will Davis (BFA Theatre Studies ’05) what they’re doing when they graduate,” Duerson says. named the new Artistic Director of American Theater Company. “That’s the point in the end.” Davis is one of the very few transgender creative leaders of major American arts organizations. “ATC should be a hub for new plays moving out into the national landscape,” Davis said. May 29, 2016 The Theatre School ranked #16 on The Hollywood “I want to bring new work in and export it out.” Reporter’s list of “The 25 Best Drama Schools for an MFA.”

8 ACADEMICS

Zach DeNardi,* Actor Mickie Paskal, Paskal Rudnicke Casting, GUEST ARTISTS Founder and CSA During the 2015-16 academic year The Meg Elliot,* Actor Theatre School was proud to host Rachael Patterson, Acting Studio Chicago, Keira Fromm,* About Face Theatre, Director a variety of guests who spoke to Artistic Associate classes within the Design/Technical, Stephanie Potakis, Lily’s Talent Agency, Performance, and Theatre Studies Jessamyn Fuller, Steppenwolf Theatre, Talent Agent departments, or offered workshops Casting Director Gail Rastorfer, Actor to current students. These guests Andrew Gallant,* Green Shirt Studio, included the following individuals: Instructor Eva Rich, Actor

Sean Graney, The Hypocrites, Chris Rickett,* Timeline Theatre Company, Performance Department Founder and Artistic Director Associate Artist; Actor; Violence Designer

Eva Ballesteri, Actor Dawn Gray, Gray Talent Group, President Jennifer Rudnicke, Paskal Rudnicke Casting, Founder and CSA Talon Beeson, Actor Ricardo Gutierrez, Teatro Vista Sam Samuelson, Stewart Talent, Adam Belcuore, Goodman Theatre, Azar Kazemi,* Blind Owl, Talent Agent Casting Director Founder and Creative Director Sandy Shinner, Shattered Globe Theatre, Taylor Blim,* Actor Beth Lacke, Actor Ensemble and Producing Artistic Director James Bohnen, Remy Bumppo Theatre, Tracy Letts, Steppenwolf Theatre Co-founder and Artistic Director Emeritus Company, Ensemble; Playwright Claire Simon, Claire Simon Casting, President and Director of Casting Nick Bowling,* Timeline Theatre, Eric Lynch, American Blues Theater, Artistic Director Emeritus Artistic Affiliate Colin Sphar,* Actor McKenzie Chinn,* Actor; Winner of Bob Mason, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Adria Dawn Tarleton, Tarleton Dawn Leonore Annenberg Fellowship Fund for Artistic Associate and Casting Director Productions, Owner and Operator the Visual and Performing Arts Antoine McKay, Actor Mike Theisen,* Gray Talent Group, Steven Cone, Director Talent Agent Vance Mellen, Filmmaker and Screenwriter Carrie Coon, Actor David Turrentine, David Turrentine Dorothy Milne, Lifeline Theatre, and Associates, Inc., Louis Contey, Timeline Theatre, Artistic Director Artistic Associate Owner and Enrolled Agent Lia Mortensen, Provision Theater and The Krissy Vanderwarker,* Dog and Pony Jeff Cummings, Actor Den Theatre, Ensemble Theatre Company, Artistic Director Dave Daniels,* Actor Marisa Paonessa, Paonessa Talent Agency, Mary Williamson,* Actor President/Agent Timothy Dadabo, Actor Jeff Parker, Actor Sandra Delgado, Actor

* indicates alumni 9 ACADEMICS

Ike Holter,* Playwright Theatre Studies Department Design/Technology Department Lori Kleinerman, Goodman Theatre, Greg Allen, Neo-Futurists, Director of Marketing & PR Nick Belley,* Freelance Lighting Designer Founding Director Michael Kramer, Dance Dramaturg Eric Branson, Chicago Shakespeare, Adam Belcuore, Goodman Theatre, Master Electrician Casting Director Kelly Leonard, Second City, Executive VP Shea Coulee, Professional Drag Performer Robert Biedrzycki, Writer, Performer, Susan Messing, Actor and Solo Performer Educator, and Transnational Human Laura Dieli, NETworks Presentations, Meida McNeal, Artist and Scholar Rights Activist Production Manager of Performance Studies, Dance, Molly Brennan, Barrel of Monkeys, and Ethnography Jack Feivou, Fabulous Fox Theatre, St. Louis, Company Member President and CEO Roger Pines, Lyric Opera of Chicago, John Collins,* Actor Dramaturg Mary Ellen Park,* Chicago Fire, Ager/Dyer

Scott Conn, Goodman Theatre, Brian Quijada, Actor, Writer, Dancer, Elizabeth Schuch,* Creative Artist for Film, Production Manager and Musician Video, and Theatre

Philip Dawkins, Playwright Elizabeth Rice, Actor David Stewart, Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, Director of Production Joseph Drummond, Goodman Theatre, Maren Robinson, Timeline Theatre, Production Stage Manager Company Member and Dramaturg

Andrew Eninger, Playwright, Actor, David Rosenberg, Holocaust Survivor and Director Denise Schneider, Goodman Theatre, Mary Beth Fisher, Actor Publicity Director

Stuart Flack, Playwright Joanie Schultz, Director

Marissa Ford, Goodman Theatre, Steve Scott, Goodman Theatre, Special Projects Associate Associate Producer

Ricardo Gamboa, Playwright & Director Amy Szerlong, Goodman Theatre, Institutional Giving Megan Geigner, Dramaturg Katherine Welham, Goodman Theatre, Henry Godinez, Northwestern University, Director of Institutional Grants Faculty; Goodman Theatre, Artistic Associate

Isaac Gomez, Victory Gardens Theatre, Literary Manager

Jonathan L. Green, Goodman Theatre, Literary Management Associate * indicates alumni 10 ACADEMICS

Faculty/Staff Directing and Faculty/Staff Memberships Faculty/Staff Research and Grants Performance Activity Faculty and staff held membership 4 DePaul University Research Grants, Directed or performed in over 65 with 46 organizations and committees, participating in 12 research projects productions, including 12 world premieres, including but not limited to Actor’s through a Feldenkrais Mentorship, at theatres including American Blues Equity Association, American Federation Harvest Contemporary Dance Festival, Theater, House Theatre, Free Street of Television and Radio Artists, Illinois Arts Council, University Research Theater, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Amigas Latinas, Association of Arts Council, and Irish Studies at DePaul. Lyric Opera of Chicago, Museum of Administration Educators, Association Contemporary Art Chicago, Northlight of Theatre in Higher Education, Theatre, TimeLine Theatre Company, International Council of Fine Arts Deans, Faculty/Staff Development Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Teatro Screen Actor’s Guild, Feldenkrais Guild Faculty and staff received 12 professional Vista, and Victory Gardens Theater. of North America, League of Chicago certifications from organizations and Theatres, League of Professional Theatre programs including Women, Lookingglass Theatre Company, DePaul Teaching , Faculty/Staff Design and Strawdog Theatre Company, United Commons Entertainment Technician , Technical Activity States Institute for Theatre Technology, Certification Program Laban Movement , , and Voice and Speech Trainers Analysis Linklater Voice Center , , 21 gigs in areas including composing, Association. Margolis Method STOTT Pilates Yoga costume design, cutting/draping, Alliance, and Sanford Meisner Center. lighting design, and rigging at theatres Faculty and staff gave 13 presentations and organizations including Alley Theatre, Faculty/Staff Instruction at conferences and programs including Chicago Flyhouse, Cleveland Playhouse, Cherubs at Northwestern University, Court Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Joffrey Faculty and staff taught 24 courses and Cusp Conference, ELI Talks, Steppenwolf Ballet, Lifeline Theatre, Lookingglass workshops outside of DePaul University in Theatre Company, Victory Gardens Theatre Company, Madison Opera, and areas of study including acting, directing, Theater, and United States Institute for Milwaukee Repertory Theater. arts management, sound design, and Theatre Technology. vocal training at American Alliance for Theatre and Education, Green Shirt Faculty/Staff Scholarship & Studios, iTheatrics Junior Theatre Publication Festival, Lou Conte Dance Studio, Loyola University, Milwaukee Zoological 8 plays written by faculty and produced Society, National Theatre Institute at the by theatres including Goodman Theatre Eugene O’Neill Center, Roy Hart Theatre Playwrights Unit, New Dramatists, Piven Voice Training Workshop, Theatre for Theatre, and The Theatre @ Boston Young Audiences/USA, and University of Court. Faculty and staff were featured in Wisconsin/Milwaukee. 22 publications and media contributions in books, on radio, in editorials, and as reviewers for Boston Globe, Contemporary Theatre Review, The New York Times, The New Yorker, Vestoj, and Vocalo’s Morning Amp.

11 ACADEMICS

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs O’Connor Casting INTERNSHIPS and Special Events Students in the Design/Technical, Playground Theatre Chicago Flyhouse Performance, and Theatre Studies PR Casting departments completed 55 Chicago History Museum internships during the 2015-16 Rattlestick Theatre Company academic year. These included Chicago Shakespeare Theater internships at various theatre Second City COR Theatre companies, arts organizations, Shapiro Productions schools, and casting and talent Deer Park Theatre agencies, including the following: Steppenwolf Theatre Definition Theatre Second City 321 Theatrical Management Disney College Program Show Pants LLC 6th Street Playhouse DM Playhouse Shpiel (Performing Identity) A Noise Within First Folio Theatre Silverware Entertainment Aaron Shapiro Productions Freefall Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Allied Live Free Street Theatre The Arthritis Foundation Aurora Civic Center Greenhouse Theatre

Boldface Communications Group Hollywood Fringe Festival The Public Theatre

Broadway in Chicago Hubbard Street Dance Trinity Rep Educational Department

Broadway Teaching Group Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum TYA/USA

Cathy Taylor Public Relations Lookingglass Theatre Victory Gardens Theatre

Charlotte Wilcox Company Main Street Opera William Bivius (Playwright)

Chicago Children’s Theatre Noreen Heron and Associates Windy City Playhouse

12 MFA Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky adapted by Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus directed by Michael Burke

Contractions by Mike Bartlett directed by Jacob Janssen

Swimmers by Rachel Bonds directed by Marti Lyons

ENHANCED STUDIO PRODUCTIONS The Children’s Hour by Lillian Hellman directed by Nathan Singh

The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare PRODUCTIONS directed by Erin Kraft What the Fuck is Going on in Kilgore, TX ON THE FULLERTON STAGE IN THE HEALY THEATER music by Brian Victor Zupanc by Grace Cunyus Joe Turner’s Come and Gone The Lady From the Sea directed by Lisa Portes directed by Coya Paz by August Wilson by Henrik Ibsen musical direction by Mark Elliott directed by Phyllis E. Griffin translated by Pam Gems STUDIO PRODUCTIONS directed by Erin Kraft Prospero’s Storm Fall 2015 God’s Ear based on William Shakespeare’s Twelve Angry Men by Jenny Schwartz In the Blood The Tempest adapted by Sherman L. Sergel from the TV directed by Andrew Peters by Suzan-Lori Parks adapted and directed by Damon Kiely movie by Reginald Rose directed by Nathan Singh The Misanthrope music and lyrics by Mark Elliott directed by Matt Hawkins by Molière The Translation of Likes Peter Pan and Wendy God of Carnage translated by Richard Wilbur by Nambi E. Kelley adapted by Doug Rand by Yasmina Reza directed by Brian Balcom directed by Ron OJ Parson from the novel by J.M. Barrie translated by Christopher Hampton The Women Eat Chocolate CHICAGO PLAYWORKS FOR FAMILIES directed by Ernie Nolan directed by Tosha Fowler by Caroline Macon AND YOUNG AUDIENCES True Story directed by Heidi Stillman Esperanza Rising by Em Lewis by Lynne Alvarez directed by Kevin Fox based on the book by Pam Muñoz Ryan 13 After Miss Julie Other Desert Cities by Patrick Marber by Jon Robin Baitz directed by Brian Balcom directed by Krissy Vanderwarker

The Art of Living Happy Winter 2016 by Max Barr Kingdom City directed by Barry Brunetti by Sheri Wilner Winter 2016 directed by Michael Osinski The Able Space Molora by Stephanie Bong by Yael Farber directed by Carlos Murillo directed by Ann Wakefield

Failure: A Love Story Gloria by Philip Dawkins by Brandon Jacob-Jenkins directed by Kymberly Mellen directed by Stuart Carden

How I Learned to Drive Spring 2016 by Paula Vogel A Lie of the Mind directed by Keira Fromm by Sam Shepard Spring 2016 directed by Azar Kazemi Women Uncle Vanya by Chiara Atik by Anton Chekov directed by Nathan Singh directed by Jason Beck

Tender An Experiment with an Air Pump by Nikki Bloom by Shelagh Stephenson directed by Erin Kraft directed by Ian Frank

An Illiad LABS by Denis O’Hare and Lisa Peterson Fall 2015 adapted from Homer and translated by Robert Fagles Cock directed by Andrew Peters by Mike Bartlett directed by Nathan Alexander INTROS Sparkleshark Fall 2015 by Philip Ridley Better Living directed by Jordyn Prince by George F. Walker directed by Dan Kerr-Hobert Winter 2016 Play for Germs Lungs by Israel Horovitz by Duncan Macmillan directed by Caroline Pramas directed by Patrice Egleston 14 PRODUCTIONS

The Veldt Riptide Something Like a Star Lights Out by Ray Bradbury by Ben Claus by Shea MacKenzie by Lily Rushing directed by Adam Elliot Simon Peter of Galilee The Unbeknownst The Deflowerment of Wendy Diaz Much Ado by Grace Cunyus by Caroline Macon by Jewells Santos by William Shakespeare directed by Margaret Baughman Homo Destructus Polyanna Untitled Work in Progress by Briget Diehl by Daniella Mazzio by Elon Sloan Spring 2016 Crisis Comedy Hour! Dakota Proscenium Spellbound OR Tragedy: A Tragedy featuring the works of William R. Boersma by Maille Mitchell (No More Meta Narratives) by Will Eno in collaboration with Siri Elena by Dan Sonenberg directed by Jill Perez Millennial B.S. The Suleimans by Abaigeal O’Donnell 1000 Julys on Pineapple Street Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake) by Dylan Fahoome by Ella Williams by Sheila Callaghan Vagilantes directed by Jill Perez Room Service by Krystal Ortiz Mrs. Phu’s Cleansing Juices (and Also Salads) by Maddie Grubbs by Emily Witt Eye for Eye Broken Children original story by Orson Scott Card by Emily Pabish adapted and directed by Ian Miller

WRIGHTS OF SPRING The Adventures of Dr. Science by Devin Asperger

Breathe In, Breathe Out by Max Donohue Barr

Work In Progress by Kaysie Bekkela

Down the Rocky Road and All the Way to Bedlam by D. Matthew Beyer

Remainders by William R. Boersma

Sweet Like Disco Lemonade by Stephanie Bong

Flashfire by Hampton Cade

Abindigo by Chandler Clamp

15 STAFF PROFILE TRACEE DUERSON B.A., Political Science, California Polytechnic State University M.A., Higher Education and Student Personnel Administration, New York University

What brought you to The Theatre School? What’s your greatest personal or professional My family and I re-located to Chicago from California in accomplishment? the summer of 2015 so that my husband could attend I am very proud to have earned both a bachelor’s and medical school. I started working as a higher educational master’s degree as I am the first person in my immediate professional in 2004, and I have held various roles from family to achieve this. I am also extremely happy that I college counseling, to educational outreach and advising, found a career in a field where I feel passionate about the to campus programming, and admissions. When we were work that I do. I love coming to work every day, and that, preparing to re-locate, I saw this position posted and to me is a professional success/accomplishment. knew it would be a great fit to fuse my love and passion for theatre and performing arts and my professional Favorite food? experience in higher education. I really enjoy the So many to choose from. I will always love cheeseburgers, opportunity to work with artists who wish to pursue and my husband makes some killer carnitas tacos. a career in the arts in higher education, especially in Chicago—a thriving theatre community. Hometown I’ve spent most of my life in both Southern California and What are your plans for new initiatives or projects in on the central coast of California. And New York City will your area at TTS? always hold a little piece of my heart as “home.” My goal is to continue to strategically grow our pool of applicants, gain more national recognition, update What’s one thing you would like people to our admissions recruitment strategies, and continue to know about you? evaluate and make changes to find students who are the I love to be outdoors: playing soccer, hiking, best fit for our programs. walking/exploring!

What are your goals for the upcoming school year? I am re-structuring our marketing and recruitment plan, including initiating some online digital marketing campaigns. I also plan to establish and cultivate relationships with theatre educators and professionals, counselors, and students both locally and nationally through recruiting visits and events. I want to continue to re-think our audition and interview process to make sure it is working as efficiently and effectively as possible, and I am analyzing best practices for recruitment events. 16 STAFF PROFILE KRISTINA FLUTY M.A., Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling, Columbia College Chicago Graduate Certificate in Laban Movement Analysis, Columbia College Chicago Movement Pattern Analysis Certificate, Columbia College Chicago B.A., Dance, Minor in English, Point Park University

What brought you to The Theatre School? What’s your greatest personal or professional I began teaching at TTS as an adjunct in winter of 2013, accomplishment? and that spring I also choreographed a bit for The Coral Woof. That’s a big question. It’s a bit cliché, but I am King, directed by Ann Wakefield. Patrice Egleston, Head super proud to be a mom to my son, Gus, who turns 5 of Movement, had called my husband the year before to in September. Parenthood kind of blindsided me and my see if he could teach some Laban classes (Paul Holmquist, husband (doesn’t it really do that to everyone?!) and I TTS alum—BFA in Acting, 1998—also a Laban practitioner). try to remind myself and Paul to appreciate that we are When he couldn’t do it, he recommended me, and her reply actually doing pretty darn well at this huge thing—raising was “Oh! I have her on my list of recommended people a kind, loving human being who will grow up to be a and was wondering how I was going to find her!” So, it was responsible citizen. kismet. And also connections. Favorite food: What are your plans for new initiatives or projects in I have to choose? Probably brownies. your area at TTS? I don’t really have any plans yet. With two new people Hometown coming into the Movement Faculty, I know that we will be Middlesboro, KY. Daniel Boone country. working on looking at our curriculum over the next couple of years. I am very committed to helping everyone at What’s one thing you would like people to TTS understand how we can approach the issues around know about you? intimate touch guidelines with a grounded, movement- I’m actually NOT analyzing your movement right now. and-body-based lens.

What are your goals for the upcoming school year? My biggest goal for this year is to be generous with myself regarding my acclimation to being a new faculty member. I can sometimes hold myself to impossibly high expectations, so I want to be sure I give myself room for mistakes in my learning process. I foster this paradigm in my classroom, so I hope I can also embrace it for myself.

Aside from that, I am excited to advise students in an official capacity and also learn about that process. 17 ALUMNI PROFILE COSTUME DESIGNER: J.R. HAWBAKER (THE ’05)

By Kelsey Schagemann

J.R. Hawbaker (BFA Costume Design, ’05) can pinpoint designer Michael Wilkinson, spending three months the exact moment her life changed. Heading into her conceptualizing the sumptuous fur coats, slinky dresses, second year at DePaul, Hawbaker intended to study and plunging necklines that earned the film an Academy English literature, history, and photography, but she Award nomination in costume design. “It was truly wasn’t passionate about her academic path. Then, as a dream script. Nothing about those characters was she browsed classes, the course book fell open to the clichéd,” Hawbaker says. Consequently, she avoided costume design program in The Theatre School. “I saw stereotypical ’70s references in favor of aspirational and classes in playwriting, design, the history of costume fresh pieces perfectly suited to the film’s themes of and Shakespeare,” Hawbaker says. Suddenly, she realized projection, reinvention, and the long con. the connective thread among her areas of interest. “I liked those subjects because they were expressions of According to Hawbaker, the process of bringing characters character, and that’s what costume design is all about.” to life through costume occurs in phases. “Typically, you start with a script and a conversation with the director, their take on the characters, what they’re trying to evoke, “In essence, costume design is their vision,” she says. “Next up is the research period where you gather images and items that will help you about studying the kaleidoscope refine those ideas with the director.” Illustrations, full-size of human emotion and experience. renderings, and on-set adjustments follow.

I help tell stories through what That said, the process differs by director; when Hawbaker the characters wear and how they collaborates with Terrence Malick, as she did on The Tree of Life and Knight of Cups, standard operating procedure carry themselves in those pieces.” goes out the window. “There’s no research, there’s no –J.R. Hawbaker script,” Hawbaker explains, noting that she has learned to trust her instincts in developing designs that assist the actors in creating their characters. “Costume design Now, as an assistant costume designer based in Los comes from a much deeper place than most people Angeles, Hawbaker’s credits include Mad Men, True realize. At some level, it’s a gut understanding of how Blood, Argo, and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice. people project themselves.” She also worked on American Hustle with costume

Photo by Thomas Alleman

18 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS

More than 300 Theatre School friends and supporters enjoyed an evening of celebration at the 27th Annual Awards for Excellence in the Arts Gala on Monday, November 9th, at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The event included a reception, dinner, and awards program, and was co-chaired by Joseph Antunovich, President, Antunovich Associates; Sondra Healy, Chairman, Turtle Wax, Inc.; Trisha Rooney, President, R4 Services; and The

Rev. Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Senior Executive, Office of the event support The Theatre School Scholarship Catholic Collaboration at DePaul University. Fund, enabling the next generation of theatre artists and leaders to continue their training in pursuit of their Award recipients included: Lou Raizin, President, dreams. Through the generous support of donors to Broadway in Chicago, Leadership Award for Excellence the event, TTS raised over $200,000 toward scholarship in the Arts; actor Karen Aldridge (Matilda the Musical, support. Boss, Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Tug of War), Alumni Award for Excellence in the Arts; and actor, director “We are so grateful to each and every person who and choreographer André De Shields (Ain’t Misbehavin’, supported this event, and contributed to The Theatre The Wiz, The Full Monty), Award for Excellence in the School Scholarship Fund, “says John Culbert, Dean of The Arts. Major supporters of the event included included Theatre School. “This crucial support directly impacts the Antunovich Associates, Exelon, Geico, PNC Bank, R4 success of the next generation of theatre artists.” Services, and Schiff Hardin.

“My art is my ministry,” explained award recipient André De Shields. “Storytelling is transformative. Storytelling can Since its inception in 1989, The Awards for Excellence change the world. This is our most powerful tool as artists.” in the Arts have recognized distinguished artists and visionaries who have proven their dedication, talent, and leadership in support of the arts. All proceeds from 19 THEATRE SCHOOL BOARD The Theatre School Board has two primary functions: Sustaining Board Members Trisha Rooney Amy K. Pietz to raise funds to support the school’s programs and President, R4 Services, LLC Actor scholarship awards, and to raise the visibility and stature Brian Montgomery, Chair John C. Reilly of the school in Chicago and nationally. There are three Vice President, Labor and Joseph Santiago Jr. Managing Director and Team Leader Actor categories of membership: Sustaining Members, who Employee Relations Exelon Corporation The Private Bank and Trust Company actively support the mission of the school through Charlayne Woodard advocacy and philanthropy; Professional Associates, Sondra A. Healy, Chair Emeritus Patricia Costello Slovak Actor and Playwright who promote connections between the school and the Chairman of the Board Partner entertainment industry; and Honorary Board Members, Turtle Wax, Inc. Schiff Hardin LLP Dennis Zacek elected in recognition of their dedication and service to Director, Former Artistic Director, Linda Usher Victory Gardens Theater The Theatre School. We are grateful for the many ways in Joseph Antunovich CEO which our board members contributed to the life of the President Antunovich & Associates O2COOL school this year. Kathleen M. Bette Monsignor Kenneth Velo Honorary Board Members Office of Catholic Collaboration Monika L. Black, MA, MHA, PHD DePaul University Dr. John Ransford Watts

Strategy Catalyst Dean Emeritus DyMynd Tomer Yogev The Theatre School Co-Founder and Managing Director

Mary Spalding Burns TANDEMSPRING Joseph Slowik Professor Emeritus Lorraine M. Evanoff Profesor Emeritus Director of Finance The Theatre School CineSky Pictures LLC Professional Associates

Karen Hale Paula Cale Lisbe Vice President, Senior Banking Advisor Actor PNC Wealth Management Scott L. Ellis Whitney A. Lasky ADAMS Associate Artistic Director The Roundabout Theatre, New York Don McLean President, GRAFX Communication Group Scott and Samantha Falbe Intelligent Lighting Creations Irene Michaels IOnTheScene.com Zach Helm Screenwriter, Director, and Actor Penny Obenshain Criss Henderson Vonita Reescer Executive Director VDR & Associates, LLC Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Merle Reskin Paul Konrad Weather /Reporter for WGN-TV News Hank Richter WGN Studios 20 The Theatre School Gifts of $1,000 and above annually qualify Mary Pritzker for membership in the President’s Club, $10,000-$24,999 Jill Raizin & Louis Raizin HONOR ROLL DePaul’s honor society of donors. Fr. Corcoran Circle Sarah Siddons Society, Inc. OF DONORS * $1,000,000+ lifetime giving to Antunovich Associates, Inc. Rev. Charles Shelby, C.M., MS ‘72 * Listings in the honor roll reflect DePaul University Leslie Antunovich & Joseph Antunovich Hon. John Simon, JD ‘67; DHL ‘12 (Life Trustee) contributions and pledge payments + Donor has made a special philanthropic & Millie Simon made to The Theatre School between pledge of $25,000 or greater to DePaul Lawrence Bundschu Patricia Slovak July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016. University between July 1, 2015 and Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust * June 30, 2016 Chris P. Stefanos Associates, Inc. Richard H. Driehaus, BUS ‘65; MBA ‘70; DHL ‘02 (Life Trustee) * Chris Stefanos W.E. O’Neil Construction Co. $50,000+ Focus Lighting, Inc. Fr. McCabe Circle Geico Paul Gregory, GSD ‘73 $2,500-$4,999 Sondra Healy, GSD ‘64 (Life Trustee) & Denis Healy* Lewis & Hilary K. Josephs Fr. O’Malley Circle Magellan Corporation Ellen Saslow & Ron Saslow + Monika Black, PHD ‘12 & Tomer Yogev Michael Minkus Susan Strauss & Peter Strauss Dennis Dugan, GSD ‘69 R4 Services Exelon Foundation Trisha Rooney $25,000-$49,999 Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund * Dr. John Ransford Watts & Joyce Watts Fr. Levan Circle The Hill Group William Ibe, LAS ‘80 The Annenberg Foundation $5,000-$9,999 Bob & Linda Kozoman Exelon Corporation + Fr. O’Connell Circle Peoples Gas Hu-Friedy Manufacturing Co., LLC Schiff Hardin, LLP Malcolm Lambe, JD ‘84 & Linda Usher Rochelle Abramson, MED ‘89 & Elliott Abramson Linda Sieracki & Richard Sieracki Brian Montgomery, JD ‘89 + Broadway in Chicago Richard J. and Linda J. Sieracki Foundation National Philanthropic Trust Mary Burns & Joseph Burns PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. * + Lorraine Evanoff, LAS ‘87 PNC Foundation + Jennifer Faron, BUS ‘94; MBA ‘05 $1,000-$2,499 & Michael Faron Princess Grace Foundation - USA + Vincentian Circle Illinois Tool Works, Inc. Claire Rosen & Samuel Edes Foundation William Bennett (Trustee) & Susan Bennett Dr. Bella Itkin-Konrath (dec.), GSD ‘43 Segal Family Foundation Craig Bergmann, CSH ‘81 J.B. & M.K Pritzker Family Foundation Carole Segal & Gordon Segal Craig Bergmann Landscape Design Whitney Lasky & Jerry Lasky University of Pennsylvania John Bowab Kenneth A. Lattman Foundation, Inc. CDCT Land Company, LLC Ben Nye Makeup Company, Inc. Joyce Chelberg Dana Nye Charles Connors, JD ‘67 & Ann Connors Bill & Penny Obenshain 21 Paul Dengel John Culbert & Katherine Culbert, MED ‘04 Northern Trust Corporation Karen Hashley, THE ‘07 Dr. Patricia Ewers, DHL ‘98 & John Ewers (dec.) Cushing & Company Lorianne Owen Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism Herbert Felsenfeld, GSD ‘63; GSD ‘65 Joseph Cushing Dennis Stefanowicz Jr., JD, LAS ‘89; JD ‘92 Cameron Knight & Gail Newman Gillian Darlow & Christopher Jones Dr. Roshanna Sylvester KPMG Foundation * Charles Gardner Deloitte Foundation Albert Tucci, GSD ‘70 & Sharon Tucci LuAnn Kulpaka-Dockery Geoffrey Goldberg DePaul Vincentian Residence Eric Wexler Eileen Lacario Martha Higgins & John Higgins Kari Foote, MS ‘97 & William Foote Lizanne Wilson Hensley & Todd Hensley Charles Letts, GSD ‘73 Rev. Dennis Holtschneider, C.M. (Trustee) Daniel Fortman Anthony Li Fonti, LAS ‘71 Maureen Huntley, GSD ‘82 & Paul Sheahen Nan Goldberg $100-$249 Don Livesay Anthony Johnson, THE ‘95 & Candace Johnson Maria Goodman & Albert Goodman Julie Maier Patrizia Acerra Melvin & Renee Katten James Jensen James McDonald Johnna Adams, THE ‘95 Magneco/Metrel, Inc. Joan Meister & Dr. Richard Meister + Dawn McKesey Lisa Amdor Thomas Neary Jr. Janet C. Messmer J. Spencer Medford, LAS ‘95 & Gini Medford The Arc Theatre Joseph Ponsetto, EDU ‘78; JD ‘82 Polk Bros. Foundation * + David Mold, MFA ‘97 & Rebecca Fasanello & Jean Lenti Ponsetto, EDU ‘78 Lisa Blakes Charles Smith John Muller James Ryan III, MBA ‘87 (Trustee) Gisela Brodin-Brosnan & Michelle Ryan Elizabeth Soete & Raymond Narducy David Neary William & Joan Brodsky Foundation, Inc. Rosemary Schnell Lisa Warshauer Julia Neary (dec.), THE ‘90 William Brodsky Robert Shook, GSD ‘72 & Leslie Shook Weiss & Company, LLP Bradley Phillips Barry Brunetti, MFA ‘98 Juliana Tew & Dr. Stephen Tew, MD Dennis Zacek, LAS ‘63 & Marcie McVay Rev. William Piletic, C.M. Russell Bruzek, GSD ‘64 Monsignor Kenneth Velo June Podagrosi Rafael Castellanos, BUS ‘87 Bryan Williams Kimberly Pross, THE ‘98 $250-$499 Catholic Bishop of Chicago Derrick Winding, SNL ‘12 Alan Salzenstein Thomas Amandes, GSD ‘81 & Nancy Everhard Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation & Shannon Stone-Winding, SNL ‘14 Barbara Schaffer The Benevity Community Impact Fund Laura Cohen & Steven Gross Ted Wolff Nellie Seigel, THE ‘95 Christine Binder Megan Collins, THE ‘03 Xcel Energy Foundation Nancia Shawver, GSD ‘85 & Laurence Weiner Linda Buchanan Carole Doris, JD ‘76 & Dr. Peter Doris Karen Sheridan, MFA ‘86 John Jenkins & Nan Cibula-Jenkins Brigid Duffy Gerace, GSD ‘65 $500-$999 Rachel Shteir Dean & Judy Corrin & Charles Gerace, GSD ‘66 Mary Sieracki & Steven Sieracki Anonymous Anonymous * Felicia Filbin, LAS ‘81 Laura Euphrat Brian Skale The Baila Foundation Karen Heller & David Dye Juanita Franklin Andi Sklar Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund Laura Heller Dennis Garlick Chuck Smith Jennifer Beck, MED ‘07 & Jason Beck, THE ‘98 William Kusack Jr., MBA ‘78 (Trustee) Stephanie Glazer, THE ‘99 Mary Sullivan, CMN ‘12 Mark Campana Carolyn Leonard, BUS ‘64 Sharon Gopfert, MFA ‘94 Karen Dryer Thurston, THE ‘89 Jerrold Gorrell, GSD ‘65 Cannon Design Margaret Lombardo & Powell Thurston Arny Granat Emily Chew & Robert Murphy Bradley & Jennifer Norris + Eddie Torres Michael Halberstam 22 UnitedHealth Group Catherine Hartmann Joyce Raby Victoria Van Kirk Pride & Doug Pride Camilla Hawk Diaz-Perez, GSD ‘55 Krista Sahakian Gifts-in-Kind Catherine Weidner Patricia Herrera Jessica Saletnik, THE ‘99 Olivia Ball, THE ‘14 Wells Fargo & Company LaVeda Hollingsworth Jorge Sanchez John Jenkins & Nan Cibula-Jenkins Farrel Wilson, MFA ‘89 & Philip Marienthal William Hopper Jeanne Sauger, THE ‘91 & Kevin Lawson, THE ‘91 Sister Angele Hinkey Charlayne Woodard, GSD ‘77; DHL ‘06 Bethany Hovda Rejinal Simon, THE ‘14 John Kinsella, MBA ‘52 & Jeanette Kinsella Frances Isbell, GSD ‘64 Theresa Sofianos Robert Shook, GSD ‘72 & Leslie Shook Joshua Isenberg, MBA ‘00 Carri Speicher Johnson Up to $99 Cynthia Sopata Katherine Johnson Ginny Stern Nancy Alexander Rebecca Keeshin Megan Straza Wynn Allen, THE ‘93 & Richard Allen Nora Kersten Walsh Dr. Robert Thommes, CSH ‘50; MS ‘52 ArcelorMittal David Klumb, THE ‘09 Gabriella Thornton, MBA ‘10 Pearl Blaylock, MED ‘71 Alexander Koch, THE ‘12 & Tweed Thornton, THE ‘06 BPA Restaurant, LLC Elizabeth Kron, THE ‘09 Catherine Tomey Mitchell Brooks Light & Pigment Design Bo Vaughn Don Campbell Karen McDonnell Sameerah Walker, MFA ‘03 Maria Carson, THE ‘09; LAS ‘09 Sara McKay & Dr. John McKay Deborah White-Dabulskis, CSH ‘80; JD ‘84 Francine Cebrzynski, MED ‘07; MPH ‘12 Michael Minieka Jeanne Williams Dr. Lynne Copp, SNL ‘95 Evemarie Moore Kathleen Wittleder & Alexander Wayne, LAS ‘67 Martin Moran, SNL ‘04 & Erin Moran, MA ‘04 Eugene Zielinski, LAS ‘68 Caileen Crecco Elizabeth Murphy Rita De La Pena, SNL ‘86 Renee Neary Hall Dr. Stephen Di Benedetto, THE ‘93 Matching Gifts Philip Nevels Michele Disselhorst ArcelorMittal Nneoma Nkuku, BUS ‘05 Patricia Disselhorst Exelon Foundation Hannah Paff, THE ‘12 Myron Elliott Northern Trust Corporation Panda Restaurant Group, Inc. Epic Burger, Inc. Peoples Gas Na Hyun Park Al Fenske, GSD ‘67; GSD ‘67 Polk Bros. Foundation*+ Rick Pavia, MST ‘93 Eric Fielding, GSD ‘76 & Cecelia Fielding Wells Fargo & Company Susan Perkins Stark William Fox, GSD ‘75 Xcel Energy Foundation Chase Pevitz, BUS ‘15 Teresa Ganzel, GSD Elizabeth Pleschette Godiva Gaultier Wendy Possinger, MFA ‘98 Anastasia Gonzalez & Gilbert Gonzalez David Pratt Joanny Gonzalez Phyllis Projansky Michelle Gross Lauren Quinlan Megan Hardiman 23