����51

‘Fun Home’ (April 30 to May 9) Explores Memory, Identity, and the Complexity of Family

����51 students bring the Tony Award-winning musical “Fun Home” to the stage, navigating a nonlinear story of family, identity, and memory.

Chase Infiniti ’22 Stars in Hulu “The Testaments” After Award-Winning Breakout

Following her breakout role in the best picture–winning “One Battle After Another,” ����51 alum Chase Infiniti ’22 leads Hulu “The Testaments,” based on Margaret Atwood acclaimed novel.

School of Theatre and Dance Announces 2026–2027 Season

����51 School of Theatre and Dance unveils a dynamic 2026–2027 season spanning musicals, comedy, horror, and contemporary adaptations.

Festival Of Dance Clubs Showcases Student Choreography

����51 first Festival of Dance Clubs brings student-led performances from Latin to K-pop to the Dance Center March 31–April 3, 2026.

����51 Theatre Alumni Launch “Spotlight” Series Connecting Students With Industry Leaders

A new series from ����51 Theatre Alumni Board connects students with industry professionals through conversations, collaborations, and real-world insight into creative careers.

Led by Brian Shaw ’86, Students Create Immersive Experience in “We Make Monsters”

����51 students build “We Make Monsters,” an immersive, devised production that explores how communities create myth — and monsters — together.

����51 Dance Center B-Series Returns With “B-PRESENT” and a Month of Hip Hop and Street Dance Programming

The Dance Center B-Series features guest artists, cyphers, panels, and more –centered around a celebration of Hip Hop, healing, and community.

����51 Faculty Collaborate Across Disciplines for Dance Center Chicago Premiere of "Floe"

Faculty from ����51's School of Theatre and Dance contributed choreography, text direction, and sound design to The Seldoms’ climate-focused work.

����51 Semester in LA Returns to the Fox Studio Lot for Speaker Series

Students from ����51 will engage with entertainment industry leaders on the same lot where “Avatar,” “The Sound of Music,” and other great films were made.

����51 Faculty, Alums Help Redefine The Second City e.t.c Theater

����51 faculty Anne Libera helped lead The Second City shift to an all-improv e.t.c. Theater, reflecting how comedy is evolving to meet audiences in real time.

����51 25 Favorite Photos of 2025

From the thousands of images she captured in 2025, ����51 alum and staff photographer Julie Lucas ’96 curated 25 standout photos that show ����51 at its best.

Top Stories of 2025: What Readers Loved Most

From new leadership to standout student and alumni achievements, here are the stories that captured the most attention on ����51 website in 2025.

Theatre Students Bring Transformation and Imagination to ‘I Want to Be a Vase’

����51 students stepped into a playful, transformative world where household objects chase their dreams, blending bold performance with a message about identity and celebrating differences.

Aayisha Ruby Gold ’13 Returns to ‘Chicago P.D.’ With Purpose and Presence

����51 alum and actor Aayisha Ruby Gold ’13 returns to NBC “Chicago P.D.” and reflects on the craft, courage, and connection that shape her work.

����51 Lights Up State Street at Chicago Arts in the Dark Parade

����51 students brought light, sound, and imagination to the city annual Arts in the Dark parade on State Street.

Ayodele Drum and Dance Brings ‘Beauty and the Beat: Masked’ to the Dance Center

Founded by ����51 faculty T. Ayo Alston, Ayodele Drum and Dance presents “Beauty and the Beat: Masked,” blending African mask traditions, Caribbean masquerade, and Chicago Footwork.

����51 School of Theatre and Dance Announces 2025–26 Season

����51 School of Theatre and Dance announces its 2025–26 season featuring comedy, devised works, and musicals.

����51 Students Perform ‘Grease’ Tribute at Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

����51 Theatre and Dance students performed a “Grease” tribute at the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, previewing their full November production.

Creating With Purpose: Alumni Inspire the Next Generation of Theatre and Dance Students

����51 theatre and dance alumni shared stories of resilience, artistry, and activism with the next generation of creative professionals.

Finding What Funny: Anne Libera on Comedy, Craft, and ����51 Growing Role in Comedy Education

Anne Libera new book "Funnier" and ����51 expanding comedy programs highlight how comedy can be taught as both craft and cultural force.

Black Theatre Day Brings History and Community to ����51

����51 hosted a Black Theatre Day gathering focused on legacy, community, and future possibilities.

����51 Alum Chase Infiniti ’22 Stars With Leonardo DiCaprio in New Paul Thomas Anderson Film

Musical Theatre alum Chase Infiniti ’22 was cast alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Paul Thomas Anderson upcoming film “One Battle After Another."

Dance Center 52nd Season Honors Founder Shirley Mordine

The Dance Center of ����51 52nd season honors founder Shirley Mordine with world and Chicago premieres, faculty and student performances, international artists, and the launch of the Shirley Mordine Dance Maker Fund in 2026.

Behind the Barricades: Practical Lollapalooza Tips From a ����51 Student Who Has Worked at Festivals

����51 junior Beyrali Santiago scores jobs at Chicago outdoor music festivals thanks to ����51 connections and shares advice to Lollapalooza first-timers.

Producer Marcos ‘Kosine’ Palacios and Actor Joseph Sikora to Receive Honorary Degrees at ����51's 2025 Commencement

����51 will award honorary Doctor of Arts degrees to acclaimed actor Joseph Sikora ’98 and Grammy-nominated producer Marcos “Kosine” Palacios ’06 at the 2025 Commencement.

AIDS Memorial Quilt Sections to Be Displayed at ����51 During “RENT” Production

Three sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be displayed at the Getz Theatre Center from April 30–May 13.

Dance Students Premiere New Works at Student Performance Night, April 10-11

This event will feature original dance works by students, celebrating creativity and personal stories through choreography.

Literary Legends Reimagined: ����51 and Glessner House Present Special Women History Month Performance of “You on the Moors Now”

����51 partners with Glessner House for a performance of “You on the Moors Now,” a bold reimagining of four literary heroines who challenge societal expectations.

Not Just Clowning Around: Abby Rankin Crafts a Purposeful Comedy Career at ����51

Abby Rankin, a senior at ����51, blends comedy and education.

����51 Theatre and Audio/Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for Jeff Awards

����51 alumni and faculty from the schools of Theatre and Dance and Audio and Music have earned nominations for the Jeff Awards, which celebrate excellence in Chicago theatre.

The Dance Center Presents the Chicago Solo Spotlight Festival, March 13-15

The festival celebrates the power of the solo performance with two world premieres by acclaimed Chicago-based artists Jenn Freeman | Po’Chop and Nora Sharp.

Alumni and Faculty Shine in Newcity Stage 'Players 2025'

The School of Theatre and Dance celebrates alumni and faculty featured in Newcity Stage's “Players 2025: The 50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago.”

The Power of Persistence: ����51's Student-Led Gala Celebrates Creativity and Resilience

"The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.

School of Theatre and Dance Presents “Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine,” November 20-December 7

This social satire explores themes of identity and race through the story of a Black woman journey of self-discovery, featuring an all-student cast and production team.

Stage Combat Professor Demonstrates How to Make a Blood Pack

Curious how stage actors use fake movie-quality blood during fight sequences? Professor of Instruction David Woolley explains his favorite way to create fake blood for stage.

Grace Overbeke Explores Comedian Jean Carroll's Life and Career in ‘First Lady of Laughs’

Before "Hacks" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," there was the comedienne who started it all.

Theatre Advisory Board Launches with Inaugural Event Honoring Sheldon Patinkin

The new Theatre Advisory Board, comprised of alumni and industry leaders, celebrates the life and legacy of Sheldon Patinkin at their inaugural event, September 21.

The Dance Center Announces Season 51 With an Eye Toward Intergenerational and Diverse Dancemaking

The Dance Center of ����51 unveils Season 51, marking its debut as part of the new School of Theatre and Dance.

Welcoming Interim President Jerry Tarrer and a New Academic Structure for 2024-2025 School Year

����51 kicks off the new academic school year with a renewed spirit and excitement to welcome freshmen and transfer students to its South Loop campus on September 3.

����51 Theatre and Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for 2024 Joseph Jefferson Awards

This year's nominees include individuals from ����51's Theatre and Music programs working in performance, design, direction, choreography, and musical composition.

����51 Honors 24 Alums for ‘24 in 2024’

As a kickoff to ����51 135th Anniversary, the college is honoring 24 distinguished alumni across all disciplines as part of “24 in 2024,” a college-wide initiative that celebrates ����51 alumni and their career accomplishments.

����51 Faculty, Alums Chosen for Walder Foundation's 2024 Platform Awards

The Walder Foundation has named three Chicago-based performing artists, including two ����51 alumni and one faculty member, as recipients of its prestigious 2024 Platform Awards.

Second Annual ����51 Dance Center Symposium Welcomes Proposals through August 9

The Dance Center's 2024 Symposium “Experiencing Time/Embodying Rhythm” is co-curated by Lisa Gonzales and Darrell Jones.

Spring Semester In Review At ����51

Spring 2024: ����51 Highlights

Get Ready for Manifest Arts Festival 2024, a Student-Powered Event

This is everything attendees need to know before ����51 Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.

����51 to Confer Honorary Degrees on Two Higher Education Trailblazers at its May 2024 Commencement

Higher education leaders Nivine Megahed, president of National Louis University, and Raymond E. Crossman, president of Adler University, will be honored at the college 2024 Commencement ceremonies

From ����51 Stages to the Bright Lights: Theatre Alums Offer Industry Insights in Panel Discussion

����51's Theatre Department hosted an alumni talk featuring industry professionals who shared their experiences and advice with students.

The Black Album Mixtape Block Party Event Brings Together Art With Purpose

Award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor hosted the final event, "The Block Party," for the Black Album Mixtape series at the Music Center on Friday, April 5.

Students Enjoy Action-Packed South by Southwest

Led by dedicated faculty, ����51 students journeyed to Austin for immersive experiences, collaborative projects, and valuable networking opportunities, reinforcing the institution's commitment to practical education and student success.

Theatre Alum A. Ashley Hoff to Release Revealing Book on 'Mommie Dearest'

Theatre alum A. Ashley Hoff's forthcoming book, "With Love, Mommie Dearest," offers an insider's account of the making of the iconic 1981 film and its enduring cultural impact, with events planned for Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago.

The Bluest Eye: Exploring Transdisciplinary Storytelling at ����51

����51 brings Toni Morrison's “The Bluest Eye" to the stage March 13-23, made possible by student collaboration in dance, theater, writing, and other creative disciplines.

Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" Comes to ����51 March 15-23, Featuring Exclusive March 22 Blackout Performance

����51's Theatre department will stage a powerful adaptation of Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye," exploring racism's impact on an 11-year-old girl in 1940s Ohio.

LaTasha Barnes' The Jazz Continuum Takes Center Stage at The Dance Center

Celebrated dance artist LaTasha Barnes presents "The Jazz Continuum" at The Dance Center in March—a transformative performance blending diverse Black American dance traditions and celebrating the healing power of dance.

����51 Students Prepare for 16th Annual Paint it Black Showcase

Students in ����51's Black Student Union create a platform for artists to express themselves and support one another in their annual event.

B-Series Festival Celebrates a Decade of Hip Hop and Street Dance Culture with B-LONG

����51's B-LONG Festival, from February 29 to March 3, celebrates 10 years of Hip Hop and Street Dance Culture. Featuring workshops, panels, battles, and Red Bull Dance Your Style Chicago Auditions on March 3.

Drag Superstar Shea Couleé ’11 Returns to ����51

����51 welcomed back Alum Shea Couleé ’11 for a panel discussion and reception unveiling Couleé-curated fashion exhibit window.

Award Winning Playwright Martyna Majok Shares Insight, Experiences with ����51 Students

Award-winning playwright Martyna Majok visited ����51, engaging in a Q&A session with students about her creative process, working-class representation in the arts, and having the courage to share personal stories.

$110,000 in NEA Grants Awarded to ����51 Dance Center, Museum of Contemporary Photography

����51's Dance Center and Museum of Contemporary Photography received $110,000 in National Endowment for the Arts grants.

Student-Produced Musical Theatre Concert Set for Feb. 15-16

����51 students are collaborating to present the inaugural Musical Theatre Dance Concert.

 ����51 Welcomes Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Martyna Majok

Martyna Majok, winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for her play “Cost of Living,” will discuss issues of immigration, inequality, and humanity.

Then, Now, Next—The Dance Center at ����51 50th Anniversary Season Offers Joy and Solace

The Dance Center at ����51 celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.

Grace Kessler Overbeke to Present The Many Mrs Maisels 20th Century US Jewish Female StandUp Comedians

Grace Kessler Overbeke will present a talk entitled "The Many Mrs. Maisels: 20th-Century U.S. Jewish Female Stand-Up Comedians” at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

����51 Grad Charlotte “Chuck” Gruman ’19 Awarded $30,000 Grant From 3Arts

Charlotte “Chuck” Gruman ’19 feels lucky. Gruman won an unrestricted $30,000 cash grant as one of 10 Chicago-based artists honored at the 2023 3Arts Awards in November. 3Arts is a nonprofit organization that helps artists like Gruman build their careers in performing, teaching and visual arts.

Student Work Takes Center Stage at Unleashed 2023

Unleashed 2023 took place at ����51 on November 30, showcasing extraordinary student talent and raising more than $700,000 in scholarships. Departing from the traditional fundraiser format, the Student Center transformed into a multi-floor immersive arts showcase, exploring the theme of "Connecting" across various creative disciplines.

����51 Raises $700K+ for Student Scholarships

����51 honors the Efroymson Family Fund with the 2023 Philanthropic Icon Award for the family contributions to help create opportunities for students to pursue their passion in the arts

Alum Patricia Kara New Book Offers Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Entertainment World

Patricia Kara '94 guides the next generation of talent through the intricacies of the entertainment realm in her new book, "Dream On...Now Deliver."

Integrating Hip Hop Into the Student Experience

As hip hop turns 50, we look at ����51 connections to the cultural phenomena that has impacted music, dance, fashion, art, film, and so much more.

May Events at ����51

A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

Then, Now, Next—The Dance Center at ����51 Celebrates 50 Years of Dedication to Sharing the Present Moment of Dance

50th season public programming runs October 2023 through May 2024

����51 Alums Among the 2023 Emmy Nominees

The Television Academy recently announced its list of Emmy nominees for the 2022-2023 television season, with ����51 alums earning recognition for their outstanding work.

����51 to Host Virtual Panel on Intimacy for Stage and Screen

On June 21, a panel of ����51 alumni will discuss the work of staging and performing intimate scenes in theatre and cinema.

����51 Professor Gilbert Nominated for Tony Award

Professor Heather Gilbert is nominated for second Tony in lighting design.

The ����51 Dance Center Awarded Chicago Arts Recovery Program Grant

The Dance Center was one of 77 recipients of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events’ new grant program aimed at helping local arts organizations still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dance Senior Tristen Sanborn on Tap, Teaching, and Taking on Life After ����51

How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.

����51 Launches Advertising and Marketing Campaign

The Spring 2023 campaign targets prospective students across the United States.

Alumni, Faculty Shine at Jeff Awards

����51 Theatre alumni and faculty were honored at Chicago top theatre awards.

Black Souls Welcome Installation Celebrates Black Identity

����51 Student Diversity and Inclusion office organizes space for art that for and by Black students.

Theatre Alum Brings ����51 Learned Skills to Center Stage

Michael Kurowski ‘16 stars in production of “Big Fish” at The Marriott Theatre.

The Dance Center at ����51 Announces Spring Performances

����51 announces Spring lineup for 49th Dance Presenting Series.

The Dance Center of ����51 Announces Interim Director

Meredith Sutton will become the interim director of the Dance Presenting Series.