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News & Events

Spotlight | Spring 2025

Building Community in Theatre

Theatre School Alumnus Glenn Davis Wins 2025 Tony Award for Purpose

The Theatre School at DePaul University proudly congratulates Glenn Davis (BFA Acting ’04) on winning a 2025 Tony Award for producing Purpose, honored as this year’s Best Play.

Davis not only brought this powerful story to Broadway as a producer but also appeared in the production as Solomon “Junior” Jasper. Sharing the stage with him was fellow Theatre School alum Alana Arenas (BFA Acting ’02), who portrayed Morgan Jasper. 

Purpose has deep roots in the Chicago theatre community. The play originally premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, where a strong presence of Theatre School alumni and faculty helped shape its first production. In addition to Davis and Arenas, the creative team included:

  • Ayanna Bria Bakari (BFA Acting ’17), Aziza Houston

  • Kayla Forde (BFA Acting ’18), Understudy

  • Shadana Patterson (MFA Acting ’15), Understudy

  • Tyrone Phillips, Theatre School faculty member, who served as Associate Director

This production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Purpose exemplifies the extraordinary talent, collaboration, and commitment that define Theatre School training and the alumni community.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire cast, crew, and creative team for their exceptional work in bringing Purpose from its Chicago origins to Broadway acclaim.


📸 Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions


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Theatre Industry Career Fair 2025

Join ​Martine Kei Green-Rogers (Dean), Regina Garcí​a (Head of Scene Design), Ethan Korvne​ (​BFA Sound Design '24), and the League of Chicgo Theatres May 12 & 13 for their 3rd Annual Theatre Industry Career Fair with their partners Roosevelt University - Chicago College of Performing Arts! 

Registration is available here​.

The Career Fair will feature the following:

May 12 - Monday - 1pm - 5pm

Resume Reviews
Mock Intervews
Free Headshots with Joel Maisonet

Spotlight Series: Administrative Careers in Theatre 1:45pm - 2:45pm

featuring:  

Jared Bellot, Clifford Director of Education and Engagement - The Goodman Theatre  
Emma Perrin, Public Relations and Digital Media Manager - Chicago Shakespeare Theater  
Logan Jones, Director of Accounting – Northlight Theatre  

Spotlight Series: Planning for a Career in Theatre 3:45pm - 4:45pm

featuring:  

Martine Kei Green-Rogers, Dean - The Theatre School at DePaul University  
Cathy Taylor, Founder and President - Cathy Taylor Public Relations, Inc. 
Brooke Flanagan, Executive Director - Steppenwolf Theatre 

May 13 - Tuesday - 1pm - 5pm

Creative Portfolio Reviews 
Mock Auditions 
Free Headshots with Joel Maisonet


Spotlight Series: Technical Careers in Theatre 1:45pm - 2:45pm

featuring: 

Kristi Martens, Freelance AEA Production Stage Manager  
Ethan Korvne, Freelance Sound Designer & Composer 
Regina García, Head of Scene Design - The Theatre School at DePaul University   

Spotlight Series: Actors and Casting in Theatre 3:45pm - 4:45pm

featuring:  

Bob Mason, Artistic Associate and Casting Director – Chicago Shakespeare Theater  
Katie Galetti, Artistic Producer and Casting Director - Writers Theatre 
Charleston Owensby, Agent: Theatre, Film, and Television – Stewart Talent ​

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS:

Music Theater Works, Broadway In Chicago, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Northlight Theatre, IDHS/Division of Rehabilitation Services, Entertainment Community Fund, Lookingglass Theatre Company, TimeLine Theatre, Eddy Rangel, Subtext Studio TC, Paramount Theatre - Aurora Civic Center Authority, NEW Marketing Solutions



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