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News & Events

Faculty Member Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel (BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism ’17) Named a Rising Leader of Color in Theatre Journalism and Criticism

Congratulations to Theatre School alum and faculty member Yasmin ​​Zacaria Mikhaiel​ (BFA Dramaturgy/Criticism ’17) on being named a Rising Leader of Color in theatre journalism and criticism by Theatre Communications Group!

Yasmin is one of three early-career journalists and critics selected for this prestigious national cohort, which provides a year of professional development, networking opportunities, and participation in the National Critics Institute at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center.

As a dramaturg, arts journalist, and cultural producer, Yasmin’s work amplifies stories that are often lost, overlooked, or excluded from mainstream narratives, rooted in community, identity, and joy. Their writing has appeared in American Theatre, Chicago Reader, Teen Vogue, In These Times, and beyond.

We’re proud to have Yasmin as an alum and faculty member at The Theatre School. Earlier this year, they made their Broadway debut as Cultural Competency Trainer and Education Consultant for the Tony-nominated production of English at Roundabout Theatre Company, and they continue to lead with vision and heart through their creative agency, BIYA BIYA.

Read more about the Rising Leaders of Color: https://www.americantheatre.org/.../tcg-names-3.../

Revisit our profile on Yasmin's work on Broadway's English: https://www.flipsnack.com/.../planting.../full-view.html


Centennial Stories: DePaul opens 64 E. Lake St. in 1928

On July 14th, 1928, DePaul opened a building at 64 E. Lake St. The building itself was a social and educational nexus for the DePaul community. On the third floor, DePaul’s drama department opened its first set of classrooms, intended for classes in acting and "The Little Theatre". 

The Little Theatre Movement was a European-inspired theatre trend that privileged small, experimental centers of drama. As Europeans immigrated to America in the early 20th century, and American artists traveled to Europe, the experimental and progressive construct of Little Theatre was slowly introduced to an American audience. Leading groups, such as that of Max Reinhardt, the Abbey Theatre, the Vieux Colombier, and the Moscow Art Theatre, toured in America, directly influencing the development of the Little Theatre Movement and bringing it straight to DePaul’s doorstep.  

Goodman faculty member David Itkin sought additional teaching opportunities — connected with DePaul — and produced numerous plays in his first year at 64 E. Lake St., including the world premiere of Fritz Blocki's The World Between. Itkin, of the famed Moscow Art Theatre’s Hebrew language company, Habima, immigrated to Chicago in 1929. He was hired at the Goodman by Thomas Wood Stevens to direct a production of The Golem by H. Leivick. He spoke no English, and directed the play by tone of voice only.

Beloved by students, Itkin continued to teach and direct at both the Goodman School of Drama and at DePaul University's Department of Drama. In 1932, his daughter Bella joined her father in America and enrolled at the Goodman School. The Itkin family remained at the school for nearly fifty years after David’s arrival, working on hundreds of productions. They leave a lasting impact on the Theatre School’s legacy and serve as a reminder of the institution's humble immigrant roots. 

The Centennial Stories are written by Theatre School student and Marketing Office Assistant, Eva Strazek, with thanks to Joan Starkey, Kate Shuert, Liv Queen Majestic, and Dean Corrin.​​


Centennial Stories: School Absorbed by DePaul on July 1, 1978


On July 1st in 1978, the Goodman School of Drama was officially absorbed into DePaul University after being severed from the Art Institute of Chicago. After the school departed from the Institute, the future was uncertain, and thousands of dedicated theatre-goers and Goodman School supporters launched a “save-the-school” letter-writing campaign. Rev. John T. Richardson, C.M., then Executive Vice-President of DePaul University, negotiated the acquisition of the school.

The school was placed in the McGaw Fine Arts Building on the Lincoln Park Campus, and shared space with the School of Music and the Art Department. Students produce their first show, Royal Gambit, in the Cortelyou Commons (pictured above). Children's theatre performances continue to take place at the Goodman Theatre, and other performances take place at various venues. Rea Warg is named acting dean of the Goodman School while it begins a search for a new dean who can transform and revitalize the small but mighty Goodman School.​

The Centennial Stories are written by Theatre School Student/Marketing Office Assistant, Eva Strazek, with special thanks to Joan Starkey, Kate Shuert, Liv Queen Majestic, and Dean Corrin.​


Javier Dubon (MFA Arts Leadership ’18/Faculty) Appointed Interim Executive Director at Oregon Shakespeare Festival

​The Theatre School at DePaul University proudly congratulates alumnus and faculty member Javier (Javi) Dubon​ (MFA Arts Leadership ’18) on his appointment as Interim Executive Director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), one of the nation’s most influential nonprofit theatre institutions.

 
Dubon assumed interim leadership on June 23, 2025, following the departure of Executive Director Gabriella Calicchio. Previously OSF’s Director of Marketing & Sales, Dubon has been instrumental in guiding the organization through a post-pandemic recovery: rebuilding audience trust, revitalizing the festival’s public image, and helping to drive record-breaking ticket sales during OSF’s 90th anniversary season.
 
In his new role, Dubon will continue to oversee marketing, sales, and communications while expanding his leadership to include operations, finance, development, education, human resources, and information technology.
 
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have Javi stepping into this role at this moment,” said OSF Board Chair Rudd Johnson. “He brings both vision and execution. His leadership is rooted in clarity, empathy, and a deep belief in OSF’s mission.”
 
Artistic Director Tim Bond added,
 
“He brings intellect, passion, and vision to everything he does. He understands the soul of this place. He understands our work on stage, our business model, and most importantly, our people. Javi leads by listening, by showing up, and by creating trust. He is a big-picture thinker who also knows how to execute with precision. His ability to blend strategy with data-driven decision making has been critical to our success.”
 
Dubon’s professional journey spans nationally recognized arts organizations, including Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Auditorium Theatre, and Texas Performing Arts. A classically trained saxophonist, he holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The University of Texas at Austin and an MFA in Arts Leadership from The Theatre School at DePaul, where he is a member of the Theatre Management faculty.
 
“My work has always been grounded in creating exceptional experiences for audiences,” said Dubon. “That’s what drew me to a career in arts marketing and administration, and it’s what informs my approach as an arts leader. At its best, OSF is a place where artists, audiences, and staff come together to build and experience something larger than any one of us. That’s what I want to nurture and protect.”
 
Dubon stepped into this role amid significant momentum for OSF, as the organization celebrates a landmark season of artistic and financial progress. His interim appointment has been met with overwhelming support from OSF staff, board members, donors, and the wider theatre community.
 
“As I take this on, I’ve been struck by how many people have reached out—not just to say kind things, but to offer support, perspective, and encouragement,” said Dubon. “It has meant more than I can say. I haven’t felt alone in this for a second. That sense of solidarity is shaping how I approach the work ahead. It reminds me that leadership here isn’t about one person. It’s about showing up for each other, and that’s what I intend to do.”
 
We are proud to see a Theatre School alumnus and faculty member guiding one of America’s most esteemed theatre organizations into its next chapter. Congratulations, Javi!
 
About OSF:
Founded in 1935 in Ashland, Oregon, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival has evolved into a national leader in the American theatre landscape. The festival presents a rotating repertory season on three stages, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, new works, and enduring classics. Learn more at osfashland.org.


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



Planting Seeds: Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel on Culture, Care, and the Power of Intention


Ike Holter discusses his time at DePaul, artistic collaboration and becoming a Chicago playwright | The DePaulia


TimePieces: Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars