Photo by Brett Beiner Photography.
The Theatre School at DePaul University is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our alumni and faculty, who have collectively earned 19 nominations in the 2025 Equity Jeff Awards. As the Jeff Awards marks its 57th anniversary recognizing excellence in Chicago’s professional theatre, these nominations highlight the continued impact of our community on the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. From groundbreaking performances to innovative design and direction, our Theatre School graduates and educators are shaping the future of theatre, on stage and behind the scenes. Please join us in congratulating the following community members on their nomination:
NICK BOWLING (MFA Directing ‘96)
Director, Musical, Large
Falsettos | Court Theatre and TimeLine Theatre Company
MIKAEL BURKE (MFA Directing ‘18)
Director, Play, Midsize
A Tale of Two Cities | Shattered Globe Theatre
ANTHONY CHURCHILL & MIKE TUTAJ (Faculty)
Projection Design
The Da Vinci Code | Drury Lane Productions
KATIE CORDTS (BFA Costume Design ‘08)
Artistic Specialization | Wig, Hair, and Makeup Design
Cats | Paramount Theatre
SALLY DOLEMBO (Faculty)
Costume Design (Midsize)
A Lie of the Mind | Raven Theatre
SALLY DOLEMBO (Faculty)
Costume Design (Large)
Irving Berlin's White Christmas | Marriott Theatre
JEN ELLISON (BFA Acting '96)
Director, Revue
This Too Shall Slap | The Second City
ELLIE FEY (BFA Lighting Design ‘23)
Lighting Design, Midsize
Lobby Hero | Shattered Globe Theatre
EMILY HAYMAN (BFA Sound Design ‘22)
Sound Design, Large
Henry V | Chicago Shakespeare Theater
IZUMI INABA (Faculty)
Costume Design, Large
Cats | Paramount Theatre
JACK MAGAW (Faculty)
Scenic Design, Large
East Texas Hot Links | Court Theatre
LAUREN M. NICHOLS (Faculty/BFA Scene Design ‘09)
Scenic Design, Midsize
Memorabilia | Teatro Vista Productions
COURTNEY O'NEILL (General Theatre Studies ‘06)
Scenic Design, Large
Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 | Writers Theatre
SEOYOUNG PARK (MFA Acting ‘24)
Performer in a Principal Role, Play
The Heart Sellers | Northlight Theatre
SULLY RATKE (Faculty)
Costume Design, Large
Titanic The Musical | Marriott Theatre
NICK SANDYS (Faculty)
Performer in a Supporting Role, Play
Peter and the Starcatcher | Paramount Theatre
CONNOR WANG (BFA Sound Design ‘17)
Sound Design, Large
Leroy and Lucy | Steppenwolf Theatre Company
ROBIN WITT (BFA Acting ‘83-‘84)
Director, Play, Midsize
A Case for the Existence of God | Steep Theatre
MARA ISHIHARA ZINKY (BFA Scene Design ‘17)
Scenic Design, Midsize
Native Gardens | Buffalo Theatre Ensemble
Congratulations to all community members nominated, with special recognition to those in ensembles and productions nominated. The 57th anniversary Equity Jeff Awards will take place September 29, 2025, at The Harris Theater in Chicago. Tickets to the program go on sale August 11th at noon via www.jeffawards.com.