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Honoring Excellence: Theatre School Alumni Among 2025 Tony Nominees

​​The Theatre School at DePaul University is proud to celebrate the achievements of its alumni in the 2025 Tony Award nominations. Two recipients of the Theatre School's Distinguished Alumni Award have earned nominations in major categories:

  • Glenn Davis (BFA Acting '04), 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, is nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for the role of Solomon “Junior" Jasper in Purpose.​
  • Heather Gilbert (MFA Lighting Design '97), 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, received a nomination for Best Lighting Design of a Play for her work on Good Night, and Good Luck.

Several other Theatre School alumni have also made contributions to nominated productions:

  • Alana Arenas (BFA Acting '02) originated and plays Morgan Jasper in Purpose.​​
  • Phillip James Brannon (BFA Acting '06) joined the cast of Oh, Mary! as Mary's Husband.
  • Austin Cantwell (BFA Theatre Management '24) helped open Death Becomes Her as a General Management Intern with 321 Theatrical Management.
  • Scott Ellis (BFA ACTING '78) Directed Pirates! The Penzance Musical and served as Interim Artistic Director of Roundabout Theatre Company, which produced both English and Pirates! The Penzance Musical.
  • Erica Hemminger (MFA Scene Design '03) served as Associate Scenic Designer​ on Death Becomes Her and Just in Time.
  • Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel (Faculty/BFA Dramaturgy & Criticism '17) worked on English as a Cultural Competency Coordinator and Education Consultant.
  • Garrett Young (BFA Acting '19) is an understudy in John Proctor Is the Villain.

These individuals reflect the talent and impact of the Theatre School community across various aspects of theatrical production. Join us in congratulating all nominees and contributors!