Non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Awards
The Non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Awards honor the best theatre work in the Chicago area over the past year. Millikin was very well represented in this year’s awards:
- The award for Best Production of a Musical or Revue went to the Kokandy Productions staging of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” The production featured SOTAD alum Patrick O'Keefe, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2018, and Millikin alum Daniel Rausch, BA Human Services (Music Minor) Class of 2017.
- Patrick O'Keefe was also the recipient of the award for Outstanding Performer in a Supporting Role for a Musical or Revue for his much-lauded work as Tobias in this production.
Additionally, the Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre production of “8-Track: The Sounds of the 70s” was the recipient of the award for Best Ensemble in a Musical or Revue. “8-Track” also featured Millikin alum Patrick O'Keefe, as well as Alli Atkenson, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2017.
Additional Performing Alumni News
- Ian Liberto, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2005, is currently in previews for the new Broadway Musical, “New York, New York.”
- Sierra Boggess, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2004, just completed the pre-Broadway run of the revival of “Secret Garden” in Los Angeles.
- Julie Cardia, BFA Theatre Class of 1994, is currently appearing in the National Tour of the new, all female cast of “1776.”
In Chicago:
- Anthony Norman, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2015, continues to tour in the title role for the national tour of “Dear Evan Hansen.”
- Will Koski, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2021, just completed the run of “Into the Woods” at the Paramount Theatre. He played the role of Jack.
- Andrew Tufano, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2022; Collin Bradley, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2021; and Trey DeLuna, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2020, all recently appeared in the Drury Lane production of “A Chorus Line” — Bradley and Tufano were swings, while DeLuna played the role of Al.
- Bo Frazier, BA Theatre Class of 2010, recently directed a critically acclaimed production Jonathan Larson’s “Tick Tick Boom” at BoHo Theatre featuring an all non-binary cast that included Crystal Claros, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2022.
Additional Backstage News
- The lighting design that Anne McMills, BFA Theatre Class of 1999, created for “Marie and Rosetta” has been selected by the United States Institute of Theatre Technology to be featured in the Prague Quadrennial National Exhibit.
- Alex Stevens, BFA Theatre Class of 2014, is programming lighting for “Mosaic for Meow Wolf” in Grapevine, Texas.
- Randy Handley, BFA Theatre Class of 2002, is Costume Shop Manager for The Theatre School, DePaul University, Chicago.
- Katy Atwell, BFA Theatre Class of 2008, is Assistant Lighting Designer for “Moulin Rouge” on Broadway and has been recognized with a Tony Award for Lighting Design.
- Amanda Pohrte, BFA Theatre Class of 2021, is Production Manager for Stages St. Louis.
- Nick Dunk, BFA Theatre Class of 2022, is Sound Engineer for the national tour of “Elf.”
- Josh Wroblewski, BFA Theatre Class of 2011, is a Professor at Western Illinois University and Freelance Lighting Designer. He recently did lighting design for “Rent” and “School of Rock” in Omaha, Neb., and is doing “The Piano Lesson” in Las Vegas, Nev., right now.
- Stanley Natonek, BFA Theatre Class of 2017, is Technical Director of Marvel Universe LIVE.
- Maegan Passafume Conroy, BFA Theatre Class of 2012, recently served as Stage Manager for “Fairview” at SpeakEasy Stage Company in Boston, Mass. Currently, Conroy is in rehearsals for “Angels in America Part 1” at Central Square Theater in Cambridge, Mass., and this summer will be heading to Shakespeare & Company in the Berkshires to Production Stage Manage “Fences.”
- Zac Cary, BFA Theatre Class of 2021, is in MFA program in Technical Direction at Florida State University.
- Noel Henke, BFA Theatre Class of 2003, continues to design and install store displays for Anthropologie.
- Brian Wussow, BFA Theatre Class of 2007, is Warehouse Manager for Live Entertainment Chicago (LEC). They do Lighting, Video and Stage Design for Coachella, Lallapalooza and other events like Super Bowl week.
- Shay Prapun, BA Theatre Class of 2016, is Entertainment Production Manager at LEGOLAND Florida.
- Jessica May, BFA Theatre Class of 2005, is Sales Administrator for the Entertainment Project Services, LLC.
- Emilio Canals, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2019, has been accepted as a Professional Internship in Engineering at Walt Disney World.
- Dawn Kenseth, BFA Theatre Class of 2005, is Head Electrician on the national tour of “Aladdin.” Dwelvan David, BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2002, is also performing on that tour.
- Brian Marshall, BFA Theatre Class of 2005, developed and installed the Stranger Things Experience in LA, Toronto, and Paris, France.
- Jamie Bell, BA Theatre Class of 2002, left her job as a Spotlight Operator on the “Hamilton” national tour and just passed the bar exam. She is working with veterans to make sure they are getting full access to their benefits.