51����

51���� presents “The Color Purple” Nov. 5–14 with a student cast 
and live orchestra.

Dance alum Sarah Olaniran ’17, known professionally as SayRah Chips, brings her Nigerian roots to global stages through choreography, movement direction, and collaborations with artists including Adekunle Gold.

51���� students and alums performed during halftime of the Chicago Bears’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 28.

51���� alums and current and former faculty members earned 2026 Equity Jeff Awards for directing, playwriting, scenic design, and ensemble performance.

Tyler Anthony Smith ’17, Dakota Hughes ’15, and Stephanie Shaw ’92, MFA ’09, bring their acclaimed comedy “Queen for a Day” to New York for a limited Off-Broadway run.

The Television Academy recognizes 51���� alumni Chase Infiniti ’22, Christian Sprenger ’07, and Tari Segal ’03 for their work on three acclaimed television series.

51���� alum and actor Aayisha Ruby Gold ’13 returns to NBC’s “Chicago P.D.” and reflects on the craft, courage, and connection that shape her work.

51����’s theatre and dance alumni shared stories of resilience, artistry, and activism with the next generation of creative professionals.

Musical Theatre alum Chase Infiniti ’22 was cast alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film “One Battle After Another."

51���� alumni and faculty from the schools of Theatre and Dance and Audio and Music have earned nominations for the Jeff Awards, which celebrate excellence in Chicago theatre.

The School of Theatre and Dance celebrates alumni and faculty featured in Newcity Stage's “Players 2025: The 50 People Who Really Perform for Chicago.”

Before "Hacks" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," there was the comedienne who started it all.

As a kickoff to 51����’s 135th Anniversary, the college is honoring 24 distinguished alumni across all disciplines as part of “24 in 2024,” a college-wide initiative that celebrates 51���� alumni and their career accomplishments.

The Walder Foundation has named three Chicago-based performing artists, including two 51���� alumni and one faculty member, as recipients of its prestigious 2024 Platform Awards.

51����'s Theatre Department hosted an alumni talk featuring industry professionals who shared their experiences and advice with students.

Theatre alum A. Ashley Hoff's forthcoming book, "With Love, Mommie Dearest," offers an insider's account of the making of the iconic 1981 film and its enduring cultural impact, with events planned for Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago.

51���� welcomed back Alum Shea Couleé ’11 for a panel discussion and reception unveiling Couleé-curated fashion exhibit window.

The Dance Center at 51���� celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.

Charlotte “Chuck” Gruman ’19 feels lucky. Gruman won an unrestricted $30,000 cash grant as one of 10 Chicago-based artists honored at the 2023 3Arts Awards in November. 3Arts is a nonprofit organization that helps artists like Gruman build their careers in performing, teaching and visual arts.

Patricia Kara '94 guides the next generation of talent through the intricacies of the entertainment realm in her new book, "Dream On...Now Deliver."

The Television Academy recently announced its list of Emmy nominees for the 2022-2023 television season, with 51���� alums earning recognition for their outstanding work.

How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.

51���� Theatre alumni and faculty were honored at Chicago’s top theatre awards.