Check out some of the latest news from the School of Theatre and Dance.
Columbia College Chicago students build “We Make Monsters,” an immersive, devised production that explores how communities create myth — and monsters — together.
The Dance Center’s B-Series features guest artists, cyphers, panels, and more –centered around a celebration of Hip Hop, healing, and community.
Faculty from Columbia College Chicago's School of Theatre and Dance contributed choreography, text direction, and sound design to The Seldoms’ climate-focused work.
Students from Columbia College Chicago will engage with entertainment industry leaders on the same lot where “Avatar,” “The Sound of Music,” and other great films were made.
Columbia College Chicago faculty Anne Libera helped lead The Second City’s shift to an all-improv e.t.c. Theater, reflecting how comedy is evolving to meet audiences in real time.
From the thousands of images she captured in 2025, Columbia College Chicago alum and staff photographer Julie Lucas ’96 curated 25 standout photos that show Columbia at its best.
From new leadership to standout student and alumni achievements, here are the stories that captured the most attention on Columbia’s website in 2025.
Columbia students stepped into a playful, transformative world where household objects chase their dreams, blending bold performance with a message about identity and celebrating differences.
Columbia College Chicago 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.
Columbia College Chicago students brought light, sound, and imagination to the city’s annual Arts in the Dark parade on State Street.
Founded by Columbia faculty T. Ayo Alston, Ayodele Drum and Dance presents “Beauty and the Beat: Masked,” blending African mask traditions, Caribbean masquerade, and Chicago Footwork.
Columbia College Chicago’s School of Theatre and Dance announces its 2025–26 season featuring comedy, devised works, and musicals.
Columbia Theatre and Dance students performed a “Grease” tribute at the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, previewing their full November production.
Columbia’s theatre and dance alumni shared stories of resilience, artistry, and activism with the next generation of creative professionals.
Anne Libera’s new book "Funnier" and Columbia’s expanding comedy programs highlight how comedy can be taught as both craft and cultural force.
Columbia hosted a Black Theatre Day gathering focused on legacy, community, and future possibilities.
Musical Theatre alum Chase Infiniti ’22 was cast alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film “One Battle After Another."
The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago’s 52nd season honors founder Shirley Mordine with world and Chicago premieres, faculty and student performances, international artists, and the launch of the Shirley Mordine Dance Maker Fund in 2026.
Columbia College Chicago junior Beyrali Santiago scores jobs at Chicago’s outdoor music festivals thanks to Columbia connections and shares advice to Lollapalooza first-timers.
Columbia will award honorary Doctor of Arts degrees to acclaimed actor Joseph Sikora ’98 and Grammy-nominated producer Marcos “Kosine” Palacios ’06 at the 2025 Commencement.
Three sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be displayed at the Getz Theatre Center from April 30–May 13.
This event will feature original dance works by students, celebrating creativity and personal stories through choreography.
Columbia partners with Glessner House for a performance of “You on the Moors Now,” a bold reimagining of four literary heroines who challenge societal expectations.
Abby Rankin, a senior at Columbia College Chicago, blends comedy and education.
Columbia College Chicago 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 festival celebrates the power of the solo performance with two world premieres by acclaimed Chicago-based artists Jenn Freeman | Po’Chop and Nora Sharp.
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.”
"The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.
This social satire explores themes of identity and race through the story of a Black woman’s journey of self-discovery, featuring an all-student cast and production team.
Curious how stage actors use fake movie-quality blood during fight sequences? Professor of Instruction David Woolley explains his favorite way to create fake blood for stage.
Before "Hacks" and "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," there was the comedienne who started it all.
The new Theatre Advisory Board, comprised of alumni and industry leaders, celebrates the life and legacy of Sheldon Patinkin at their inaugural event, September 21.
The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago unveils Season 51, marking its debut as part of the new School of Theatre and Dance.
Columbia College Chicago kicks off the new academic school year with a renewed spirit and excitement to welcome freshmen and transfer students to its South Loop campus on September 3.
This year's nominees include individuals from Columbia's Theatre and Music programs working in performance, design, direction, choreography, and musical composition.
As a kickoff to Columbia College Chicago’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 Columbia alumni and their career accomplishments.
The Walder Foundation has named three Chicago-based performing artists, including two Columbia College Chicago alumni and one faculty member, as recipients of its prestigious 2024 Platform Awards.
The Dance Center's 2024 Symposium “Experiencing Time/Embodying Rhythm” is co-curated by Lisa Gonzales and Darrell Jones.
Spring 2024: Columbia College Chicago Highlights
This is everything attendees need to know before Columbia College Chicago’s Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.
Higher education leaders Nivine Megahed, president of National Louis University, and Raymond E. Crossman, president of Adler University, will be honored at the college’s 2024 Commencement ceremonies
Columbia's Theatre Department hosted an alumni talk featuring industry professionals who shared their experiences and advice with students.
Award-winning actress and playwright Regina Taylor hosted the final event, "The Block Party," for the Black Album Mixtape series at the Music Center on Friday, April 5.
Led by dedicated faculty, Columbia students journeyed to Austin for immersive experiences, collaborative projects, and valuable networking opportunities, reinforcing the institution's commitment to practical education and student success.
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.
Columbia College Chicago brings Toni Morrison's “The Bluest Eye" to the stage March 13-23, made possible by student collaboration in dance, theater, writing, and other creative disciplines.
Columbia's Theatre department will stage a powerful adaptation of Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye," exploring racism's impact on an 11-year-old girl in 1940s Ohio.
Celebrated dance artist LaTasha Barnes presents "The Jazz Continuum" at The Dance Center in March—a transformative performance blending diverse Black American dance traditions and celebrating the healing power of dance.
Students in Columbia College Chicago's Black Student Union create a platform for artists to express themselves and support one another in their annual event.
Columbia College Chicago's B-LONG Festival, from February 29 to March 3, celebrates 10 years of Hip Hop and Street Dance Culture. Featuring workshops, panels, battles, and Red Bull Dance Your Style Chicago Auditions on March 3.
Columbia College Chicago welcomed back Alum Shea Couleé ’11 for a panel discussion and reception unveiling Couleé-curated fashion exhibit window.
Award-winning playwright Martyna Majok visited Columbia College Chicago, engaging in a Q&A session with students about her creative process, working-class representation in the arts, and having the courage to share personal stories.
Columbia College Chicago's Dance Center and Museum of Contemporary Photography received $110,000 in National Endowment for the Arts grants.
Columbia students are collaborating to present the inaugural Musical Theatre Dance Concert.
Martyna Majok, winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for her play “Cost of Living,” will discuss issues of immigration, inequality, and humanity.
The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.
Grace Kessler Overbeke will present a talk entitled "The Many Mrs. Maisels: 20th-Century U.S. Jewish Female Stand-Up Comedians” at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
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.
Unleashed 2023 took place at Columbia College Chicago on November 30, showcasing extraordinary student talent and raising more than $700,000 in scholarships. Departing from the traditional fundraiser format, the Student Center transformed into a multi-floor immersive arts showcase, exploring the theme of "Connecting" across various creative disciplines.
Columbia College Chicago honors the Efroymson Family Fund with the 2023 Philanthropic Icon Award for the family’s contributions to help create opportunities for students to pursue their passion in the 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."
As hip hop turns 50, we look at Columbia’s connections to the cultural phenomena that has impacted music, dance, fashion, art, film, and so much more.
A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
50th season public programming runs October 2023 through May 2024
The Television Academy recently announced its list of Emmy nominees for the 2022-2023 television season, with Columbia alums earning recognition for their outstanding work.
On June 21, a panel of Columbia alumni will discuss the work of staging and performing intimate scenes in theatre and cinema.
Professor Heather Gilbert is nominated for second Tony in lighting design.
The Dance Center was one of 77 recipients of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events’ new grant program aimed at helping local arts organizations still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.
The Spring 2023 campaign targets prospective students across the United States.
Columbia College Chicago Theatre alumni and faculty were honored at Chicago’s top theatre awards.
Columbia College Chicago’s Student Diversity and Inclusion office organizes space for art that’s for and by Black students.
Michael Kurowski ‘16 stars in production of “Big Fish” at The Marriott Theatre.
Columbia announces Spring lineup for 49th Dance Presenting Series.
Meredith Sutton will become the interim director of the Dance Presenting Series.