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  • School of Theatre and Dance
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News

Check out some of the latest news from the School of Theatre and Dance.

  • Majors & Programs
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Media Mentions: Theatre and Dance

  • Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre’s Spring Concert Series
    WGN , Jun 03, 2025
  • David Cromer’s Astonishingly Busy Spring With George Clooney, ‘Dead Outlaw’ and Now ‘The Antiquities’
    Chicago Tribune, May 08, 2025
  • Panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt coming to Columbia College Chicago
    Chicago Sun-Times, Apr 17, 2025
  • Caroline Neff ‘07 Talks to CBS About “Fool for Love”
    CBS, Mar 12, 2025
More
  • Photo

    Producer Marcos ‘Kosine’ Palacios and Actor Joseph Sikora to Receive Honorary Degrees at Columbia's 2025 Commencement

    Apr 22, 2025

    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.

  • The AIDS Memorial Quilt has been displayed several times on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. as a symbolic and literal act of remembrance.

    AIDS Memorial Quilt Sections to Be Displayed at Columbia During “RENT” Production

    Apr 16, 2025

    Three sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will be displayed at the Getz Theatre Center from April 30–May 13.

  • Photo by William Frederking

    Dance Students Premiere New Works at Student Performance Night, April 10-11

    Apr 07, 2025

    This event will feature original dance works by students, celebrating creativity and personal stories through choreography.

  • Students rehearse “You on the Moors Now.”

    Literary Legends Reimagined: Columbia and Glessner House Present Special Women’s History Month Performance of “You on the Moors Now”

    Mar 10, 2025

    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.

  • “Clown Wars: A New Hope” is a Star Wars parody performed entirely through clowning and physical comedy.

    Not Just Clowning Around: Abby Rankin Crafts a Purposeful Comedy Career at Columbia

    Mar 10, 2025

    Abby Rankin, a senior at Columbia College Chicago, blends comedy and education.

  • Photo

    Columbia College Chicago Theatre and Audio/Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for Jeff Awards

    Mar 05, 2025

    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.

  • Photo

    The Dance Center Presents the Chicago Solo Spotlight Festival, March 13-15

    Jan 14, 2025

    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.

  • Photo

    Alumni and Faculty Shine in Newcity Stage’s 'Players 2025'

    Jan 09, 2025

    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.”

  • two people on stage with screen in background with text power of persistence and person in foreground throwing confetti

    The Power of Persistence: Columbia College Chicago's Student-Led Gala Celebrates Creativity and Resilience

    Dec 06, 2024

    "The Power of Persistence" gala showcases student innovation, teamwork, and determination, all while raising funds for scholarships supporting student success.

  • Photo

    School of Theatre and Dance Presents “Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine,” November 20-December 7

    Nov 20, 2024

    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.

  • blood pack demo

    Stage Combat Professor Demonstrates How to Make a Blood Pack

    Oct 30, 2024

    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.

  • Photo

    Grace Overbeke Explores Comedian Jean Carroll's Life and Career in ‘First Lady of Laughs’

    Sep 17, 2024

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

  • Photo

    Theatre Advisory Board Launches with Inaugural Event Honoring Sheldon Patinkin

    Sep 04, 2024

    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.

  • Photo

    The Dance Center Announces Season 51 With an Eye Toward Intergenerational and Diverse Dancemaking

    Aug 28, 2024

    The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago unveils Season 51, marking its debut as part of the new School of Theatre and Dance.

  • Photo

    Welcoming Interim President Jerry Tarrer and a New Academic Structure for 2024-2025 School Year

    Aug 30, 2024

    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.

  • Photo

    Columbia College Chicago Theatre and Music Alumni and Faculty Nominated for 2024 Joseph Jefferson Awards

    Aug 08, 2024

    This year's nominees include individuals from Columbia's Theatre and Music programs working in performance, design, direction, choreography, and musical composition.

  • Photo

    Columbia College Chicago Honors 24 Alums for ‘24 in 2024’

    Aug 12, 2024

    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.

  • Photo

    Columbia Faculty, Alums Chosen for Walder Foundation's 2024 Platform Awards

    Jun 25, 2024

    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.

  • Photo

    Second Annual Columbia College Chicago Dance Center Symposium Welcomes Proposals through August 9

    Jun 24, 2024

    The Dance Center's 2024 Symposium “Experiencing Time/Embodying Rhythm” is co-curated by Lisa Gonzales and Darrell Jones.

  • Photo

    Spring Semester In Review At Columbia

    May 29, 2024

    Spring 2024: Columbia College Chicago Highlights

  • students walk down the street during manifest 2023

    Get Ready for Manifest Arts Festival 2024, a Student-Powered Event

    May 06, 2024

    This is everything attendees need to know before Columbia College Chicago’s Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.

  • Photo

    Columbia to Confer Honorary Degrees on Two Higher Education Trailblazers at its May 2024 Commencement

    May 02, 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

  • Chuck Smith, Cristin Carole, Krystel V. McNeil, and A.C. Smith.

    From Columbia Stages to the Bright Lights: Theatre Alums Offer Industry Insights in Panel Discussion

    Apr 19, 2024

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

  • Photo

    The Black Album Mixtape Block Party Event Brings Together Art With Purpose

    Apr 08, 2024

    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.

  • Assistant Professor Alex Fruchter with his AEMMP Records class students outside of the AEMMP Showcase venue, Darwin's Pub

    Students Enjoy Action-Packed South by Southwest

    Apr 09, 2024

    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.

  • Faye Dunaway and Mara Hobel on the set of "Mommie Dearest." Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images.

    Theatre Alum A. Ashley Hoff to Release Revealing Book on 'Mommie Dearest'

    Apr 08, 2024

    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.

  • Photo

    The Bluest Eye: Exploring Transdisciplinary Storytelling at Columbia College Chicago

    Mar 12, 2024

    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.

  • Students in rehearsal for "The Bluest Eye."

    Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" Comes to Columbia March 15-23, Featuring Exclusive March 22 Blackout Performance

    Mar 04, 2024

    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.

  • Photo

    LaTasha Barnes' The Jazz Continuum Takes Center Stage at The Dance Center

    Feb 27, 2024

    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 from the black student union pose on stage

    Columbia Students Prepare for 16th Annual Paint it Black Showcase

    Feb 19, 2024

    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.

  • Photo

    B-Series Festival Celebrates a Decade of Hip Hop and Street Dance Culture with B-LONG

    Feb 14, 2024

    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.

  • fashion window

    Drag Superstar Shea Couleé ’11 Returns to Columbia

    Feb 13, 2024

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

  • Martyna Majok sitting in a theater speaking to students.

    Award Winning Playwright Martyna Majok Shares Insight, Experiences with Columbia Students

    Feb 13, 2024

    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.

  • Photo

    $110,000 in NEA Grants Awarded to Columbia College Chicago Dance Center, Museum of Contemporary Photography

    Feb 07, 2024

    Columbia College Chicago's Dance Center and Museum of Contemporary Photography received $110,000 in National Endowment for the Arts grants.

  • Photo

    Student-Produced Musical Theatre Concert Set for Feb. 15-16

    Jan 29, 2024

    Columbia students are collaborating to present the inaugural Musical Theatre Dance Concert.

  • Photo

     Columbia Welcomes Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Martyna Majok

    Jan 26, 2024

    Martyna Majok, winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for her play “Cost of Living,” will discuss issues of immigration, inequality, and humanity.

  • Photo

    Then, Now, Next—The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago’s 50th Anniversary Season Offers Joy and Solace

    Jan 18, 2024

    The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago celebrates the present moment in dance with a series of firsts.

  • Photo

    Grace Kessler Overbeke to Present The Many Mrs Maisels 20th Century US Jewish Female StandUp Comedians

    Dec 21, 2023

    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.

  • Photo

    Columbia Grad Charlotte “Chuck” Gruman ’19 Awarded $30,000 Grant From 3Arts

    Dec 11, 2023

    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.

  • Photo

    Student Work Takes Center Stage at Unleashed 2023

    Dec 11, 2023

    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.

  • Photo

    Columbia Raises $700K+ for Student Scholarships

    Dec 03, 2023

    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

  • Photo

    Alum Patricia Kara’s New Book Offers Behind-The-Scenes Look at the Entertainment World

    Jul 02, 2024

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

  • students dancing

    Integrating Hip Hop Into the Student Experience

    Oct 06, 2023

    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.

  • Columbia dance faculty and alumni present original student performances in the annual DELVE concert, May 8–9.

    Upcoming Events at Columbia College Chicago

    May 05, 2025

    A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.

  • Photo

    Then, Now, Next—The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago Celebrates 50 Years of Dedication to Sharing the Present Moment of Dance

    Aug 07, 2023

    50th season public programming runs October 2023 through May 2024

  • Photo

    Columbia Alums Among the 2023 Emmy Nominees

    Jul 17, 2023

    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.

  • two actors, with one touch the arm of the other

    Columbia College Chicago to Host Virtual Panel on Intimacy for Stage and Screen

    Jun 13, 2023

    On June 21, a panel of Columbia alumni will discuss the work of staging and performing intimate scenes in theatre and cinema.

  • Photo of Heather Gilbert on a black background

    Columbia Professor Gilbert Nominated for Tony Award

    May 25, 2023

    Professor Heather Gilbert is nominated for second Tony in lighting design.

  • We Got a Grant DCASE logo

    The Columbia Dance Center Awarded Chicago Arts Recovery Program Grant

    May 22, 2023

    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.

  • Photo

    Dance Senior Tristen Sanborn on Tap, Teaching, and Taking on Life After Columbia

    May 01, 2023

    How navigating opportunities in Dance had led to happiness.

  • intranet campaign

    Columbia Launches Advertising and Marketing Campaign

    Apr 13, 2023

    The Spring 2023 campaign targets prospective students across the United States.

  • The red Jeff Awards logo on a white background

    Alumni, Faculty Shine at Jeff Awards

    Mar 30, 2023

    Columbia College Chicago Theatre alumni and faculty were honored at Chicago’s top theatre awards.

  • Photo

    Black Souls Welcome Installation Celebrates Black Identity

    Feb 27, 2023

    Columbia College Chicago’s Student Diversity and Inclusion office organizes space for art that’s for and by Black students.

  • Michael Kurowski

    Theatre Alum Brings Columbia Learned Skills to Center Stage

    Jan 23, 2023

    Michael Kurowski ‘16 stars in production of “Big Fish” at The Marriott Theatre.

  • Photo

    The Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago Announces Spring Performances

    Jan 17, 2023

    Columbia announces Spring lineup for 49th Dance Presenting Series.

  • Photo

    The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago Announces Interim Director

    Jan 06, 2023

    Meredith Sutton will become the interim director of the Dance Presenting Series.

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