Photo: Julie Lucas
CREDITS
Roaring On (The Great Gatsby)
CHOREOGRAPHY: MJ Bueno
PERFORMERS: Maya Tanaka Allwardt, Ashley Bell, Aurora Boe, MJ Bueno, Lorena Castro, Kate Dolan, Tyler Ehrenberg, Valentina Garcia Fadanelli, Maddy Gagliardi, Owen Gainer, Lia Gil, Carenza Glastonbury, Ava Greenberg, Jack Hewitt, Jack Hillstrom, Jadyn Hogue, Mollie Holbrook, Autumn Houston, Erol Ibrahimovic, Ambrose Velasco Jenkins, MaKaila Jenkins, Brianna Johnson, Brooklyn Lanier-Eno, Maya Lee, Brennan Lockwood, Maria Therese Malijan, Harmony Rose Nielsen, Kylie Reuter, Dominick Rodriguez, Braedon Roling, Wyatt Smith, Mac Weatherspoon, Anna Wickey, Ethan Willams, Kijani X
COMPOSER: Jason Howland
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Destiny Garner
Sing, Sing, Sing
CHOREOGRAPHY: Harmony Rose Nielson
PERFORMERS: Aurora Boe, Kate Dolan, Tyler Ehrenberg, Valentina Garcia Fadanelli, Ava Greenberg, Harmony Rose Nielsen, Ethan Williams, Kijani X COMPOSER: Benny Goodman; performed by Louis Prima
LIGHTING DESIGN: Destiny Garner
Grease Got a Hold (The Outsiders)
CHOREOGRAPHY: Carenza Glastonbury
PERFORMERS: Maya Tanaka Allwardt, Tyler Ehrenberg, Maddy Gagliardi, Owen Gainer, Ava Greenberg, Jack Hewitt, Jack Hillstrom, Mollie Holbrook, Kylie Reuter
COMPOSER: Jamestown Revival & Justin Levine
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Giau Truong
Take Me to Heaven (Sister Act)
CHOREOGRAPHY: Wyatt Smith
PERFORMERS: Ashley Bell, Aurora Boe, Kate Dolan, Maddy Gagliardi, Autumn Houston, MaKaila Jenkins, Brianna Johnson, Brooklyn Lanier-Eno, Harmony Rose Nielsen, Kylie Reuter, Anna Wickey
COMPOSER: Alan Menken
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Giau Truong
Voulez-Vouz (Mamma Mia)
CHOREOGRAPHY: MJ Bueno
PERFORMERS: Ashley Bell, Aurora Boe, Lorena Castro, Tyler Ehrenberg, Valentina Garcia Fadanelli, Owen Gainer, Ava Greenberg, Erol Ibrahimovic, Brianna Johnson, Brooklyn Lanier-Eno, Maya Lee, Brennan Lockwood, Braedon Roling, Wyatt Smith, Ethan Williams, Kijani X
MUSIC: ABBA
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Giau Truong
The
Shoop Shoop Song (The Cher Show)
CHOREOGRAPHY AND PERFORMANCE:: Carenza Glastonbury and Mollie Holbrook
MUSIC: Cher
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Giau Truong
Someone in the Crowd (La La Land)
CHOREOGRAPHY: Mollie Hollbrook
PERFORMERS: Aurora Boe, Kate Dolan, Autumn Houston, Brianna Johnson, Maya Lee
COMPOSER: Justin Hurwitz
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Giau Truong
Land of Lola (Kinky Boots)
CHOREOGRAPHY: Wyatt Smith
PERFORMERS: Owen Gainer, Ava Greenberg, Ambrose Velasco Jenkins, Brianna Johnson, Brennan Lockwood, Dominick Rodriguez, Braedon Roling, Wyatt Smith, Mac Weatherspoon, Ethan Williams
COMPOSER: Cyndi Lauper
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Giau Truong
Don’t Say Yes Until I Finish Talking (SMASH)
CHOREOGRAPHY: Harmony Rose Nielson
PERFORMERS: Aurora Boe, MJ Bueno, Kate Dolan, Valentina Garcia Fadanelli, Ava Greenberg, Autumn Houston, Maya Lee, Harmony Rose Nielsen, Kijani X
COMPOSERS: Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Giau Truong
I Hope I Get It (A Chorus Line)
CHOREOGRAPHY: Harmony Rose Nielson
PERFORMERS: Maya Tanaka Allwardt, Ashley Bell, Aurora Boe, MJ Bueno, Lorena Castro, Kate Dolan, Tyler Ehrenberg, Owen Gainer, Ava Greenberg, Autumn Houston, Erol Ibrahimovic, MaKaila Jenkins, Brianna Johnson, Brooklyn Lanier-Eno, Maya Lee, Brennan Lockwood, Maria Therese Malijan, Dominick Rodriguez, Braedon Roling, Wyatt Smith, Ethan Williams, Kijani X
COMPOSERS: Marvin Hamlisch
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Giau Truong
American Idiot (American Idiot)
CHOREOGRAPHY: Wyatt Smith
PERFORMERS: Maya Tanaka Allwardt, MJ Bueno, Lorena Castro, Kate Dolan, Tyler Ehrenberg, Lia Gil, Ava Greenberg, MaKaila Jenkins, Brooklyn Lanier-Eno, Maya Lee, Brennan Lockwood, Harmony Rose Nielsen, Mac Weatherspoon, Anna Wickey, Kijani X
COMPOSERS: Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, Tre Cool
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Giau Truong
Backstage Romance (Moulin Rouge)
CHOREOGRAPHY: MJ Bueno
PERFORMERS: Aurora Boe, MJ Bueno, Kate Dolan, Tyler Ehrenberg, Valentina Garcia Fadanelli, Owen Gainer, Lia Gil, Ava Greenberg, MaKaila Jenkins, Brianna Johnson, Maya Lee, Brennan Lockwood, Maria Therese Malijan, Harmony Rose Nielsen, Braedon Roling, Wyatt Smith, Ethan Williams, Kijani X
ARRANGEMENT: Justin Levine
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Giau Truong
BIOS
Maya Tanaka Allwardt will be graduating this May with her BFA in Musical Theatre, and is this year’s Musical Theatre awardee for the Sarah Siddons Scholarship Award. When not at school, Maya enjoys improv comedy, and was a recipient of Second City’s Inaugural Victor Wong Fellowship in 2023, along with regularly performing with Stir Friday Night and ComedySportz Chicago. She is endlessly thankful for all of her family, friends, and teachers who have helped support her education and career thus far!
Ashley Bell is a freshman Musical Theater Performance major, and she’s so excited to be working with so many talented students! While at Columbia, she’s been in 2 student written musicals, Hell Above and Hexes and Heartstrings, choreographed for the Musical Theater Performance Ensemble, and played Eve in the student written play Eve’s Apple. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Aurora Boe, born and raised in Hartford, CT and later moving to Murfreesboro, Tennessee comes from a family full of performers and artists. Aurora is now located in Chicago, IL attending Columbia College Chicago as a Senior BA musical theater major. Some favorite credits include Sunday in The Park with George (Dot), International Lyric Academy’s Les Miserables (Fantine), Chicago Cabaret Professionals Merry Measure Cabaret (2023-2024), and The Beautiful City Project We Will Rock You (ensemble) and Oscar’s Night (ensemble). Aside from her on stage endeavors Aurora has also worked as a choreographer favorite credits include: The Inaugural Musical Theatre Dance Concert (Producer/choreographer), and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Choreographer).
MJ Bueno is a 21-year-old international student from Medellín, Colombia, currently pursuing a BA in Musical Theatre at Columbia College Chicago. With 18 years of dance experience, she has seamlessly blended her passion for movement with her love for theatre. MJ was part of the inaugural production of the Musical Theatre Dance Concert as an ensemble member and is returning this year not only as a performer but also as one of the show’s choreographers. She is especially excited to present her pieces, as they reflect her journey, identity and the rhythms and stories that have shaped her as an artist. Dedicated to storytelling through dance and performance, MJ continues to expand her artistry both onstage and behind the scenes
Lorena Castro is a senior at Columbia College Chicago, majoring in Fashion Design with a minor in Dance. As a Mexican-American creative, she is deeply inspired by her cultural heritage, which serves as a central theme in her work. During her time at Columbia, Lorena founded the Mi Gente Latin Dance Team, demonstrated leadership as the SGA Senator for the School of Fashion, and most recently won a fashion competition between Columbia College Chicago and Patagonia, showcasing her commitment to sustainability in design. After graduation, Lorena aims to continue advocating for her community through both dance and fashion.
Kate Dolan is a freshman and is excited to make her debut on the Columbia College Chicago stage in this production. She has been dancing since childhood and is excited to showcase her passion in this production.
Tyler Ehrenberg is a senior Musical Theatre Performance major here who is excited for his first dance concert and possibly last show at Columbia! He was last seen in The Beautiful City Project’s We Will Rock You, and Columbia’s production of Hair prior to that. He hopes you enjoy and is ready for what the future holds.
Maddy Gagliardi is a senior BA Musical Theatre Student. This is her final show at Columbia College and she’s excited to share the stage with so many talented performers.
Owen Gainer is a third-year Musical Theater Major, Education Minor. He is so excited to be a part of The Musical Theater Dance Concert and hopes you enjoy all the work we put into it!
Valentina Garcia Fadanelli is a 20 year-old Mexican artist majoring in Dance and Musical Theatre. She has a lot of dance training in different styles, from Contemporary/Modern, Ballet, and Jazz, to Ballroom dancing.
Carenza Glastonbury (she/her) is a senior musical theatre major excited to be making her Columbia College Chicago onstage choreography debut. She is the cofounder and co-president of the Columbia Renegades Tap Club, choreographer of Dégagé, an in progress CCC capstone film, and recently studied at Steps on Broadway’s Summer Study NYC program. She is deeply passionate about the importance and artistry of tap dance in musical theatre and hopes to play some small part in continuing that legacy as a fan girl of the iconic dance style.
Lia Gil an international student from the Dominican Republic, is an Acting major drawn to roles that challenge norms and push creative boundaries. With an adventurous spirit, she moves through life like a wanderer on stage, seeking stories that stir the soul. Since childhood, art has been in her family, and Caribbean rhythms like Bachata and Merengue have deeply influenced her. When she’s not performing, she finds magic in nature, crafting, and the thrill of trying something new.
Ava Greenberg is incredibly grateful to be a part of the Musical Theatre Dance Showcase! She’s a sophomore at Columbia and is performing in 9 numbers. She can’t wait to share her passion for dance with everyone!
Jack Hewitt is a freshman here at Columbia and is so thrilled to be a part of this spectacular production! He was seen on the stage most recently as Jason Wilette in the School of Theatre and Dance’s production of Across All Worlds; a D2 Double Bill. Hobbies of his include reading, shopping, and tap dancing. He thanks his friends, mentors, and family for their support and encouragement, as well as all audience members for coming to the show!
Jack Hillstrom is thrilled to be a part of the Musical Theatre Dance Concert! A MT major, Jack made his Columbia debut in the Musical Theatre New Stu his first semester, with his most recent work being in the ensemble of HAIR! last semester. He wants to thank his family for always giving him an environment to explore and express himself!
Mollie Holbrook iis a freshman BFA Musical Theatre major from Fullerton, California. She’s been dancing basically her whole life. Her previous performance credits include Velma Kelly in Chicago and Lucy Grant in Bright Star both at Fullerton Union High School.
Autumn Houston was put in dance at 2 years old to fulfill her Mama’s dreams, but quickly began to find her passion for dance. She started her journey with studio dance and then went onto competitive dance and finally found her pocket in Musical Theatre Dance. As a freshman here at Columbia this will be a debut performance and she is excited to dance with talented peers.
Jaden Hogue (she/her) is a passionate and dedicated artist located in Chicago, IL. She is currently attending Columbia College Chicago, as a Sophomore BA Musical Theatre major. She had the honor of participating in the Inaugural Musical Theater Dance Concert. Currently, Jadyn is co-directing and producing this year’s Musical Theater Dance Concert. She is thrilled to be a part of this production, collaborating with a group of lovely and talented individuals who share her passion for the performing arts.
Erol Ibrahimovic (he/him) is ecstatic to return once again to be a part of Columbia’s MT Dance Concert! Erol was also in Columbia’s production of On The Town Professional credits include: South Pacific (Skokie Theatre) Jesus Christ Superstar and Gypsy (Brightside Theatre) The Producers at Music Theatre Works, and Ride The Cyclone (4Chairs Theatre). Milwaukee credits include: Something Rotten, and She Loves Me (Sunset Playhouse). Other credits include: Little Women (Wheaton Drama), Les Miserables, The Mystery Of Edwin Drood, and Songs For A New World (Infinity Arts Academy). Erol is a senior at CCC (2025) for the BFA Musical Theater program. He would like to thank his friends, family (especially Mom), and Columbia College Chicago for this incredible opportunity! Instagrams: @erolcoco2014 @iam_pravi_artist
MaKaila Jenkins is a sophomore BFA Musical Theatre major. Her previous CCC shows include Minutes and Seconds and HAIR The Musical. This is her first dance concert, and she hopes you all enjoy the show!
Brianna Johnson (she/her) is a senior pursuing her BFA in Musical Theater Performance. At Columbia she starred in HAIR as Dionne, in the featured dance ensemble of On the Town, and Philoclea in Head Over Heels. Recently, she competed in the Region 3 KCACTF and was awarded the MTI Vocal National Alternate as well as being in the finals for MTI dance and the Irene Ryan acting portion. She was also a scholarship recipient performer at The Swell Soirée. Brianna has not been a part of a dance only production in 11 years, so she is ecstatic that her last show at Columbia is this one! She extends much thanks to her friends and family for their support <3 instagram: @bumblebmarie
Brooklyn Lanier-Eno is a Sophomore BFA musical theatre major from Louisville, Kentucky. She was previously in the Fall 2024 Mainstage production of HAIR as Tribe/Dionne U.S/ Lincoln U.S. If you would like to follow Brooklyn’s Instagram it’s @brklynmariah. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Maya Lee (she/her) is a senior BFA Musical Theatre major who is graduating in the spring. She most recently co-choreographed HAIR at Columbia College Chicago. With this being her last undergrad show, she wants to thank her friends and family for supporting her through this program.
Instagram: maya_l12
Brennan Lockwood is originally from Chicago IL and is a 3rd year BFA Musical Theatre major. He made his Columbia Theatre debut his freshman year in the Musical Theatre New Stew and also got the honor of playing the role Luke in Dance Nation directed by Alison Dornheggen, being in the ensemble of Pippin directed by Daryl Brooks, and having the opportunity to play Hud in HAIR last semester directed by David Fiorello. He is excited to be performing in his 5th show here with this amazing cast!
Maria Therese Malijan (She/Her/Hers) is a sophomore BA Musical Theatre major from Skokie, IL. She was previously a part of the Ensemble in HAIR! The Musical, along with various PWA and student-directed performances throughout her time at Columbia. Maria Therese is so thrilled to be a part of such an amazing cast of dancers and is especially proud of her incredible choreographers for putting these pieces together. She’d like to thank her good friends Jadyn and Wyatt for being committed and driven leaders throughout this whole process, and most importantly her supportive family who made these dreams possible.
Harmony Rose Nelson is a singer, dancer, actress, and choreographer currently studying Musical Theater at Columbia College Chicago. She hopes to be on Broadway and win an EGOT. She is grateful to have studied at the Joffrey Ballet in San Francisco and Chicago. When she’s not studying, she spends her time between Chicago, Los Angeles, and Costa Rica, where she can be found personal training or spending time with her two dogs, Duke and Draco.
Kylie Reuter is a junior BFA Musical Theatre major and a playwriting minor here at Columbia. She has been dancing for 7 years. Her most notable dance musical credits include Anything Goes (Reno Sweeney), Cabaret (Kit Kat girl swing), Chicago (Kitty/ensemble), and On The Town (Old Lady/ensemble).
From Southern California, Dominick Rodriguez came to Columbia interested in pursuing a degree in Musical Theatre and possibly double minoring in Social Media and Digital Strategy and Sance. They hope to do something with the entertainment industry. He is so excited to be a part of his first major show here at Columbia and work with such an amazing and talented cast! He also has a passion for social media and you can subscribe to all their youtube and other socials @dominickrodriguezz where they document their life.
Braedon Roling Braedon Roling and is a third year Musical Theatre BFA student here at Columbia! This is his first year participating in the MT Dance Concert and he is so excited to showcase all of the amazing talent that the MT dancers have to share.
Wyatt Smith is a Senior Musical Theatre BA student at CCC. He is making his directorial and producing debut with the MTDC and is so thrilled to share this concert with Chicago. Originating from South Bend, Indiana Wyatt is excited to see where his future takes him post graduation. He has been previously seen in Pippin (Charlemagne) CCC ’24, On the Town (Ensemble, Pitkin u/s, Fight Captain) CCC ’23 and recently attended The KCACTF Festival in Madison, WI where he was a dance finalist in MTI Dance. Wyatt would like to thank his family for their constant support and help. Joe, Ethan, Caden,
for always having his back. Thank you to his Grandmother, Kathy who took him to see his first play. Thank you to his Mother, Paige for igniting his passion for dance and theatre. A Special Thanks to the most wonderful mentor and leader, Wilfredo Rivera. Long live the Legendary Haus of Beef. Confetti sponsored by Paige Theatrics LLC <3 For Kassidy <3
Ambrose Velasco-Jenkins is excited to participate in his first production at Columbia College! He is a freshman studying Musical Theatre and Design and Production. Recent credits include A Chorus Line (Paul) with RVJ Productions and Les Misérables (set/props Management) with Performing Arts Academy.
Mac Weatherspoon s in their last semester at Columbia College Chicago and will be getting their Bachelor’s in Musical Theater this spring. They have been in a couple of productions at Columbia including the most recent production of HAIR which happened last fall. They also have a passion for social media and DJing! You can subscribe to their YouTube Channel @mcguigan.101 where they document their life in Chicago! Also they want take the time to thank their parents for always supporting them in the arts! #translivesmatter!
Anna Wickey (she/her) is a Junior Musical Theatre BFA. She has most recently understudied Hildy in the CCC production of On the Town and Performed in the ensemble/ understudied Yvonne and Old Lady in the CCC production of Sunday in the Park With George. She is ecstatic to be in her first dance exclusive performance!
Ethan Alexander Williams (he/him) is a sophomore Musical Theatre major! This is his second time being a part of the Musical Theatre Dance Concert. He is so excited to be involved again, and he hopes you enjoy this beautiful production!
Kijani X (he/him/his) is a sophomore studying Musical Theatre from Nashville, Tennessee. He is excited to be part of this dance showcase and appreciates the opportunity to showcase his talent.
PRODUCTION AND DESIGN TEAM
CO-DIRECTORS/PRODUCERS: Jadyn Hogue and Wyatt Smith
COSTUME DESIGNERS: Sio Davis, Kathleen Fraider, and Darcey Gibson
COSTUME DESIGN MENTOR: Frances Maggio
FACULTY COORDINATOR: Wilfredo Rivera
LIGHTING DESIGNERS:
MEDIA/TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR: Jane Jerardi
STAGE MANAGERS: Heather Bachand and Joyy Norris
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Giau Truong
Heather Bachand is a senior Musical Theatre major but also Stage Manages in her free time! Recently at Columbia, she ASMed the D3 Witch and D3 Tango Palace. She has also worked at her theatre back home, most recently stage managing a preteen production of Legally Blonde Jr.
Sionainn “Sio” Davis (they/them) i s a Theatre Design and Technology freshman at Columbia. This is the first show they are designing. It was especially fun for them to design this show with their close friend Darcey. As a former dancer themselves, Sionainn was thrilled to work on the costumes.
Kathleen “Kate” Fraider is in her sophomore year here at Columbia. While still new to the School of Theatre and Dance, Kate loves to help out on projects and is absolutely thrilled to get the chance to work alongside all the incredible and talented people putting this show together.
Destiny Garner (she/her/hers) is a junior-year Theatre Design and Technology major from Chicago. Previous Columbia College Chicago productions include Creature (2023), directed by Jack Moorman, Musical Theatre Dance Concert (2024), Minutes and Seconds (2024), directed by Archer Sudermann, and Fabulation, or the Re-education of Undine (2024), directed by Aaron Reese Boseman. Other credits include Within A Shadow (2024), directed by LaRose Washington, The Den Theatre, Chicago.
Darcey Gibson is one of the costume designers for the show. This is their first time designing a show at Columbia College as a freshman. They would like to thank their best friend Sio for their help and support as they designed the costumes together.
Jane Jerardi serves as the Media/Technology Coordinator for the Dance Center, providing video documentation for both the Presenting Series and its academic programs. As a part of its faculty, she teaches video for dance and choreography courses. In her role, she has documented and edited over 250 performances, workshops, and events, providing essential documentation to artists and adding to the Dance Center’s leading, regional archive of materials dating from 1980 to the present. An artist working in the media of performance, choreography, and video installation, her work has been presented at galleries and theaters in Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC.
Aurora Lowther (she/her) is a Theater major with a directing concentration. She predominantly works on short films having previously been a Film major.
Frances Maggio coordinates the Costume Design program in the Theatre Department and works with costume design students designing in Theatre, Film and Television. She teaches Costume Design, Rendering, Foundations and Period Styles. Frances believes that a combination of classes, work on productions and internship will ready a student for work or Graduate school. She works closely with her students to meet their individual goals.While the Costume Design program has only 15 students, mentoring them effectively takes a great deal of time.Frances is a Costume Designer who has has a robust career, primarily in Chicago. She finds herself at odds with her profession at present. Many shows, because of the necessity of hiring an assistant are not gainful employment. Many are severely under budgeted. Young designers who can sew, drive, etc. are more suited to the current climate and she is happy to sponser her students. Recent designs include Macbeth by the Sea which performed at the Edinburgh festival, Invitation to a Beheading at the Steppenwolf
and Chopin Theaters, The Producers, The Addams Family Musical and The Color Purple (each Jeff Nominated, Best Costume) at The Mercury Theater in Chicago, The Goat: or Who is Sylvia (Jeff award, Best Production) at Remy Bumppo, Four Monologues, a short film, Speaking in Tongues, the History of Babel for Impact Theater Ensemble, The Photographist an independent film, Gee’s Bend, Permanent Collection, and The Retreat from Moscow at Northlight Rep, the debut of Year Zero at Victory Gardens and Continental Divide at Pegasus. Frances has designed for The American Players Theater, The Gift Theater, Eclipse Theater, Court Theater, Steppenwolf, The Milwaukee Rep, American Players Theater, The Mystery Writers Festival of Kentucky, and The Madison Rep. She served as the resident designer for The National Jewish Theater and The Immediate Theater. Frances is a founding member of The Michael Merritt steering committee and The Carol Cohen Scholarship committee. She is a member of United Scenic Artists and The Costume Society of America. Frances received an MFA from the Theater School/DePaul University and a B.A. in Communications and Theater from the University of Illinois, Chicago.
Joyy Norris is a writer, creator, creative consultant, and arts/film programmer. She works as a Creative Contractor with organizations, productions, individual creatives and small businesses to realize their creative visions and put them into practice. She has worked as Cultural Arts Coordinator for the City of Evanston where I fostered the arts in Evanston by developing relationships with artists and arts organizations by networking and professional development and granting opportunities. She has worked as a Co-Producer and Artist Facilitator with Soham Dance Space, Operations and Programs Manager with Sisters in Cinema, Assistant Director and Production Manager with RMB Studios, Programming Associate with Chicago International Film Festival, Interim Theatre and Performing Arts Program Manager with the University of Chicago’s Arts and Public Life Initiative, and Operations Manager for the Rebuild Foundation. She serves on the Advisory Board for Chicago Made Shorts, a Member of Mezcla Media Collective and a former Committee Member with the Chicago International Film Festival Black Perspectives Committee. She received an B.A. in Cinema Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an M.F.A in Documentary Media from Northwestern University.
Wilfredo Rivera (He/Him/Él) is a rare Latino artist serving as a full-time choreographer & arts leader. He is the Artistic Director & CEO of the critically acclaimed Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre (CRDT), a Chicago based contemporary dance and jazz orchestra ensemble. Rivera also serves as Musical Theater Program Coordinator & Dance Practitioner in Residence here at Columbia College Chicago. The MT program is grateful for Meredith Sutton, Roell Schmidt & the Dance Center team for their ongoing support of the MT Dance Concert, now celebrating its 2nd year! Wilfredo was born in Honduras, trained with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and was a founding member of River North Dance Chicago. Mr. Rivera was honored with the
2009 Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation Choreography Award, a 2001 After Dark Award, nominated for a 3ARTS Award in 2017 & 2018 & recipient of a 2021 black album. mixtape award for his multi-cultural work. In Chicago, Mr. Rivera’s concert work has been featured at The Auditorium Theatre, The Chicago Symphony Center, Chicago Jazz Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Harris Theater, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, DuSable Museum, Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, Links Hall and Old Town School of Folk Music among others. Theatrical choreography includes productions for Goodman Theatre, Teatro Vista, Bailiwick Theatre, Metropolis Arts Center, Columbia College, American Theater Co., Porchlight Theater, The Artistic Home, Pegasus Players, Chicago Arial dance and American Players Theater, Forward Theater in WI. He’s looking forward to taking CRDT on tour this Spring as the Co. celebrates its 26th Anniversary Season. www.cerquarivera.org
Giau Truong is a versatile artist and technologist whose work spans performance, design, fabrication, and technology. Over a decade ago, he served as a teaching artist at StoryCatcher (formerly Music Theatre Workshop), where he managed programs and taught set design, construction, storytelling, script writing, etc. In this role, he created transformative educational experiences for teens at the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center and the Illinois Youth Center in Warrenville, fostering creativity and engagement among incarcerated youth. Giau has also designed and fabricated environments for diverse events, ranging from theatre performances to pop-up events, enhancing audience engagement through interactive technology. In his art practice, Giau focuses on creating spaces that explore human behavior within environments, offering unique, transformative experiences. He co-founded Axis Lab, an arts and architecture community organization in Uptown, Chicago, focused on urban design, culinary curating, and arts education. Axis Lab advocates for the ethical development of immigrant and refugee communities. Amidst the pandemic, Giau pioneered initiatives at Links Hall to foster collaborations between technologists and artists, devising virtual performances that captivate and engage audiences remotely. He currently works full-time at Links Hall as Technical Director and Associate Curator, driving innovation and supporting the intersection of technology and the arts.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF THEATRE AND DANCE
Columbia College Chicago’s School of Theatre and Dance, provides students with hands-on experience to ignite passion and develop professional skills to launch careers on and off stage. The School of Theatre and Dance produce approximately 40 productions a year, giving students multiple opportunities to perform, dance, design, produce, choreograph, direct, and stage manage.
Interim Director, School of Theatre and Dance
Jimmy Noriega
Associate Director of Dance
Dardi McGinley-Gallivan
Associate Director of Theatre
Wendi Weber
ABOUT THE DANCE CENTER
Home to the academic Dance Department and the Dance Presenting Series, the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago values embodied human expression and nurtures an expansive understanding of dance from the established to the experimental.
Centering pluralism, the Dance Center aims to be a nucleus for innovation and creativity—on stage, in the classroom, and beyond.
By partnering with local, national, and international dance artists dedicated to transforming the field, the Dance Presenting Series offers live performances and other shared opportunities for students, faculty, artists, and audiences to connect, witness, research, experiment, practice, imagine, and grow.
We cultivate an environment and culture that prioritizes respect for self and others, and advances an anti-racist, equitable, and just society.
THE DANCE CENTER FACULTY
Founder
Shirley Mordine
Faculty
Bevara Anderson
Lisa Gonzales
Susan Imus
Darrell Jones
Dardi McGinley-Gallivan
Kelsa “K-Soul” RiegerHaywood
Dr. Ayo Walker
Jessica Young
Adjunct Faculty
T. Ayo Alston
Keesha Beckford
Malik Camara
Zineb Chraibi
Shaker Cohlmia
Allen Desterhaft
Emma Draves
Colleen Halloran
Carrie Hanson
Daniel “BRAVEMONK” Haywood
Gina Hoch-Stall
Matthew Hollis
Jane Jerardi
Mary Klonowski
Hau Kum Leung Kneip
Michael McGinn
Pamela McNeil
Jimmy Payne
Emily Stein
Trae Turner
Meghann Wilkinson
Thomas Zwergel
THEATRE FACULTY
Faculty
Paul C. Amandes
Michael Anthony Brown
David Castellanos
Mikhail Fiksel
Nelli Fritjofson
Heather Gilbert
Julie Granata-Hunicutt
Sami Hussain Ismat
Anne M. Libera
Frances Maggio
Jimmy Noriega
Grace Overbeke
Susan Padveen
Jaqueline A. Penrod
Michael Pogue
Wilfredo Rivera
Brian Shaw
Stephanie L. Shaw
Kendra Thulin
Amy Toruno
Richard L. Walker
Wendi Weber
Albert N. “Bill” Williams
Dr. John Williams
David Wooley
Adjunct Faculty
Brittany Price Anderson
Carson G. Becker
Karen L. Berger-Nolte
Rachel L. Bunting
Jeremy Michael Cohn
Enneressa Davis
Ariane Dolan
David Fiorello
Lillian D. Francis
Marc William Frost
Susan Gosdick
John Charles Green
Jeffrey D. Griggs
Norman B. Holly
Nicole E. Jasper
Dawn R. Jones
Lori J. Klinka
Laura Sturm Lain
Timothy McCain
John T. McFarland
kClare McKellaston
Ashley Neal
Clare L. Nolan
Scott Olson
James Adolfo Payne
Janice P. Pytel
Aaron M. Reese-Boseman
Grant R. Sabin
James A Sherman
Catherine Slade
Elizabeth Swanson
THEATRE AND DANCE STAFF
Mary Butler Director Academic Operations
Michael Caskey
Music Director, Accompanist Coordinator
Dan DiLuciano Director of Facilities and Operations
Nelli Fritjofson
Lighting Supervisor
Raynner Garcia Box Office/Reception
Caity Gee
Administrative Assistant/ Communications
Ize Heinzen House Manager
Jane Jerardi Media/Technology Coordinator
Ambe’r Johnnson Box Office Associate
Angelika Lewis Box Office Associate
kClare McKellaston Costume Manager
Mia Nelson Box Office/Reception
Gabriel Oladipo
Academic Advisor
Gina Ordaz
Administrative Assistant
Disha Patel
Box Office/Reception
Kevin Rolfs
Scenic Supervisor, Props
Grant Sabin
Technical Director
Erica L. Sandvig Production Manager
Roell Schmidt
Dance Presenting Series Producing Director
Meredith Sutton
Dance Presenting Series Artistic Director
Josef Szaday Director of Technology, AV
FRIENDS OF THE DANCE CENTER
The Dance Center gratefully acknowledges its donors for their generous support.
$1,000 AND ABOVE
Taylor and Carrie Olivia Adams
Bonnie Brooks
David Colburn
Pamela Crutchfield
William Hunt
Marcia Lazar and Alan Amos
Elizabeth Liebman
Susan Manning and Douglas Doetsch
Kathleen Miles
D. Elizabeth Price
$500-999
Ellen Chenoweth
Melynda Lopin
Robert Mrtek and Marsha Mrtek
Susan J. Stall
Shawn Wax
$250-499
Nancy Church and Charles Jett
Amor Kohli
Jamey Lundblad and Bill Melamed
K. McGriff
Shunda McGriff
Susan F. Rossen
$100-249
Anonymous
Bernadette Casey
Dr. Kurt Christoffel
Margi Cole
Andrea Edwards
Peter N. and Susan F. Gray
Nancy Juda
Arnold and Carol Kanter
Maggie Kast
Philip Martini
Thomas and Shirley Neiman
Stephen Roy and Lloyd Kohler
Judith Sagan
Clyde Whitaker
$50-99
Charlotte and Alan Bath
Dr. Bob
Cornelio Casaclang
Nancy K. DeDakis
Paul E. Fisher
Lisa Gonzales
Colleen Halloran
Dawn Renee Jones
Dardi McGinley-Gallivan
Pamela Hoffman McNeil
Evemarie Moore
Bette Rosenstein
Dr. Elaine Sachnoff
Emily Stein
Mary Beth Van Dyke
This list includes gifts received through February 1st, 2025. If you have donated since then, thank you and look for your name in the next program!
To become a Friend of the Dance Center, please visit dance.colum.edu/donate
DANCE CENTER SPONSORS
The Dance Center is a member of Dance/USA, See Chicago Dance, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, and the American College Dance Association.
Athletico is the exclusive provider of physical therapy, occupational therapy, sports medicine, athletic training, work rehabilitation, and massage therapy for the Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago.
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