ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (2023 – 2024)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Michael Finnerty, Chair
Todd Walbert, Vice Chair
Krista Linn, Treasurer
Carlos Claudio, Secretary
Kelly Boersma
Kaya Chwals
Nora Fleming
Larry Garstki
Mara Georges
Rusty Hernandez-Sanfilippo
Patty Hunt
Dr. Timothy Knowles
Richard H. Sanders
Justin Tranter
Alexander (Sandy) Williams
The Hon. Sharon Johnson, Parents Association President
Paul Detlefs, Judith Rothschild, Barbara Atkins Ruhman, Trustee Emeriti
FACULTY
Rachel Brown, Music Chair
Ben Dicke, Theatre Chair
Randy Duncan, Dance Chair
Anna Mijalski, World Languages, Humanities Co-Chair
Patrick Simoniello, Dance, Assistant Chair
Andy Robinson, Musical Theatre Chair
Nick Roux, English, Humanities Co-Chair
Sarah Hiatt, Media Arts Chair
Melissa Metelits, Math, Science, and Technology Chair
Margy Stover, Visual Arts Chair
Kasey Alfonso
Alyssa Bennett
Buck Blue
Richard Brasseale
Alex Cassidy
Greg Dudzienski
An Emard
Simon Gomez
Sarah Grant
Christopher Hagenah
Kelli Harrington
Scott Hesse
Jake Hinkson
Mira Israel
Mary Kettering
Ethan Kirschbaum
Dominique Krason
Jesse Langen
Jonah Lazarus
Jeremy Marder
Olga Meyer
Brenda Moore
Jack Murray
Christopher Nolte
Nicholas Olynciw
Marianne Parker
Isabella Pelz
ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF
Jason Patera, Head of School
Elizabeth Cunningham, Assistant Principal, Director of Learning Resources
Kein Bartlett, Registrar and System Operations Administrator
Sean Caron, Office Staff
Carly Davis, Grant and Event Associate
Gabe Delli, Office Staff
Henry Feliciano, Facilities Manager
Robert Feliciano, Facilities Manager
Joseph Hulbert, Director of Strategic Initiatives
Ali Kane, Admissions Associate
Nina Karakos, Associate Director of Admissions
Libby LaDue, Senior Development Associate
Sarah Langford, College Counselor
Amanda LePard, Director of Enrollment Management
Emily Luhrs, Chief of Staff
August Miller, Senior Marketing and Communications Associate
Cordett Newsome, Office Staff
Jennifer Park, School Counselor
Evan Pazkowski, Director of Development
Gavin Schultz, Director of Marketing and Communications
Stacey Talbert, Office Staff
Peter Varga, Office Staff
Jamie Wersching, Office Staff
Caroline DeWinter, Patrick Fanella, James Fernandez, Tom Foley, Oscar Galarza,
Bob Houlihan, Michael Oswald, Robert Poholik, Angelo P. Ramundo,
Anthony Skokal, Security
ANNUAL REPORT
Celia Phelan
Reginald Rice
Selena Robinson
Lauren Rovin
Jonathan Schang
David Sprecher
Natalie Staples
Sargina Taliya
Tim Tynan
Nathan Urdangen
Robyn Mineko Williams
Nichole Young
Callandra Youngleson
Carly Davis, Writer and Editor
Libby LaDue, Project Manager
August Miller, Lead Designer
Evan Pazkowski, Writer and Editor
Gavin Schultz, Designer and Editor
Performance photos courtesy of Thomas Mohr Photography. Event photos courtesy of Michele Marie Photography.
Dear Friends,
I am frequently invited to speak around the country about the importance of the arts, the power of an arts education, and the magic of The Chicago Academy for the Arts.
“What are you most proud of?” people often ask, impressed by videos of jaw-dropping artwork alongside photos of our alumni with Grammy Awards, in the New York Times, and onstage with The Joffrey Ballet.
Great art is profoundly moving to me, and the brand names often associated with success (Juilliard, Broadway, Emmy Award) are good for the ego. But, what I am most proud of is the legacy of community our students have been building since the earliest days of the school.
Our theme this year was “generations,” and throughout the year alumni from every decade of our history showed us evidence of that legacy of community: the movie star, brought to tears recalling how they finally felt “smart” after enrolling; the R&B icon, derailing their soundcheck schedule to sing with our kids; the ubiquitous TV personality, playing
theatre games with students all afternoon. After ten years — or twenty, or forty — they still call this place “home.”
The work of building community isn’t accomplished solely by students and their teachers. For more than forty years, The Academy has depended on the support of friends like you to make the work we do possible. The legacy of our students — the work, the accolades, the community — is your legacy, too.
Thank you for being a part of this place.
Jason Patera Head of School
First Day of School – August 25, 2023
The Chicago Academy for the Arts is a nationally recognized independent high school for the performing and visual arts.
Designated a National School of Distinction by the John F. Kennedy Center, The Academy offers students the opportunity to engage in a unique co-curricular program: rigorous, college-preparatory academic classes and professional-level arts training in the context of an unparalleled school culture.
The Academy’s school day begins with a morning of academics followed by a three-plus hour immersion in a student’s chosen arts department: Dance, Media Arts, Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
At The Chicago Academy for the Arts, young artists master the skills necessary for academic success, critical thought, and creative expression.
AT A GLANCE
The Academy enrolls approximately 125 students each year, awarding nearly $2 million in need-based tuition assistance to over 60% of families.
Academy students routinely score 20% higher on the ACT than the national average.
The average academic class size is 15 students. With over 50 full- and part-time teachers, our student-to-teacher ratio is less than 3:1.
Academy students come from 77 different zip codes and from 4 different states.
Students participate in more than 120 productions throughout the course of the school year — including concerts, plays, musicals, screenings, and exhibitions.
About 2/3 of Academy graduates go on to careers in the arts, while 1/3 pursue the sciences, humanities, business, and more.
Academy students, 1982
HISTORY AND MISSION
In the late 1970s, Larry Jordan, a young art and dance teacher in the Chicago Public School system, watched as city arts programs lost their funding due to budget cuts and program changes.
As a lifelong believer in the arts, Larry wondered why Chicago did not have a school for young artists. After submitting a proposal to his school’s administration, the board unanimously accepted the proposal, but turned down the request based on finances.
In 1980, Larry sold his car and invested the next few years into starting a performing and visual arts high school. With the support of prominent Chicago figures — such as Joyce Sloane, Essee Kupcinet, Dori Wilson, and Zelda Werner —
Larry and the first Board of Trustees began the initial plans for an independent arts high school. With the school year approaching, they auditioned hundreds of students in the original building on Adams Street near downtown. In September of 1981, the school opened its doors to 59 eager young artists, who would go on to create the culture that The Academy is still known for to this day.
On that first day, the sign on the school door read: THE ACADEMY: ART, MUSIC, DANCE, THEATRE.
In 1990, the school moved to its current home on Chicago Avenue and became The Chicago Academy for the Arts. The faculty and staff transformed empty hallways into black boxes,
stages, and rehearsal space. What were once parish classrooms became recording studios and sculpture rooms.
In 2011, The Academy celebrated its 30th anniversary. During this year, the school revised its mission statement to more clearly reflect the development of its educational philosophy.
The mission statement reads:
“The Chicago Academy for the Arts transforms emerging artists through a curriculum and culture which connect intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity to impart skills to lead and collaborate across diverse communities.”
The Academy is the #1 arts high school in Illinois (Niche, 2024).
CLASS NOTES
Keeping in touch with our graduates
Lila Napientek (Theatre ‘22)
“I have been studying in Switzerland for the past year at Franklin University Switzerland and I go back in August. I’ve made a ton of friends and am so excited to get back.”
Jessie Oliver (Music ‘99)
“In July, I will be presenting at the National Association of Teachers of Singing on finding commercial music ‘dupes’ based on the pedagogical tools of the 26 Italian Arias. In August, I will be completing my post graduate certificate in Vocology from NYU, and I just completed my first year teaching at the Colburn School.”
Serena Himmelfarb (Media Arts ‘05)
“After three years as a visiting assistant professor and a semester as artist in residency at Hampshire College, I spent this past spring at the Marine Biological Laboratory, in Woods Hole Massachusetts, teaching a course for University of Chicago’s Department of Visual Arts. I continue to maintain my studio in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, and welcome studio visits!”
Walter Tabayoyong (Comparative Art ‘83)
“My management company is almost 6 years old. I’ve updated my websites for my art, photography, and performing: walttab.com, waltertab.com, and waltertabayoyong.com.”
Joseph Massarelli (Dance ‘14)
Rachel Sledd Iannantuoni (Theatre ‘89)
“My son Rocco just completed his first year at The Academy in the Dance Department, and is a recipient of the Young Men’s Dance Initiative Scholarship! We are so proud and thrilled to see Rocco thriving as a member of the Academy family. In professional news, I shot an indie film last fall, Coywolf, that will be hitting the festival circuit soon. I also covered Dana Delany in her new play Highway Patrol at the Goodman Theatre last winter.”
Aly Lubecker (Dance ‘08)
Elena “EQ” Quandt (Theatre ‘22)
“This summer, I worked as a camp counselor at Harand Camp. I took a gap year after my freshman year at Lawrence University, and will be going to University of Illinois at Chicago pursuing a BFA in Acting.”
“We welcomed our daughter Cooper in August 2022, and our daughter Lucy in May 2024! I’m currently working as the Marketing & Communications Manager at a live event ticketing company called iTICKET.”
“I was promoted to Soloist with The Dutch National Ballet in December 2022, and participated in The Concours de jeunes chorégraphes in Biarritz France in June 2024. Our choreography won two prizes!” programs impact people
Read on to explore our annual report, which highlights three key areas of success in 2023-2024:
DANCE
At the core of the Dance program is the intensive study of technique and artistic development. In addition to a foundational class in ballet every day, where students delve deep into classical technique, dancers study jazz, modern, pointe, partnering, and improvisation.
Lathan Goodrum to Juilliard
For seven years in a row, at least one dancer from our program has been admitted to The Juilliard School.
Lathan Goodrum (Dance ‘24), Young Men’s Dance Initiative award recipient (and Prom royalty!), is the next in a long line of Academy-to-Juilliard transplants.
Between his stunning choreography and demanding stage presence, we remain impressed by Lathan’s dedication to the Dance Department.
QUICK FACT
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Rocco Iannantuoni: Generational Student
Meet Rocco Iannantuoni (Dance ‘27), a new Academy student but a longtime member of the Academy family. Rocco followed in the footsteps of his mom, Rachel Sledd Iannantuoni (Theatre ‘89), who attended The Academy in its early days when the original students shaped the culture that Rocco now participates in. Rocco is one of the many generational students we’ve had throughout the years, continuing a legacy that spans over four decades.
Rocco with his mother, Rachel
The Academy is ranked #7 of 166 for the most diverse private schools in Illinois (Niche, 2024).
MEDIA ARTS
The Media Arts curriculum includes animation, poetry, fiction, screenwriting, film, photography, and experimental design. Above all, the Media Arts Department focuses on storytelling. The program follows a process-oriented approach, engaging in a weekly critique session called “workshop” — refining students’ individual voices and ideas, while also enhancing their skill in effectively communicating with an audience.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Simon Archer
Meet Simon Archer (Media Arts ‘25), a rising senior in the Media Arts Department. After a tedious three-year filmmaking process, Simon premiered his groundbreaking stop-motion short, House With No Walls. To bring his vision to life, Simon hand-sculpted characters and sets, painstakingly shooting the film frame by frame. The film was based on a story Simon’s grandfather used to tell him as a child, and was narrated by his grandfather himself. Great work, Simon!
A special thank you to longtime Academy supporter and friend Tom Fiske.
“My desire to create a photography program at The Academy comes from my early exposure to photography and how it changed the direction of my career. The early start learning and practicing the craft enabled me to succeed in photography.
Young people who recognize what their passion is are so far ahead of those who don’t find their creative direction until later in life. I wanted to provide the ability to see photography as a creative direction they hadn’t seen before.
”–– Tom Fiske
Advanced Photography Exhibition Pop-Up, 2024
Simon working with Tom
MUSIC
Rooted in tradition while looking to the future, Music Department students receive diverse training in classical, jazz, experimental, and commercial music. Students grow to become versatile and collaborative artists under the guidance of the first-class professional musicians in the city.
Students Selected for ILMEA All-State
Seniors Ella Herman and Sally Zhang (Music ‘24) successfully made it into the 2024 All-State Orchestra and Honors Vocal Jazz Ensemble, respectively. In order to attend the AllState conference, young artists from across Illinois
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
partake in a rigorous audition process highlighting their instrument and expertise. Ella and Sally spent two days surrounded by Illinois’ best young musicians, learning from world-renowned teachers and composers.
Gabi Fues
Meet Gabi Fues (Music ‘24), a graduating senior who transferred into the Music Department in 11th grade. Gabi made an immeasurable impact on the community in their short time here, studying both classical and jazz bass. Between music production, playing in the pit orchestra, and smashing homeruns in the annual softball game, Gabi earned the coveted Head of School Award at graduation. Congratulations, Gabi!
Gabi working in the Justin Tranter Recording Studio
MUSICAL THEATRE
In the Musical Theatre Department, students master storytelling in three different disciplines: voice, dance, and acting. Musical Theatre students study with Chicago professionals, who work on their own art as they impart wisdom to students based on their own professional training and experience.
Naming The Rusk
Although the black box theatre on the fourth floor has been informally known as The Rusk for years now, we made it official this fall. Pat Rusk’s impact on The Academy — and to artists all over the world — is boundless. Whether you met her as an educator, a pianist, or a friend, Pat almost certainly left a mark on you. Join us for a show at The Rusk this year to honor her legacy!
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Olivia Daly-Short
Meet Olivia Daly-Short (Musical Theatre ‘24), a graduating senior nominated for Best Performer in an Actress Role at the Broadway in Chicago High School Musical Theatre Awards. Recognized for her role as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Olivia was one of 24 nominees selected from over 300 applicants. Brava!
Olivia in Cabaret, 2024
THEATRE
The Theatre Department employs a unique project-based curriculum that immerses students with a variety of theatre and performance studies. Theatre students train in four distinct areas: acting, performance techniques, theatre studies, and production and technical theatre.
Our Town
This spring, the Theatre Department presented one of the most performed plays in history. Since its debut in 1938, Our Town has been a staple of the theatre world.
To reflect the different cultures among the students, the department reimagined Our Town to feature new stories and multilingual dialogue. Between simultaneous rehearsals for Encore, Our Town, and “The Scottish Play,” the students experienced the real-life demands of professional theatre.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Tvesha Gupta
Meet Tvesha Gupta (Theatre ‘24), a graduating senior in the Theatre Department who spent as much time in the spotlight as she did leading the stage crew. Her skill as a physical actress was further demonstrated when she brought her background in aerial arts to her Academy circus training (yes, we offer circus training!).
We wish our Prom Queen the best of luck at Northwestern University this fall!
Tvesha in Our Town, 2024
VISUAL ARTS
Within the Visual Arts Department framework of studio practice, critique, and exhibition, students develop skills to articulate their ideas and process and become self-directed in pursuing their own subject matter and concept areas in their artwork.
20-Year Anniversary Exhibition
This year marked the 20-year anniversaries of beloved Visual Arts faculty members Brenda Moore and Margy Stover
To celebrate this monumental milestone, Brenda and Margy curated 20: An Alumni Exhibition, showcasing the works of Visual Arts students from their time as faculty members. Thank you, Brenda and Margy, for your incredible contributions to The Academy for two decades!
The 158 graduates from 2019 to 2024 earned nearly $60 million in college scholarships and gained admission to the nation’s best colleges, universities, and conservatories, from CalArts to Juilliard; from Stanford to Princeton.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Lily Elliott and Ashley Davis
Meet Lily Elliott (Visual Arts ‘24) and Ashley Davis (Dance ‘24), two students who brought their art together for the Spring Visual Arts Exhibition. Lily and Ashley explored the nature of improvisation and transition with Ashley’s dance being the muse for Lily’s piece. During this process, they studied the unexpected connections between their art forms. Viewers were guided through an immersive installation featuring Ashley’s choreography projected onto the Academy’s walls.
Lee Blake (‘24) displaying artwork in the Visual Arts wing
QUICK FACT
Still from Lily and Ashley’s installation
“Give to make your heart sing!”
That’s the mantra Tom Schroeder and Rand Harris have been following for over four decades. Over time, their charitable work has increasingly focused on kids, education, and the arts. Those interests are now focused together on The Academy. Their son, Rohan Barrett, has served as a major gifts development officer at several nationally recognized organizations. He encouraged his parents’ giving through the years culminating recently in a significant “capacity building” gift to The Academy.
Not content to simply “write the checks,” Tom and Rand meet quarterly with Academy management and staff to monitor the work of two new staff people funded by the Initiative. Work to increase student recruitment is already showing success. Building the Academy’s “capacity” increases the long term resilience of the school and helps prepare it for a future of nurturing young artistic talent.
Through the initiative, The Academy welcomed two new staff members in admissions and development – Ali Kane, Admissions Associate, and Carly Davis, Grant and Event Associate. Read on to learn more about our new team members!
Introducing Ali Kane and Carly Davis
New Admissions Associate Ali Kane comes to us from Boston, where she studied theatre performance and architecture at Bard College. She is also a graduate of the Academy’s Theatre Department, making her new role a meaningful homecoming.
Also joining our team is Carly Davis, our Grant and Event Associate, who comes to us from Columbia College, where she studied acting. After working in grant writing for several years, Carly is a welcome addition to the Development team.
We are beyond grateful for Tom and Rand’s belief in the school, and look forward to the future of The Schroeder-Harris Initiative.
If you’re interested in giving programs like The Schroeder-Harris Initiative, please reach out to Evan Pazkowski at epazkowski@chicagoartsacademy.org for more information!
YOUNG MEN’S DANCE INITIATIVE
In 2017, the Young Men’s Dance Initiative was created by Randy Duncan, Harriet Ross, Patrick Simoniello, and longtime dance supporters Rusty Hernandez-Sanfilippo and Jeffrey Sanfilippo to help address challenges young men face in dance. For some, it’s a stigma about boys in formal dance programs; for others, it’s a lack of resources and access to quality dance training (and for many, both).
As a result, the dancers are welcomed in a community of like-minded students and encouraging faculty where they can flourish.
Thank you to our dear friends Rusty and Jeffrey for their dedication to this generation’s top dancers.
16 number of YMDI recipients to date
Academy students demonstrate high readiness for college, eclipsing national “college readiness” averages in every category. In 2022, the percentage of Academy graduates meeting all four college readiness benchmarks was 127% higher than the national average. QUICK FACT
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
Each year, The Chicago Academy for the Arts offers a series of arts intensives specifically designed for middle school students who are passionate about the arts. The Academy’s Middle School Program provides students with the unique opportunity to explore all of the Academy’s arts departments or choose to do a more concentrated deep-dive into Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre/Musical Theatre, or Visual Arts.
Students from all across Chicagoland enroll in the Middle School Program and many continue their education with us at the high school level. Under the guidance of the Academy’s professional arts faculty, those enrolled in the program leave with a strong foundation of techniques needed to succeed in the arts both at The Academy and beyond.
FACTS & FIGURES
134 students enrolled in the 2023-2024 Middle School Program
60% of incoming 9th graders have participated in one or more Middle School Program
47% of attendees will be in 8th grade during the 2024–2025 school year
Students come from 64 unique zip codes
The Middle School Program is my first recommendation whenever a prospective family asks about the differences between departments and their curriculums.
Students who will benefit the most from the program are those hoping to build or bolster their application portfolio, seeking a more intimate understanding of the different tracks, or anyone who is ready to take art seriously and needs a certain spark of direction!
–– Simon Archer (Media Arts ‘25)
Creative Musicians for Social Change
For the 2024 Summer Program, Music Department Chair Rachel Brown hosted a class called Creative Musicians for Social Change, where 12 middle school musicians wrote, recorded, and performed an EP of three original songs expressing their thoughts and emotions on a social justice topic of their choice.
Their EP, Revolutionary Radio, was released on all streaming platforms on July 22. Listen on Spotify by scanning the QR code below!
53% of Academy students commute from outside of the City of Chicago.
A weekend-long Academy celebration April 19 & 20, 2024
Our first-ever Encore was a monumental gathering, drawing over 1,200 guests to the Studebaker Theater and Venue SIX10 for a weekend-long Academy celebration. With performances showcasing each arts department, an unforgettable dance floor, and community members coming in from across the country, the weekend was a constant reminder of what makes this place so exceptional.
One of the event’s standout achievements was your fundraising impact, which surpassed expectations by raising over $250,000. These funds went directly towards our tuition assistance program to ensure life-changing education for future generations of young artists.
QUICK FACT
About 2/3 of Academy graduates go on to careers in the arts, while 1/3 pursue the sciences, the humanities, business, and more.
Honoring Frank Mustari
To make the weekend even more special, alumni from every Academy generation joined us in celebrating our honoree, visionary principal Frank Mustari. For 21 years, Frank poured his unwavering commitment and boundless enthusiasm into The Academy, and we had the pleasure of presenting him with our Leadership and Legacy Award.
If you missed its premiere at Encore, check out our latest video, Legacy, here:
Thank you to our incredible sponsors who made the weekend possible:
Ted and Katy Ahern
Emily Barr and Scott Kane
The Bayless Family
Carlos Claudio
Terri and Michael Freeman
Rusty Hernandez-Sanfilippo and Jeffrey Sanfilippo
Jennifer and Daniel McHugh
Rich and Susan Sanders
Justin Tranter
John and Julie Varga
Todd and Sharon Walbert
Kenwal Steel
Ableton
AV Chicago
Mindy’s Bakery
ALUMNI & GENERATIONS
In 1983, a few years after The Academy opened its doors, we graduated our first class of young Chicago artists. Each of the 45 graduates believed that art was important enough to drop everything and pursue it at the highest level. Their art can be seen around the world, but the culture they constructed remains embedded in the Academy’s foundation.
Since then, more than 1,500 students have crossed that stage, repositioned their tassels, and held the same belief as the pioneering class of ‘83: that art is not just significant but essential.
In 2023, we celebrated forty years since that first graduation, marking four decades of our graduates evolving into Hollywood actors, Broadway luminaries, and New York Times bestselling authors. These years have been a testament to their achievements, creativity, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Throughout the school year, we celebrated the generations of Academy alumni who have played a pivotal role in shaping our school. Discover the inspiring highlights from the 2023-24 school year in our Alumni Showcase!
Frank Mustari, First Academy Principal
Over 50 alumni from each Academy generation joined us at Encore to celebrate the Academy’s beloved first principle, Frank Mustari. In a message following the weekend, Frank told us: “Saturday was probably the best night of my life.”
The night was filled with nostalgic speeches about the first days of The Academy, heartfelt gratitude for Frank’s guidance, and friendships that have spanned decades — highlighting the profound impact he’s had on this community.
QUICK FACT
54% increase in alumni giving this year!
ALUMNI IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Morgan Clune (Dance ‘18)
Hubbard Street Dancer Morgan Clune returned to The Academy as a choreographer to craft her captivating piece On this curve, called time for the Spring Dance Concert. Embodying the essence of artistic progression and alumni involvement, Morgan’s piece inspired and elevated the next generation of Academy dancers by pushing the boundaries of their artistic expression.
What made you choose The Academy?
“[It’s] a special place, where I truly felt like I belonged and could dance in a wonderful environment every day. The Academy still feels like home anytime I walk through the front doors.”
Aly Lubecker (Dance ‘08)
Jack Dunphy (Media Arts ‘11)
Filmmaker, animator, and Sundance Festival award winner Jack Dunphy visited to talk with Jason about his packed schedule following the release of his short film, Bob’s Funeral. The film, along with several other projects, has received recognition from critics and audiences alike. Jack spent an afternoon with the Media Arts students sharing stories about his time on the festival circuit.
“The possibilities for interdisciplinary learning, community of brilliant creatives, and exposure to diverse approaches to meaning making made The Academy the clear choice. Being taken seriously as a thinker and maker, by the faculty and my peers, was an added bonus that helped me pursue my career in the arts.”
–– Serena Himmelfarb (Media Arts ‘05)
What made you choose The Academy?
“My very first experience at The Academy was an academic tour, and I distinctly remember feeling so incredibly seen and understood. The teacher put up an equation – we all solved it – and then she asked us to explain how we each solved it, and everyone had a different answer. She then turned to the parents and said ‘This is why it’s important to recognize diverse approaches. Everyone got it right but each student chose a different way.’ In school you’re constantly being told to ‘do it the way everyone else is doing it’ – there’s little room for an artist. But at The Academy, there was always room for creativity, even in math class.”
Lalah Hathaway (Music ‘86)
During her three-night run at City Winery, five-time Grammy winner Lalah Hathaway visited The Academy for the first time in over a decade. She spent two hours answering questions for a room full of students, offering wisdom about her time in the music industry. When asked if she had to get back to rehearsal, Lalah responded, “I’ve got all the time in the world for this.”
Brittney Mack (Musical Theatre ‘07)
Fresh off of her residency in Broadway’s SIX as Anna of Cleaves, Brittney Mack came back to the school to chat with the Musical Theatre students about the challenges and surprises of performing during a global pandemic. She spent the afternoon fine-tuning audition techniques for our graduating seniors and laughing through pictures of herself in old yearbooks.
Lara Flynn Boyle (Theatre ‘88)
In true Academy fashion, film actor and Academy legend Lara Flynn Boyle dropped by during a scheduled fire drill. As the Emmy-nominated actress walked around the school for the first time since the ‘80s, she became overwhelmed with positive emotions. Lara regaled with stories of the Old Days at The Academy, when more than a hundred brilliant young artists who wouldn’t fit in at any normal school built a community where they could thrive.
–– Jacey Saige (Visual Arts ‘23)
Kevin Miles (Theatre ‘08)
On the Friday after graduation, in true Academy fashion, we were preparing for two more productions happening over the weekend. In the midst of the post-ceremony chaos, the nation’s friendliest face decided to drop by for an afternoon at his alma mater – Kevin Miles, AKA Jake from State Farm. Now in the role for over five years, Kevin sat with the students to talk about the experience of being a household name, meeting the world’s biggest stars, and how his time at the school shaped his trajectory.
What made you choose The Academy?
“The arts-centered education allowed me to be my truest self, and the safety the school provided me based on that.”
–– Jessie Oliver (Music ‘99)
Madeleine Madura (Visual Arts ‘18)
Fashion designer Madeleine Madura visited the school to share her work in design with the students, inspiring them in ways her mentors inspired her throughout high school. Madeleine studied fashion at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and recently created a custom corset brand under the name Madeleine Ibach. While visiting The Academy, she took the time to assist a student with their own corset design.
“The community drew me in because I could see and feel how much the faculty enjoyed stoking the fire of our creative passions; the students were so driven as they pursued their goals and dreams. The Academy is inspiring, and the people you meet there are a forever support system.”
–– Izzie Claudio (Musical Theatre ‘22)
“I chose The Academy because of the personalized academic help. The Academy helped me figure out who I am. It was a second home for me and I truly grew up there.”
–– Elena “EQ” Quandt (Theatre ‘22)
YEAR IN REVIEW
$1,316,927
DIVERSIFIED FUNDING
FY24 BUDGET
Salaries and Benefits
Occupancy (rent, maintenance, etc.)
Programs (production expenses)
Operating Costs
Other
Total Expenses
At the start of 2020, the Hunt Family made the Academy’s largest-ever pledge – $750k over three years – to increase teacher salaries. One of the Academy’s most important goals is to “recruit, train, and retain the nation’s best teachers,” and because of Patty and Ken, The Academy made that a reality. This year, Patty and Ken completed their historic pledge. Thank you to our dear friends for your enormous support of the school!
*The FY24 deficit was offset in important ways by a significant “Employee Retention Credit,” one of several post-Covid benefits we were able to take advantage of. $3,337,912 $644,455 $244,000 $506,493 $85,692 $4,818,552
A LETTER FROM DEVELOPMENT
To Our Favorite Community,
This past year, I’ve struggled to label our students as “lucky” or “unlucky” for living through an unending sequence of historic events. Within the same period of technological advancements and medical breakthroughs, they’re also witnessing political unrest, economic difficulties, and social division. While it’s hard to look away, or feel guilty for not doing “more,” our students are often sources of unity, and remind us to cherish our own humanity.
Through art, it’s our responsibility to ask — and sometimes answer — life’s toughest questions. Whether we’re questioning love or loss, heartache or faith, the artist is there to bring perspective to the intangible, and act as a guide for when we ask: why?
Purpose and community brought The Academy to life in the early 80s, and have carried it through over forty years of arts excellence. Now, after several generations of graduates, we’re fortunate enough to have a place where our most daring thinkers can begin to make sense of the world.
Maybe you found the school through an admissions event, or one of the 120+ productions each year, or perhaps you read a story about a famous alum and felt inspired to give. Whatever your introduction, I imagine you’ve felt the same sense of community that I have — a feeling that says “welcome home.”
And, for three years in a row, have broken our own record for the most tuition assistance ever awarded — nearly $2 million. My hope is that you will find inspiration through attending events, visiting the school, and by advocating for the necessity of this education.
From all of us here at The Academy, thank you!
Forever grateful,
Evan Pazkowski Director of Development
graduates in the Class of 2024 33 student performances over 120 earned in scholarships to the nation’s top colleges and conservatories $5.7 million newly admitted students for the 2024-2025 school year 29 increase in alumni giving 54%
Academy babies: The Academy’s Class of 2042 continues to grow –Welcome to the world Thornton, Leila, Sophia, and Soleil! 4
Your support, in whatever form, has allowed us to curate a space where learning and creativity collide. A Year in Numbers
HONOR ROLL OF GENEROSITY
reflects gifts received, pledges made and due, and gifts to Empower Illinois from 7/1/23 to 6/30/24
$100,000+
Patricia and Ken Hunt
Krista Linn and Dominique Leonardi*
Rusty Hernandez-Sanfilippo and Jeffrey Sanfilippo
$50,000 – $99,999
Thomas Schroeder and Rand Harris
Emily Barr and Scott Kane
Susan and Craig Manske
The Schuler Family Foundation*
$15,000 – $49,000
Back to Business (B2B) Grant
Festival of Children Foundation
John R. Halligan Charitable Fund
The Bayless Family
Michael and Kelly Finnerty
Terri and Michael Freeman
Elaine Cohen Rubin and Arlen Rubin
Justin Tranter
Todd and Sharon Walbert
$5,000 – $14,999
Catherine and Ted Ahern
Mary Jo and Doug Basler
William and Jennifer Bremer
Allison Calisoff
Kristen and Marco Campos
Thomas Fiske and Sara Cant
Ray Capitanini
Carlos Claudio
Pamela Crutchfield
Brian and Erin Davis
Nicole Eisenberg
Carol and Marvin Lader
Jennifer and Daniel McHugh
Jeanie Pollack
Kemp and Nicole Ross
Nishay Sanan
Richard and Susan Sanders
Julie and John Varga
Alexander and Monica Williams
$1,000 – $4,999
Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation Fund
Jamie and Steve Archer
Tonya Newman and Adrian Atyimas
Sean Berkowitz
Jonathan Sawyer and Tamara Bohorquez
Jason Patera and Melissa Brookes
Geoffrey and KellyAnn Colgan
Heather Day
Jennifer Chan and Serafin DeLeon
Paul Detlefs
David Silverman and Lilly Farahnakian
Roche Schulfer and Mary Beth Fisher
Amanda Lewis and Tyrone Forman
Peter Gotsch and Jana French
Jason and Maria Fues
Rebecca Armatis-Furr and Jonathan Furr
Andrea and Nick Gawrit
Lisa Karaitis and Brian Gilmartin
Joan Golder
Kris Hartner and Susanna Gotsch
Mary Jane and George Hender
Danielle Henderson
Darryl and Robin Hom
Judith Robert and Thomas Kapacinskas
Paul and Nadine Mallick
Dan and Kelly McGowan
Patricia McKay
Russell McLean
Elizabeth Cunningham and Thomas Mohr
Michael Naiditch
Harriet and Irwin Ross
Barbara Atkins Ruhman
Judith Wilen and Steven Schloss
Gregg Seppala
Linda Silverstein
Gil Soffer
Christine and Paul Vogel
Chris Westfall
$1 – $999
Michele and Phil Abramson
James Allen
Julia Coyne Allen
Misa and Demar Anderson
Saba Ayman-Nolley
Cynthia Baldwin
Terry Banker
Maryka Trent Baraka
Bridgett (McCarthy) Baron
Kathleen Bedrio
Jennifer Bess
Adam Bitterman
Anne Blanton
Michael Blatt
Kelly Boersma
Lynn Book
Jane Bouzek
Melissa and Brian Bradley
Michelle and Thomas Braxton
Shawntavia Brazil
Elana Brooks
Daniel Carlson
Don and Janice Cook
Amy Coty
Robin DaSilva
William Mason and Diana Davis
Sarah DeVincentis
Kurt Baldassari and Virginia Devlin
Michael DiFrisco
Katherine Englund
Barb Fagin
Gary Overhultz and Lisa Feingold
Karen Fisher
Kelly Fitzgerald
Shannon Forrester
Adrienne Friedman
Mary Ida Garcia
Jeff Garey
Cary Garofalo
Juan and Gisella Garza
Avery Gathercole
Stephen Gawrit
Christina Hillestad and Dan Gerstenmaier
Annie Gianakos
Eva Giglio
Dorothea Gilliam
Sharon and Isabelle Gillman
L. Layne and Joan Glunt
Winifred Godfrey
Teresa Aguinaldo and Patrick Gonder
Linda Good
Cathy Graziano
Bridget and Steven Grey
Michael Guerrieri
Sumeet Gupta
Nora Guschwan
Jordan Hadelman
Elliot Hammans
Kenya Hathaway
Elizabeth Hawkes
Kathryn Haynes
Steve and Cara Herman
Lina Hilko
Harold Himelman
Linda Himmelberger
Carter and Janet Hobbs
Thomas Hodges
Marsha Holland
Audrey Perrott and Edward Hollinger
Rachel Sledd Iannantuoni and John Iannantuoni
Kathy and Mark Iatarola
Jennifer and Pete Infelise
Carole Jackson
Barbette Johnson
Angie and Gene Kanak
Dolores Keating
Marylynn Kelly
Katrina Krallitsch
Lisa and Ronald Kuehl
Gwendolyn Laub
David Lawal
Barbara Leiber
Joan Winter and Michael Levitt
Katherine Liner
Revelation Home, LLC
John and Susan Lloyd
Monisha and Christopher Lozier
Amy and Carter Luke
KC Lupp
Jason Luzinski
Anthony Mallerdino
Sherrie and Steven Marchi
Peter and Mary McCarthy
Kevin McGirr
Mary Beth McGowan
Melissa Metelits
Debra Minghi
Lisa and Barry Moze
Lisa Muller
Guillermo (Memo) Muñoz
Frank Mustari
Lila Napientek
Barb Natividad
Kay Alden Nelson and Vernon Nelson
Alexa Norman
Dayna Nuckolls
Patrick Nudo
Nancy Okal
Chris Owen
Adam Catt and Christina Palangattil
Jeff Marcella and Gail Patrick
Rebecca and Paul Pazkowski
Henry Perritt
Rebecca and Kyle Petersen
Tanya and Henry Pietrkowski
Sophia Pietrkowski
Rosemary and Robert Putnam
Charles and Barbara Reeder
Heidi Renteria
Martin Grochala and Fred Reuland
Lisa Scruggs and Luther Riley
Shannon Greene Robb
Rosemary Rojas
Judith Rothschild
Rich and Amy Rovin
Eduardo Armendia Ruiz
Tina Ruttenberg
Cathy Samatas
Jean Carlo Sandy
Lola Schultz
Cherri Rittenhouse and Josef Schwaiger
Todd Ramaly and Tasha Seago-Ramaly
Craig and Kara Senese
Kusum Shah
Jacquelyn Rosati and Eric Sherman
Win Short
Natalie Shovlin
Danielle and Vincent Singleton
Gil Soffer
Anita Spina
John Spina
Ella Starmann*
Heidi Stevens
Joseph Stinton
Barbara Stob
Geanine Stragapede
Walter Tabayoyong
Traci Crosby and Kelsey Tarver
Paula Tissot
Cole Tranter
Tiffany Trezzo
Richard Turner
Timothy and Susanna Tynan
Tracy Ullman
Janet Bartoszek and Jeffrey Usow
Lisa Vakulin-Rose
Briana Van Andel
Nicky Venditti
Alexandria Vernasco
Pamela Vogel
Lynne WardBrackett
Patrice Ward-Newkirk
Donna Watson
Anita Sharma and Mathew Webb
Lesley Ann Wernsdorfer
Grace Wolf
Tonie and Don Yannias
Mary Anne Young
Toby Zallman
Michael Dimitroff and Phyllis Ziccardi
Robin Rothbard and Alan Ziebarth
Terry and Ellyn Zucker
In-Kind Donations
Evan Boersma and The Joffrey Ballet
Laurel Bellows
Morgan Clune and Hubbard Street Dance
Marypat English
Bruce Finkelman
Mike and Kelly Finnerty
Janice Goldman
Michele Graham
Nadine Mallick
*Made through Empower Illinois
The summer of 2024 will go down for me as “the summer of marvelous clouds.” I cannot remember a time when I commented so frequently on their position in the sky, their shapes, or their painterly aspects. Whether this was noted while driving across an open expanse of highway or peeking through the power lines behind my house, the clouds were the headliners of the season and their presence brought me immense joy.
This delight in the sky brought back memories of hot summer afternoons when my mother would grab an orange-striped blanket and take us out to the backyard with the sole intention of cloud gazing. As we laid on our backs she took us on a treasure hunt. “Who sees the elephant? “What does that remind you of over there?” We found ships and dragons, firetrucks and smiling faces, and dogs — there were always so many dogs. We spent entire afternoons amused by our own creative thoughts and engaged with the sights and sounds around us. With no need for cords or headphones, the sky was the best game in town.
Thoughts of imaginary play came to mind again recently while listening to a favorite podcast. The topic of the conversation was storytelling, which was described by the guest, Clare Murphy, as “ancient technology that drives the world forward from the arts
and culture to science and society.” While discussing folklore and myth as a foundation for understanding culture, as well as our role as custodians of the earth, she mentioned the importance of a wandering mind. The act of imagining requires the thinker to disengage from tasks that require focused attention. When our mind is allowed to move freely without constraint, especially when we are in nature, ideas move forward. It is when we joyfully experience “ah-ha” moments and breakthroughs in thought.
As summer gives way to a new school year, I’d like to suggest indulging in the ancient practice of daydreaming. With gratitude for the lovely sky above, let’s encourage students — and ourselves — to tap into this innate creativity and revel in the surprises that emerge. For it is in this necessary detachment that the melodies take shape, the dance is envisioned, words come together, a design is revealed, and the art comes into existence.
Liz
Cunningham
Assistant Principal, Director of Learning Resources
TRIBUTE GIFTS
In Memoriam
John Patrick Cibula (Music ‘11)
Danny Gallegos (Media Arts ‘06)
Ray Gentry
Alice Gold
Lee Hodges
Larry Jordan
Ronnie Reporto (Theatre ‘87)
Stephen B. Rickerman (Theatre ‘94)
Pat Rusk
Isabel Soffer
Brian Vogel (Music ‘93)
Louis and Zelda Werner
In Honor
Mary Beth Fisher
David Himmelman (Media Arts ‘07)
Andrew Lindsay (Visual Arts ‘00)
Jason Patera
Guadalupe Ruiz
Dan and Taryn Silverstein
In Celebration
Olivia Daly-Short (Musical Theatre ‘24)
Randy Duncan
Miles Luke (Theatre ‘26)
Brenda Moore
Margy Stover
Peter Varga (Theatre ‘10)
THE YEAR AHEAD
“In 2024–25, we’re hoping to strengthen the size of our ensemble, continue to guide our young actors to matriculation at top colleges and universities, and produce more outstanding plays. We are always looking for ways to get more Chicago professionals from the theatre, television, and film industries in front of our students.”
Ben Dicke Theatre Department Chair
––
“Our main goal this year is to turn our classroom into our very own screening room, hoping to complete it with a pulldown projection screen and tabletop popcorn maker. We’re also working hand-in-hand with the Music Department to introduce a new class called ‘Without Genre’ – bringing sounds, visuals, and writing together to tell unique stories.”
Sarah Hiatt Media Arts Department Chair
––
“The Visual Arts Department is dedicated to pushing students to develop unique portfolios that reflect their creative and conceptual growth. This fall, we’ll showcase student and alumni work at the West Town Art Walk, featuring Nickolas Payne (‘16), whose large-scale narrative landscapes blend analytical precision with imaginative creativity. Additionally, we’ll be re-envisioning the Special Connections program and collaborating with other high schools to create site-specific installations.”
–– Margy Stover Visual Arts Department Chair
“With last year’s Silenced Voices Series, Music from the Middle East, still in our hearts, we are looking forward to presenting music by Native American composers for the newest installment. We look forward to more collaborative work with other departments like last year’s production of Cabaret, which featured student musicians in the pit orchestra.”
Rachel Brown Music Department Chair
––
“Musical Theatre is making plans for another exciting year. We want to build up our sense of ensemble — one of our chief goals any year, but especially important in this year of a large freshman class who will learn how we work together. We are planning a season of blockbuster performances (the titles of which are still secret at the time of this document!). The art we make takes a village of professions and other elements — thank you for being a part of it.”
–– Andy Robinson Musical Theatre Department Chair
“This year, we’re thrilled to present a mix of new creations and beloved classics, including a fresh piece by Robyn Mineko Williams, three audience favorites from Randy Duncan, and a new work by Patrick Simoniello. Our team also welcomes two new faculty members: Madame Peff Modelski and Ellen Green, both of whom bring extensive experience from their prestigious dance careers.”
–– Randy Duncan Dance Department Chair
Patrick Simoniello Assistant Dance Department Chair
