Connections Week Schedule
October 21
4:00pm
Info Session with University of Illinois Chicago (Room 313)
October 22
3:00pm
What's Next? A Theatre Alumni Roundtable Discussion featuring Jordan Medina, Luke Steadman, Jay Westbrook, Bryant Hindsman, and Savaun Stokes
October 23
7:00pm
Last Year, Last Look
October 24
2:00pm - 2:55pm
Session A: "The Art of Auditioning" BFli Productions with Rashada Dawan (Room 025)
Session B: "Introduction to Northern Illinois University" with Northern Illinois University Staff (Room 212)
October 24
3:00pm - 3:55pm
Session A: "Dynamic Storytelling for an Audition" Downstage Arts with Lindsay Cummings (Room 025)
Session B: "Triple Threat Training" The American Musical and Dramatic Academy with Neka Zang (Room 212)
October 24
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Session A: "Improvisation" Columbia College Chicago with Ric Walker (Room 025)
Session B: "The Business of Theatre" Definition Theatre & DePaul University with Willow James (Room 212)
Session C: "Storytelling through Movement and Costumes" The Goodman Theatre with Ruben Echoles (Room 313)
October 25
3:00pm
Senior Showcase (Black Box)
Masterclass Descriptions
The Art of Auditioning led by Rashada Dawan (BFLI Productions):
This class will focus on the art of auditioning. Students should come with a 2 min monologue or 16-32 bars of a song w/ sheet music or backing track.
Introduction to Northern Illinois University
(NIU) This session will focus on the amazing programs at Northern Illinois University. Focuses of the workshop will be Design Tech and Theatre Studies. Perfect for those wanted to know more studying the "behind the scenes" sector of the world of Theatre!
Dynamic Storytelling for an Audition: Acting the Song & Monologue Masterclass for College Auditions and Beyond led by Lindsay Cummings from Downstage Arts:
In this masterclass style presentation, students will explore the intersection of acting and musical performance. Through vocal coaching, character analysis, and scene study, you’ll learn how to bring songs and monologues to life. This class will focus on techniques for interpreting lyrics, text and embodying your character. This class will include a Q&A about the college audition process.
Triple Threat Training: Acting, Singing, and Physicality in Musical Theatre led by Neka Zang from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy:
This workshop is crafted to help aspiring performers excel in musical theatre by focusing on the key elements of acting, singing, and the critical role of physicality in performance. Participants will learn how to integrate these disciplines to create dynamic, authentic portrayals on stage. We’ll start with a warm - up to prepare both body and voice for the workshop. The session will then move into a scene or song brought in by you. Instead of focusing on dance, we’ll delve into how physicality and movement influence character portrayal and storytelling. Students will engage in exercises that highlight the importance of body language, posture, and movement in conveying emotion and intention. The vocal component will focus on technique, breath control, and delivering a powerful vocal performance that supports the character’s journey. Acting exercises will help participants connect deeply with the material, making bold, informed choices that are supported by their physical presence on stage. A Q&A session will follow, allowing students to ask questions about the industry, the creative process, or any other aspect of musical theatre.
Storytelling through Movement and costumes led by Ruben Echoles from the Goodman Theatre:
This class will explore the art of storytelling and how movement and costumes can be used creatively to enhance the experience for both the audience and the artist.
The Business of Theatre led by Willow James from Definition Theatre and DePaul University:
Already thinking about how you’re going to “make it” in theatre? Curious about side hustles, day jobs, getting an agent, and how to put it all together? Join Willow James (sound designer, DJ, arts administrator) for a crash course on The Business of Theatre and start the foundation for your arts career sooner than later!
Improvisation led by Ric Walker from Columbia College Chicago:
This experiential workshop is designed for both the utter novice and a seasoned improviser as it focuses on fundamental skills of successful collaborative play. This is a fast paced, on-your-feet, workshop that will allow for all participants to play simultaneously. The workshop quickly introduces the necessary building blocks for successful improvisation then immediately employs them utilizing improvisational performance structures. The novice will leave the workshop with strong fundamentals for future improv. A more experienced improvisor will deepen their understanding of the core principles of successful collaboration.
Scholar-Artists: Class of 2025
Visiting Teacher Bios
Willow James is a Chicago-based artist, educator, arts leader and DJ whose work is focused on exploring Black identity, new works, and activism. He is the Civic Engagement Director at Definition Theatre (where he is also an ensemble member), a Court Theatre teaching artist and Adjunct Faculty at DePaul University. Chicago: The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (Northlight Theatre); The Hot Wing King (Writers Theatre); Stokely: The Unfinished Revolution (Court Theatre); The Nacirema Society (Goodman Theatre); Twelfth Night (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Chlorine Sky (Steppenwolf Theatre); An Educated Guess (Definition Theatre). Regional: TheatreSquared, American Players Theatre, NAATC, Alleyway Theatre, and Phoenix Theatre Indianapolis. Representation: Michael Moore Agency worksbywillow.com | @worksbywillow
Lindsay Cummings is a sought-after voice instructor, teaching artist and musician. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and a Master of Musical Theatre and Opera Performance from Arizona State University. She’s worked in theatre and television throughout the country, but teaching young artists has always been her passion. Lindsay has been seen on stages from L.A. to New York City working in musical theatre and television, and as a vocal coach for "The Voice." She is currently a professor of Musical Theatre Voice at Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts, and Loyola University, Chicago. She is the owner of Chicago Music & Acting Academy and one of the founders of Downstage Arts. She is the President-Elect of The National Association of Teachers of Singing, Chicago Chapter.
Rueben D. Echoles is an accomplished playwright, director, choreographer, illustrator, costume and wig designer. He has had the pleasure of working with many theater companies across the country and in the Chicagoland area such as ETA, Black Ensemble, Mmpact, Congo Square, Refuge, Porchlight Music Theater, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Skylight Milwaukee, Writers Theater, Theo Ubique, Invictus, The Goodman Theater, Phoenix Theater Company and Studio One Dance Theater, just to name a few. His most recent projects include wig Design for Dreamgirls at Paramount Aurora and North Carolina Theatre Company as well as Costume Design for You Can’t Fake the Funk which was featured at The National Black Theater Festival and earned Rueben A Joseph Jefferson award for best costume design in a Large Theater. Rueben has also designed costumes for 4 Episodes for WTTW’s Chicago Stories docu- series, two of which (Ida B. Wells and The History of Gospel) have won Emmys for best production. Rueben would like to Thank Christ his Savior for Everything!
Rashada Dawan is a proud South Shore of Chicago native and is known for her powerhouse voice and commanding stage presence. She has graced both TV screens and theater stages around the nation and is grateful to be able to still bring joy to herself and others through the arts. Credits include: Disney’s The Lion King (Broadway Gazelle Tour), Madagascar, Junie B. Jones, The Nutcracker (Marriott Lincolnshire), Elf (Paramount), Caroline or Change (Firebrand/Timeline), Djembe (Foresight), Something In The Game (AMTP/ Wirtz), The Winner of Our Discontent, A Red Line Runs Through It (Second City), Aida (MUNY), Dynamite Divas, Black White Love Play and The Other Cinderella (Black Ensemble Theatre). TV/Film: Chicago PD, Shameless, Hope Springs Eternal, Easy, The Red Line, Proven Innocent, 61st Street and The Chi. Rashada is a Jeff award nominated actress, Executive Director of B.Fli Productions, Inc. and proud mother of 2. She is most thankful for God, her parents, Paonessa Talent Agency and her two managers aka daughters, Journey and Genesis. Rashada is also a proud AEA/ SAG/AFTRA union member.
Ric Walker is a performer, director, teacher, and writer. As a performer, Ric has had the pleasure of working on stage and on camera. His credits include performing at The Goodman, in Chicago, the Alliance in Atlanta and for The Second City Chicago, among many other stages. He has worked internationally as an emcee and corporate spokesman for fortune 500 companies. On Camera, he has been seen on Chicago Fire and Chicago PD and for a season on Fox TV’s APB. He is also an ensemble member and current director of the award-winning Improvised Shakespeare Company in Chicago. He is a Professor in the Comedy Writing and Performance department at Columbia College Chicago, the nation’s first BA in Comedy. He is also an active member of Chicago’s storytelling community.
Neka Zang is a 20-year Broadway veteran who has performed in numerous productions (Wicked, Mary Poppins, Rock of Ages, American Psycho), including the recent Broadway revival of "Bob Fosse's Dancin'." In addition to her performance career, Neka is a sought-after educator and coach, offering workshops in over 14 countries. Her approach to teaching is grounded in her belief that movement is a crucial part of storytelling, and she is passionate about helping actors unlock their full potential through dance.
Conservatory Leadership
Lauren Wells-Mann joined ChiArts in 2022 and is an actor, director, dancer, choreographer and arts educator. Lauren Wells-Mann believes in the power of the arts and the importance of BIPOC artists having autonomy over their own narratives, and it is a mission to which she is deeply committed.
Mrs. Wells-Mann holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Columbia College Chicago, and a Master in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix. She began her professional acting career with Eta Creative Arts Foundation. She has also performed with companies such as Lookingglass Theatre Company, Black Ensemble Theatre, Harlem Theater Company, Healthworks Theater Company, and Victory Gardens Theater to name a few. Mrs. Wells-Mann has also directed and choreographed for Eta Creative Arts Foundation, Ma’at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre (MPAACT), Chicago on the Nile, Black Lives Black Words – Chicago, 20% Theater Company – Twin Cities, Perceptions Theatre, and Griot Theatre Collective. She attributes her directing prowess to the tutelage of Darcelle Williams, Cheryl Frazier, and Carla Stillwell. In addition to these accolades, Mrs. Wells-Mann has been coaching competitive acting and speech events for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) for 20 years. Under her direction, students have won numerous state and national championships in various acting and public speaking activities.