Theatre Advisory Board Launches with Inaugural Event Honoring Sheldon Patinkin

Michelle Aiello / Sep 04, 2024

PhotoSheldon Patinkin (1935-2014) was a chair of the Theater Department of Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈéÉ«ÇéƬ, Artistic Consultant of The Second City and of Steppenwolf Theatre, and co-director of the Steppenwolf Theatre Summer Ensemble Workshops.
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.

Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈéÉ«ÇéƬ’s School of Theatre and Dance has announced the creation of the Theatre Advisory Board. 

This new initiative leverages the expertise of Columbia’s Theatre Program alumni and other industry professionals through strategic guidance, collaborative partnerships, and hands-on opportunities. The board's goal is to elevate the vibrant and innovative learning environment for Columbia's Theatre Program, ensuring students thrive and excel in school and beyond. 

Co-chaired by Columbia Theatre alumni Victor Holstein (Acting ‘04) and Alex Rhyan (Technical Theatre ‘15) and advised by Jimmy Noriega Ph.D, Interim Director of the School of Theatre and Dance, and Theatre Program faculty members Susan Padveen, Frances Maggio, and Paul Amandes, the Theatre Advisory Board is comprised of accomplished theatre professionals working in Chicago and around the country. 

Theatre Advisory Board Focus Areas 

  • Resource for students:The board will act as a valuable resource for students by providing industry insights, mentorship opportunities, and connections. 
  • Enhanced alumni network:They will work to strengthen the alumni network by facilitating connections between current students and industry professionals. 
  • Giving back to the program:The board will create opportunities for alumni and industry leaders to give back to the Theatre Program and support its continued success. 

Inaugural Event: Sheldon Patinkin: The Life, Laughs, and Legacy 

In partnership with the Theatre Program, the Advisory Board is pleased to announce their inaugural event: This reception, panel discussion, and open forum will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the passing of beloved director and Columbia professor Sheldon Patinkin (August 27, 1935-September 21, 2014) and acknowledge his significant impact on the Theatre Program's history and future with the Sheldon Patinkin Award. Columbia Theatre alumni, former faculty and students, and friends of the Theatre Program are all invited to attend. Panelists and guest speakers will be announced. . 

Event Schedule  

12:30 p.m. - Doors open 
1-2:30 p.m. - Welcome and Panel Discussion 
2:30 p.m. - Reception; tours of the Getz Theatre Center; Open Forum: Sharing memories and building the future 

Panel Discussion 

The centerpiece of the event is a panel discussion from 1-2:30 p.m. This discussion features former theatre colleagues and students of Sheldon Patinkin, both within and outside of Columbia, including several alumni. They will share stories about Sheldon's life and career and discuss the future of Columbia’s theatre program building on Patinkin’s legacy. 

  • Meet the Theatre Advisory Board
    The Theatre Advisory Board includes a diverse group of professionals working in theatre, film, and television, including actors, writers, directors, designers, production managers, arts administrators, producers, and teachers. Many are Å·ÃÀ¾ÞÈéÉ«ÇéƬ alumni dedicated to giving back to the program that helped launch their careers.

    Tyla Abercrumbie (Actor/Writer/Director): A multiple award-winning actor, writer, and director whose work has graced stages across Chicago and beyond. Her play "Relentless" received a Jeff Award for New Work. Her TV acting credits include "The Chi" and "NCIS: Origins."

    Kaiser Ahmed (Director/Producer/Teacher/Actor): Bangladeshi-American theatre director, producer, teacher, and actor Kaiser Ahmed is co-founder and artistic director of Chicago's Jackalope Theatre Company.

    Orion Barnes (Stage Combat/Intimacy Director/Former Talent Agent): A highly sought-after stage combat and intimacy director who has trained A-list celebrities and choreographed fights for film, television, and theatre productions.

    Victor Holstein (Actor/Producer): With a prolific career spanning 20 years, Victor has worked extensively in Chicago and Los Angeles, appearing on television and stage productions, and producing film and theatre projects.

    Almanya Narula (Actor/Writer/Fight Choreographer/Theatre/Film Maker): An award-winning Indian-Thai actor, writer, and fight choreographer who actively works in both theatre and film. Her one-woman show "Noor Inayat Khan: The Forgotten Spy" won the 2022 Hollywood Fringe Festival’s Soaring Solo Social Impact Award and the 2023 United Solo Festival’s Best Actress award.

    Savana Nix (Theatre and Film Wardrobe Artist/Non-Conforming Style Advocate): A multi-talented costume designer who has worked on a range of projects, from cruise ships to Cirque du Soleil, and is a passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity in theatre.

    Michaela Petro (Actor/Producer/Self-Defense Instructor): A dedicated artist with a long-standing career in Chicago theatre, Michaela is also a self-defense instructor who empowers women through her work.

    Alex Rhyan (Stage Technician/Production Manager): A seasoned production manager with extensive experience in Chicago theatre, Alex is dedicated to connecting students with industry professionals.

    Cassandra Rose (Playwright/Screenwriter/Narrative Designer): A versatile writer who works across theatre, film, and video games, Cassandra is passionate about fostering the next generation of Chicago playwrights.

    Joanie Schultz (Stage Director/Arts Leader/Teacher): Joanie Schultz is a teacher, arts leader, and director of theatre and opera who currently serves as associate artistic director of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in Ohio.

    J. Cody Spellman (Director/Producer): A director of theatre and film, J. Cody Spellman recently served as artistic director of Throughline Theatre Company in Pittsburgh, where he resides.

    Michael Stahl-David (Actor/Director): Michael’s acting credits include the cult hit sci-fi/horror film "Cloverfield" and roles at theatres in Chicago (including Goodman and Steppenwolf) and Off-Broadway.

    Regina Taylor (Actor/Writer/Director/Educator): Golden Globe Award and NAACP Image Award-winning actor Regina Taylor is an artistic associate at Goodman Theatre. Currently serving as Playwright-in-Residence at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, she has numerous stage and screen acting credits and received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Columbia College in 2011.

    John Zuiker (Art Director): A five-time Emmy Award nominee for his art direction for the televised Oscars and Golden Globes award shows, John launched his career as a Jeff Award-winning set designer in Chicago theatre.

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