Willard, Vereen, & McCraney to be Honored at Depaul Theatre School’s Annual Awards, 4/19

The Theatre School at DePaul University is pleased to announce that Fred Willard (actor, For Your Consideration, Best in Show, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy) will join Ben Vereen (actor, Roots, Sweet Charity, Pippin) and 2010 Pulitzer Prize nominee Tarell Alvin McCraney (playwright, The Brother/Sister Plays & Theatre School Alumnus) as recipients of the 2010 Awards for Excellence in the Arts on Monday, April 19, 2010, at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Fred Willard, an award-winning actor, has been heralded as the "funniest man alive." An alumnus of The Second City, and co-founder of the comedy group Ace Trucking Company (which appeared on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson over fifty times), Fred Willard has consistently shown a leading ability to transform any character into a unique comic portrayal. Some of his film credits include For Your Consideration, WALL-E, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, and Best in Show, among many other titles. His extensive work in television has earned him numerous Emmy nominations, and his humanitarian work ranges from helping economically disadvantaged persons make lasting changes in the lives of current and future generations (with the Forrest Outreach Foundation), to being actively involved with the organization Actors and Others for Animals, as well as supporting the Los AngeLes Children's Hospital.

Ben Vereen is a highly versatile entertainer, singer, dancer and performer who has performed in some of the most notable Broadway productions, television series, drama and variety shows of all time. A Tony and Drama Desk Award winner for his renowned performance in Bob Fosse's Pippin, Mr. Vereen's Broadway credits include: Wicked, I'm Not Rappaport, A Christmas Carol, Jelly's Last Jam, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Hair. Ben recently completed a successful run starring in the world premiere of Fetch Clay, Make Man, directed by Des McAnuff at the McCarter Theatre. Film: Idlewild, All That Jazz, Sweet Charity, Funny Lady (Golden Globe nomination), Why Do Fools Fall in Love, Once Upon a Forest Television: Roots, Grey's Anatomy (Prism Award), Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Hallmark's An Accidental Friendship (NAACP nomination), Tenspeed and Brown Shoe, Louis Armstrong - Chicago Style, Ellis Island (Golden Globe Nomination), Anne Rice's Feast of All Saints, Zoobilee Zoo and Star Trek - The Next Generation. Mr. Vereen continues to tour throughout the United States with "A Tribute to Sammy Davis Jr." and "An Evening with Ben Vereen." In addition, he has become one of the nation's most requested speakers, among audiences of all ages, on topics ranging from Black history, art and education and overcoming adversity. He is also a spokesperson for sanofi-aventis, U.S., the foremost campaign for preventative and proactive measures for Diabetes.

Tarell Alvin McCraney, Theatre School Alumnus and Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright of The Brother/Sister Plays will be accepting the 2010 Alumni Award for Excellence in the Arts. Scheduled to host the event is Theatre School alumnus Scott Ellis, Associate Artistic Director of New York City's Roundabout Theatre Company, and supervising producer for Showtime's hit series WEEDS.

The Theatre School is delighted to announce that CAROLE and GORDON SEGAL, co-founders of Crate & Barrel, will accept the 2010 Leadership Award for Excellence in the Arts. Aside from their leadership at Crate & Barrel, both Carole and Gordon Segal have made lasting contributions to the civic, educational, and arts communities of Chicago. Together, they have brought affordable high-design to many happy homes across this nation. The Theatre School is proud to honor them together, as an example of true innovative arts leadership in the business community.

The Corporate Co-Chair for the 2010 Awards for Excellence in the Arts is Joseph A. Gregoire (President of Illinois Banking, National City/PNC Bank), and the event Co-Chairs are Joseph Antunovich (President, Antunovich Associates), Sondra A. Healy (Chairman, Turtle Wax, Inc.), and Monsignor Kenneth Velo (Senior Executive for Catholic Collaboration, DePaul University).

The ticket price for the benefit is $500 per person, with tables for 10 starting at $5,000. The evening begins with a cocktail reception, dinner at 7 PM, and awards presentation at 8 PM. For tickets or more information, call DePaul University's Office of Advancement at
(312) 362-8455, or email eventRSVP@depaul.edu. The event benefits The Theatre School's Scholarship Fund, which provides necessary financial assistance to the young artists in training at the school.

Since its inception in 1989, the event has raised over $3 million, making it the largest single source for The Theatre School's Scholarship Fund. The Theatre School relies on donors to provide 40% of the nearly $1.3 million dispensed through scholarships each year. More than 400 guests attended in 2009, contributing to over 125 student scholarships. Major supporters of the 22nd Annual Awards for Excellence in the Arts include American Airlines and Wedgwood USA, along with corporate sponsors Staples and Geico.

The awards list is as follows:

Fred Willard to Receive Award for Excellence in the Arts
Ben Vereen to Receive Award for Excellence in the Arts
Tarell Alvin McCraney to Receive Alumni Award for Excellence in the Arts
Carole & Gordon Segal, Founders, Crate & Barrel, to Receive Leadership Award

The Theatre School at DePaul University, founded as the Goodman School of Drama in 1925, educates, trains and inspires students of theatre in a conservatory setting that is rigorous, disciplined and culturally diverse. The school and its students strive for the highest level of professional skill and artistry. A commitment to diversity and equality in education is central to its mission. As an integral part of the training, The Theatre School produces public programs and performances from a wide repertoire of classic, contemporary and original plays that challenge, entertain and stimulate the imagination. The school seeks to enhance the intellectual and cultural life of the university community, the city and the profession.

For more information, visit theatreschool.depaul.edu.