Willard, Vereen and McCraney To Receive 2010 Arts Excellence Awards, Ellis To Host Ceremony 4/19

Fred Willard, Ben Vereen & Tarell Alvin McCraney to be Honored at The Theatre School's 22nd Annual Awards for Excellence in the Arts Goodman School of Drama Alumnus Scott Ellis to Host

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.

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.

Tony Award-winning actor Ben Vereen is an actor, dancer, and singer whose artistic legacy features work on stage, film, and television. Some of his most notable credits include the miniseries Roots, the stage and movie versions of Sweet Charity, and the Tony-Award winning production of Pippin. Aside from his highly-acclaimed Broadway career and numerous television and film appearances, Mr. Vereen has showcased his versatility and creativity, performing countless one-man shows not only in the United States, but also in Europe, in Asia and in the Caribbean. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors for Ballet Florida, The American Red Cross and The American Diabetes Association, and also served as chairman of several renowned organizations including The American Heart Association and the Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Association. In 1989, he spearheaded his own organization Celebrities for a Drug Free America, which raised more than $300,000 for drug rehabilitation centers, educational programs, and inner-city community-based projects. The Community Mental Health Council awarded Ben with their 2004 Lifeline Celebration Achievement Award.

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.

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.

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