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Alana Arenas

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BIO

ALANA ARENAS joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble in 2007 and created the role of Pecola Breedlove for the Steppenwolf for Young Adults production of The Bluest Eye, which also played at the New Victory Theater Off-Broadway. Recent Steppenwolf appearances include the Steppenwolf for Young Adults production of Monster, The Fundamentals, Marie Antoinette, Tribes, Belleville, Head of Passes, Good People, Three Sisters, The March, Man in Love, Middletown, The Hot L Baltimore, The Etiquette of Vigilance, The Brother/Sister Plays, The Tempest, The Crucible, Spare Change and The Sparrow Project. Other theatre credits include Disgraced (American Theater Company), The Arabian Nights (Lookingglass Theatre Company, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Kansas City Repertory Theatre), Eyes (eta Creative Arts), SOST (MPAACT), WVON (Black Ensemble Theater) and Hecuba (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Television and film credits include David Makes Man, Canal Street, Crisis, Boss, The Beast, Kabuku Rides and Lioness of Lisabi. She is originally from Miami, Florida, where she began her training at the New World School of the Arts. Alana holds a BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University. PURPOSE marks Ms. Arenas’ Broadway debut.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2025
Performer

[Chicago]
Steppenwolf World-Premiere Production, 2018
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater New York Premiere, 2016
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Awards and Nominations


winner
The Lortels - 2016 - Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Alana Arenas, Head of Passes

News


2025 Theatre World Awards Winners Announced
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2025

Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has just announced the Honorees for Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. We have the full list of honorees!
Photos: Oprah & Gayle Visit Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 24, 2025

See photos of Oprah and Gayle at Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Purpose on Broadway! Learn more about the Broadway production and see how to purchase tickets!
Interview: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Has Taken on One Mother of a Role in PURPOSE
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 21, 2025

The indomitable matriarch of Purpose is played by none other than the great LaTanya Richardson Jackson, who returns to the stage after producing last year's Tony-nominated Purlie Victorious and directing the Tony-nominated The Piano Lesson in the previous season. BroadwayWorld checked in with LaTanya to learn about her journey with the play so far, find out who inspires her character, and so much more. 
Video: PURPOSE Cast Talks 'Genius' Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins & More on TAMRON HALL
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 18, 2025

This week, Purpose stars LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Kara Young, and Alana Arenas visited the Tamron Hall Show to chat about the new hit Broadway play, now running at the Hayes Theatre. Watch their conversation now!
Alana Arenas Shares Favorite Backstage Moments at PURPOSE
by Stephi Wild - Apr 7, 2025

Alana Arenas, who is appearing in Purpose on Broadway, took us backstage at the Hayes Theatre to share some of her backstage routines, favorite moments, must-haves and more.
Photos: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Receives Portrait at Sardi's
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 27, 2025

LaTanya Richardson Jackson, currently starring on Broadway in Purpose, was recently honored with her portrait at the iconic Sardi's. BroadwayWorld was there for the unveiling and you can check out photos here!
Photos: Whoopi Goldberg Visits PURPOSE on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 27, 2025

Whoopi Goldberg recently paid a visit to the Hayes Theatre, home of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' new play Purpose. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos here!
Video: Inside Opening Night of PURPOSE on Broadway
by Joey Mervis - Mar 19, 2025

The stars came out to celebrate Monday at the Hayes Theatre, where Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's new play Purpose celebrated its opening night. Watch in this video as we take you inside the opening night festivities.
Photos: PURPOSE Stars on the Opening Night Red Carpet
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 18, 2025

Purpose officially opened last night, March 18, at the Helen Hayes Theater, featuring Phylicia Rashad making her Broadway directorial debut. Get a first look at the stars of the production on the red carpet here!
Photos: PURPOSE Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - Mar 18, 2025

Purpose officially opened last night, March 18, at the Helen Hayes Theater, featuring Phylicia Rashad making her Broadway directorial debut. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from opening night here!
Review Roundup: Phylicia Rashad Directs PURPOSE By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 18, 2025

The great Phylicia Rashad makes her Broadway directorial debut, with PURPOSE by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, opening tonight at the Helen Hayes Theater. Find out how the critics felt about their visit with the influential and dysfunctional Jasper family on Broadway. Read the reviews!
Photos: First Look at Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 17, 2025

Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and directed by Phylicia Rashad in her Broadway directorial debut, PURPOSE officially opens tonight, Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Helen Hayes Theater. Check out photos of the cast in action here!
Video: PURPOSE Arrives on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Mar 17, 2025

Purpose is getting ready to celebrate it's opening night! Written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and directed by Phylicia Rashad in her Broadway directorial debut, PURPOSE officially opens tonight, Monday, March 17, 2025, at the Helen Hayes Theater. Check out video highlights of the cast in action here.
Video: Phylicia Rashad Talks Directing Broadway's PURPOSE, Praises Collaborators
by Josh Sharpe - Mar 12, 2025

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' Purpose is now in previews at the Helen Hayes Theatre, marking the Broadway directorial debut of legendary performer Phylicia Rashad. The director recently visited Sherri Shepherd's talk show to discuss her experience helming the new production.
Steppenwolf Sets World Premiere and More for 50th Anniversary Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has revealed its its 50th Anniversary Season. Learn more about the 50th anniversary programming and see how to purchase tickets to upcoming productions!
Up on the Marquee: PURPOSE
by Jennifer Broski - Feb 27, 2025

Purpose is now on Broadway! Written by Tony Award-Winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Two-Time Tony Award-Winner Phylicia Rashad, PURPOSE stars Two-time Tony Award nominee LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Harry Lennix, Jon Michael Hill, Glenn Davis, Alana Arenas, and Tony Award-Winner Kara Young. Check out photos of the new marquee at the Hayes Theatre
Meet the Cast of PURPOSE, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Feb 25, 2025

Steppenwolf’s Purpose begins previews tonight, February 25, ahead of an opening on March 17th, and running through July 6, 2025 at the Helen Hayes Theater. Meet the cast of Purpose here!
PURPOSE Will Offer Digital and General Rush Tickets
by Stephi Wild - Feb 24, 2025

The Broadway production of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins new play, PURPOSE, directed by Phylicia Rashad, has announced its Digital and General Rush Policies. Find out how to get discount tickets for Purpose here!
Photos: PURPOSE Broadway Cast Behind the Scenes Look
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 3, 2025

You can now get a behind-the-scenes look of the Broadway cast of PURPOSE, written by Tony Award-Winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and directed by Two-Time Tony Award-Winner Phylicia Rashad. Get a first look at the cast here.
Video: Meet the Company of PURPOSE on Broadway
by Joey Mervis - Jan 28, 2025

In just a few weeks, previews will begin on Broadway for Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ new play, PURPOSE, directed by Two-time Tony Award-winner Phylicia Rashad. Watch in this video as Jacobs-Jenkins and the whole cast chats more about what audiences can expect.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What awards has Alana Arenas been nominated for?

and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (The Lortels) for Head of Passes.

What awards has Alana Arenas won?

Alana Arenas won the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play at The Lortels for her performance in Head of Passes.

How many Broadway shows has Alana Arenas been in?

Alana Arenas has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Alana Arenas been in?

Alana Arenas has not appeared in the West End.

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