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Alana Arenas

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


[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater New York Premiere, 2016
Cookie


Awards and Nominations


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

Alana Arenas, Head of Passes

Videos

News


Review: WINDFALL at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Rachel Weinberg - Apr 20, 2026

Tarrell Alvin McCraney’s world-premiere play WINDFALL is part somber, part whimsy — which is true to his unique playwriting style. It’s a poignantly topical play, yet sometimes too on the nose. I enjoyed how McCraney blends the hyperreal and the surreal in a play that asks the question: Should we reject the system altogether (in this case, law enforcement), or should we take what it offers us as a form of fighting from within? While WINDFALL certainly sways audiences towards one side, it genuinely ponders both.
Video: First Look at WINDFALL at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Joshua Wright - Apr 16, 2026

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has released first look footage of WINDFALL, the world premiere of a new work by Academy Award-winning ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney, now playing through May 31, 2026 in the Ensemble Theater.
Photos: Namir Smallwood, Jon Michael Hill and More in WINDFALL at Steppenwolf
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 13, 2026

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is presenting Windfall by Tarell Alvin McCraney, directed by Awoye Timpo. The production is currently onstage, and running through the end of May. See production photos here!
Video: Inside Rehearsals for WINDFALL at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Joshua Wright - Apr 8, 2026

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has released rehearsal footage of WINDFALL, the world premiere of a new work by Academy Award-winning ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney, now playing through May 31, 2026 in the Ensemble Theater.
Photos: Namir Smallwood and More in Rehearsals for WINDFALL at Steppenwolf
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 2, 2026

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is continuing its 50th Anniversary Season with Windfall, a communal experience crafted by Academy Award-winning ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney, directed by Awoye Timpo. See rehearsal photos here!
Geffen Playhouse Reveals 2026/2027 Season - PURPOSE, WINE IN THE WILDERNESS and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 17, 2026

Geffen Playhouse has unveiled five productions that will make up its 2026/2027 season lineup from Geffen Playhouse Artistic Director Tarell Alvin McCraney. The lineup will feature a mix of world, West Coast and Los Angeles premieres.
Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis, Jon Michael Hill, and Namir Smallwood to Star in Steppenwolf Theatre's WINDFALL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 9, 2026

Steppenwolf Theatre Company has revealed the full cast for its world premiere of Windfall, a new work by Academy Award-winning ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney, directed by Awoye Timpo.
Namir Smallwood, Jon Michael Hill and More to Star in WINDFALL World Premiere at Steppenwolf
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 21, 2026

Steppenwolf Theatre Company will continue its 50th Anniversary Season with Windfall, a new work by Academy Award-winning ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney.
Photos: AMADEUS Opens at Steppenwolf Theatre Company
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2025

Steppenwolf Theatre Company recently opened Peter Shaffer’s AMADEUS, directed by Tony Award winner Robert Falls, in the Ensemble Theater. Check out photos from opening night here!
From Chicago to NYC: Steppenwolf’s Broadway Boom
by Stephi Wild - Nov 1, 2025

Many Steppenwolf productions have made the jump to Broadway, with three shows transferring in 2025 alone. Learn more about Purpose, Bug, The Minutes, and more!
2025 BLACK THEATRE ALLIANCE AWARDS Nominations Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 7, 2025

The 2025 Black Theatre Alliance Awards have announced nominations celebrating excellence in Chicago’s African American theatre community. The ceremony will take place October 27, 2025, at the Beverly Arts Center and honor ILesia Duncan with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE Plays Final Broadway Performance
by Sidney Paterra - Aug 31, 2025

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ PURPOSE plays its final Broadway performance at the Hayes Theatre, following 22 previews and 192 regular performances.The venue will soon be home to Marjorie Prime, which is set to begin performances on November 20, 2025.
Photos: Brenda Pressley in PURPOSE on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 28, 2025

You can now get a first look at Brenda Pressley in Broadway’s PURPOSE. Brenda Pressley assumed the role of 'Claudine Jasper' on Tuesday, July 15. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Video: LaTanya Richardson Jackson Takes Her Final Bow in PURPOSE on Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 14, 2025

Tony Award nominee LaTanya Richardson Jackson took her final bow in Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ PURPOSE on Sunday, July 13 at the Helen Hayes Theater. Watch video of the emotional moment as LaTanya takes her final bow for an acclaimed performance.
Photos: Broadway Stars Come Together for the 27th Annual Broadway Barks
by Nicole Rosky - Jul 13, 2025

Jutst yesterday, the best of Broadway came together in Shubert Alley for the 27th annual Broadway Barks. Hosted by co-founder Bernadette Peters and Beth Leavel, the special event featured a ‘meet and greet' of all the adoptable pets, who made their Broadway debut on stage alongside some of Broadway's favorite stars. Check out photos here!
Brenda Pressley to Join the Cast of PURPOSE on Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 18, 2025

Brenda Pressley will join the Broadway company of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning play, PURPOSE, directed by Phylicia Rashad. Learn
Bernadette Peters and Beth Leavel to Host 27th Annual Broadway Barks
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 17, 2025

BROADWAY BARKS will return to Shubert Alley for the 27th annual star-studded dog and cat adoption event. Learn more and see how to attend the upcoming event!
Photos: Hillary Clinton Visits PURPOSE on Broadway
by Bruce Glikas - Jun 17, 2025

Hillary Clinton recently paid a visit to the newly-minted Tony Award-winning production of Purpose on Broadway. Check out photos from her visit to the show here!
Video: PURPOSE Take First Post-Tony Awards Bows
by Stephi Wild - Jun 11, 2025

The Broadway production of Purpose shared a video of their first curtain call post-Tony Awards, which was met with love from the applauding audience. Watch the video here!
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' PURPOSE Wins 2025 Tony Award for Best Play
by - Jun 9, 2025

Purpose has won the 2025 Tony Award for Best Play for BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS.

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 has won the Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play award at The Lortels for her role 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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