Oct 23, 2014
Stars from the screen and stage among honorees at DePaul University theatre gala
Stars from the screen and stage among honorees at DePaul University theatre gala
The annual event recognizes distinguished artists and visionaries who have proven their dedication, talent and leadership in support of the arts. All proceeds from the event directly benefit The Theatre School Scholarship Fund, supporting students from all over the nation to come to train at the school.
James and Catherine Denny will receive the 2014 Leadership Award for Excellence in the Arts in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to arts and cultural institutions in Chicago. In addition to their outstanding support of the arts and sciences, DePaul University Life Trustee James Denny recently served as the co-chair for the Campaign for the Performing Arts, as part of the Many Dreams, One Mission Campaign for DePaul University.
Byrne received his Master of Fine Arts in acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University and will be honored with the 2014 Alumni Award for Excellence in the Arts. Earlier this year, Byrne starred alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street” for director Martin Scorsese. He recently wrapped production on the feature film “Eloise” and has appeared in many other movies including “Dinner for Schmucks” and “Charlie Wilson’s War.” Byrne has appeared in recurring and guest roles on television series such as “NCIS” and “The Mentalist.”
Fields will accept the 2014 Award for Excellence in the Arts and has appeared in many plays in Chicago, including “The Rose Tattoo,” “The Amen Corner,” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” She recently completed “Hairspray” and the first cycle of the tour “Love, Loss and What I Wore.” Fields earned a Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Sofia in “The Color Purple” on Broadway. Her performance also earned her a 2006 Theatre World Award, a Clarence Derwent Award, two Broadway.com awards, an NAACP nomination and a Denver Post Ovation Award. She was a 2006 Drama League honoree.
The corporate co-chair for the 2014 Awards for Excellence in the Arts is Scott Swanson, president of PNC Bank Illinois. Additional sponsors include Geico, Magellan Corporation, Antunovich Associates and Exelon Corporation.
The co-chairs for the 2014 Awards for Excellence in the Arts include Joseph Antunovich, president of Antunovich Associates; Sondra A. Healy, chairman of Turtle Wax Inc.; Gordon and Carole Segal, co-founders of Crate & Barrel; and the Rev. Monsignor Kenneth Velo, senior executive, Office of Catholic Collaboration, DePaul University.
Single tickets can be purchased for $500. For more information and table pricing, please contact DePaul University’s Office of Advancement: (312) 362-8455 or eventRSVP@depaul.edu.
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Television and movie actor P.J. Byrne earned his Master of Fine Arts in acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University and will be honored with the 2014 Alumni Award for Excellence in the Arts.
James and Catherine Denny will receive the 2014 Leadership Award for Excellence in the Arts in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to arts and cultural institutions in Chicago.
Stage actress Felicia Fields will be honored with the 2014 Award for Excellence in the Arts from The Theatre School at DePaul University.