Visionary Chicago Educator Honored at Inaugural Performance Series
Two-day showcase celebrates Chicago Academy for the Arts’ first Principal, spotlights four generations of contributions to arts, music and education
April 3, 2024
(CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
CHICAGO - APRIL 3, 2024 - For more than four decades, The Chicago Academy for the Arts (The Academy) has provided world-class education for aspiring young artists in the fields of dance, media arts, music, musical theatre, theatre, and visual arts. To celebrate this legacy, The Academy is pleased to announce the inaugural weekend-long celebration, Encore, on Friday April 19 and Saturday April 20, 2024 at The Studebaker Theatre at the Fine Arts Building.
An all-school showcase on Friday April 19 features performances and top works from The Academy’s six departments. A curated performance on Saturday April 20 celebrates more than four generations of students, staff, and supporters who continue to make a transformative impact on The Academy. It will be followed by a party where Chicago Academy for the Arts' first principal, Frank Mustari, will be honored. Mr. Mustari served Chicago Academy for the Arts in various roles for 21 years. Tony Award and GRAMMY-nominated alumni Elisabeth Withers (Music ‘88) will be a distinguished guest. Several alumni, current and former students, and distinguished guests will be in attendance.
As one of Chicago's leading arts and culture high schools, and one of the most diverse schools in Illinois, The Academy created an unmatched and transformative educational model. Students are inspired to expand their potential through rigorous arts training paired with an esteemed academic curriculum.
Notable alumni of The Academy include Cecily Strong (Saturday Night Live actor, author, comedian - 2002, Theatre), Lara Flynn Boyle (award-winning actress - 1988, Theatre), Justin Tranter (award-winning musician and music producer - 1998, Musical Theatre), Lalah Hathaway (award-winning singer - 1986, Music), Tom Gold (award-winning choreographer - 1986, Dance), and Kevin Miles (actor and current "Jake from State Farm" - 2008, Theatre).
Not only did this school make me the artist and songwriter I am today but it saved my life in more ways than I can count. Nothing makes me prouder than to be able to support a place that educates brilliant young creatives and more importantly, gives them a foundation of compassion, community and confidence.
- Justin Tranter (they/them) - 1998, Musical Theatre
Graduates of The Academy earned more than $40 million in college scholarships over the past five years and gained admission to the nation’s best universities and conservatories. Most students go on to pursue competitive careers in the arts, as well as the sciences, humanities, business, and more. Alumni exemplify the powerful effect of art and arts education as Broadway stars, GRAMMY award winners, engineers, and entrepreneurs. This special two-day performance series will highlight students, alumni, and all those that call The Academy home.
The Academy would like to thank Encore sponsors:
- Ted and Katy Ahern
- Emily Barr and Scott Kane
- The Bayless Family
- Carlos Claudio
- Terri and Michael Freeman
- Rusty Hernandez-Sanfilippo and Jeffrey Sanfilippo
- Jennifer and Daniel McHugh
- Rich and Susan Sanders
- Justin Tranter
- John and Julie Varga
- Todd and Sharon Walbert
- Kenwal Steel
- Ableton
- AV Chicago
Justin Tranter and Rick Bayless(CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Justin Tranter announces that The Academy has reached its $1 million dollar fundraising goal of the Justin Tranter Challenge. (CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Head of School, Jason Patera, and Songwriter and Alum, Justin Tranter (Musical Theatre '98)(CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Red Carpet Hosts, Asim Baraka (Musical Theatre '23) and Zoe Finkelman (Visual Arts '23) interview Justin Tranter (Musical Theatre '98). (CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Live Auction begins at Inspire: The Red Carpet Gala(CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
Chicago Academy for the Arts Head of School, Jason Patera, gives speech on the inspiration found within The Academy community. (CREDIT: Michele Marie Photography MicheleMariePhotography.com)
