The keynote speaker is actor Gene Weygandt. He has appeared in a host of films, television shows, and on Broadway. His acting credits on screen include The Birdcage, Babe, and Mea Culpa. He has appeared in televised episodes of Home Improvement, Cybil, Murphy Brown, Chicago Fire, Empire, and Chicago Med.
The Chicago-based actor also had roles in Broadway productions, including BIG: The Musical, Wicked, and Come From Away.
This year's 2024 Awards of Excellence include:
Creative Drama/Theatre for Young Audiences:
The Children's Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company Accepting the Award is Veronica Comings, President Secondary School Theatre:
J.R. Willard-Rose (Homewood- Flossmoor HS) College/University Theatre:
Kevin Long (Harper College, Chicago Shakespeare Theater) Community Theatre:
Joseph Ennenbach (Stage 212, Morris Theater Guild, Streator Engle Lane, and Princeton's Festival 56) Professional Theatre:
James Calitri (Artistic Director, Festival 56) 2024 Awards of Honor, ITA Non-Member:
John Collins (Executive Director, Goodman Theatre) 2024 Awards of Honor, ITA Member:
Richard Arnold, Jr. (Production Coordinator, College of DuPage) Anne Thurman Mentorship Award:
Patricia Haynes, 1950-2024
Mother McAuley HS, founder of 99th Street Summer Theatre
Accepting the Award is Erin Fitzpatrick For more information and registration to this year's event go to https://illinoistheatre.org/event-4897079.
