Guest User 7/29/25 Guest User 7/29/25

Alison Dornheggen

Faculty • Theatre

Alison Dornheggen worked as a guest artist at The Academy for a number of years before joining the faculty of the Theater department to teach directing in 2024.

Guest User 7/2/25 Guest User 7/2/25

Bella Pelz

Faculty • Theatre

has been an arts educator since 2018. Her teaching artist work at the Academy began through directing support during Shakespeare festivals and Middle School Programs.

Gary Ricke 6/3/25 Gary Ricke 6/3/25

Ben Dicke

Faculty • Theatre

Ben Dicke holds a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education from Sterling College. He has worked as a professional actor for twenty years in regional markets throughout the country.

Gary Ricke 5/15/25 Gary Ricke 5/15/25

Sarah Grant

Chair • Theatre • Director of Marketing and Special Programs

Sarah Grant has been a faculty member at the Academy since 2019. She holds a master’s degree in the Humanities from the University of Chicago.

Gary Ricke 12/9/24 Gary Ricke 12/9/24

Buck Blue

Faculty • Theatre

Buck has been working as the Technical Director/Production Manager for The Chicago Academy for the Arts since 2004. He is a Member of the Illinois Theatre Association and the CAA representative to the USITT.