Dare to be Inspired

Theatre Nebula Mission Statement

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Theatre Nebula is a non-profit, non-equity, professional theatre company that promotes and nurtures the appreciation of high quality production value theatre, theatre literature, and the fine arts. By involving our participants in productions with the interaction of our professional theatre artists, and by exploring diverse theatrical styles, we help these talented individuals excel in the field of theatre, while broadening their knowledge, and that of the community, of high quality theatrical literature and styles.

 

Productions

The plays Theatre Nebula produces are normally chosen to give the participants and audience some insight into history or the arts, or to help them explore the human condition. Often, post-performance question-and-answer discussions are held with the attending audience and a panel of educators or experts connected with the play’s subject matter.  Usually, one production is a world premiere each season.

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Programs

The programs and services we may offer include; involvement in play productions, both on- and off-stage; workshops with theatre arts professionals; internships that provide paid on-the-job training in the arts; and the awarding of a substantial Talent Grant College Scholarship to a student majoring in one of the Theatre Arts or Theatre Education.

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History

Theatre Nebula began in 1999 as a program designed to offer opportunities and training to talented students who were considering a college and professional career in a theatre related field.  Theatre Nebula provided these students the opportunity to work in a professional environment in order to better gauge their aptitude for such a career and make a well informed decision for their career path.

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During the summer, current high school student members worked on shows with returning college student members and both worked with the professional members of the company.  Each student was able to glean information and learn their craft from the progressing group ahead of them.

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As their studies continued, students would move from the high school group to the college group and those that remained in the program after college became members of the professional company, which was augmented with other professionals that joined the company throughout the years of productions. 

 

Over the years,  Theatre Nebula expanded.   Now in its 25th season,  it presents a full season of shows throughout the year,  which still incorporates talented students with its professional company. For this unique approach and for the outstanding productions presented, the Illinois Theatre Association awarded Theatre Nebula the Excellence in Theatre Award. Several Theatre Nebula Members have garnered Joseph Jefferson Awards during their careers. (Tom Vendafreddo, Colette Todd, J. Spencer Greene, Chuck Sisson), and AACT National Awards (J. Spencer Greene, Jonathan C. Legat, Melanie Stanton.) In 2021, Theatre Nebula's production of "Something Rotten!" received 15 BroadwayWorld Award nominations, and several wins.