Chicago Artist Circle

Actor/Singer/Director, Donterrio Johnson(he/him), though born and raised in the Chicago area, spent 10+ years in California falling in love with theatre, learning the craft, and honing new skills. He shares his journey away from Chicago and what brought him back, as he continues to dive deeper into the many facets this community has to offer. 

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For Actor/Singer, Andrea Prestinario(she/her), NY is home, but she will always be “Chicago grown.”  From her early show choir days to theatrical break out moments in High School, College and beyond, Andrea also shares how Ring of Keys came to be- “an artist service organization that fosters community and visibility for musical theatre artists - onstage and off - who self-identify as queer women, transgender, and gender non-conforming artists.”

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Jesus Perez(he/him) shares highlights from his multi-faceted career as a designer, director, actor, and writer. Hear of Jesus's beginnings and breakouts as an actor, what led to his eventual work as an award-winning costume designer and how the long-standing Chicago Kids Company got their start- where he has served as Artistic Director for nearly 30 years. 

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For Actor/Singer, Tommy Bullington(he/him), Theatre has always been a bright spot, a saving grace. Originally from Franklin, IN and a graduate of Ball State University, he shares his determined journey to Chicago and the moments that have since defined his life and career. Once you listen here, catch his very own podcast- An Absolute Gag- for the moments or performances that left us speechless. 

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Actor/Singer, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis(he/him) and Actor/Composer, Kathleen Butler-Duplessis(she/her), share tales of early inspirations, high school musical stardom, first Chicago credits, and how their love blossomed thanks to one of the most popular holiday shows on earth. 

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Actor/Singer/Songwriter, Bethany Thomas(she/her), kicks off Season 2 with memorable moments from her youth theatre days in Kenosha, WI, to balancing a life in the Theatre with an ever evolving music career. 

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In this Season One finale, another ultimate "moment before", Christopher Chase Carter takes us through his next step- as the new Artistic Director of Mercury Theatre Chicago, sharing all that led to this moment and his hopes for the future.

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Actor/Singer, Christine Bunuan, takes us on her journey to and through the most recent National Tour of MISS SAIGON. A graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul University, she has played a wide variety of roles, and shares two of her most challenging to date.

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Originally from NY, currently residing in LA, Behzad Dabu's Chicago connection is strong and everlasting. He shares tales of theatrical success in his youth and what inspired him to not only go to college in Chicago, but also make a name for himself in the theatre community. Now in LA, Behzad fills us in on his journey with ABC's How to Get Away with Murder, and his hopes and plans for the future. 

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Originally from Chattanooga, TN, John Marshall Jr., landed in Chicago for college and hasn't stopped singing, acting and dancing his way through the Theatre scene since. He shares his earliest memories as a singer, as well as vocal inspirations, theatrical inspirations and why the 1999 Made for TV ANNIE led him to where he is today. 

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