Larry Neumann, Jr. ’81 was nominated for a Jeff Award for actor in a principal role for “In God’s Hat,” a production with Profiles Theatre. In addition, First Folio Theatre, with Alison C. Vesely-Rice ’79 as artistic director and co-founder, is up for multiple awards.

The Jeff Awards is committed to celebrating the vitality of Chicago area theatre by recognizing excellence through its recommendations, awards, and honors. The Jeff Awards fosters the artistic growth of area theatres and theatre artists and promotes educational opportunities, audience appreciation, and civic pride in the achievements of the theatre community. The Jeff Awards evaluates over 250 theatrical productions and holds two awards ceremonies annually. Originally chartered to recognize only Equity productions, the Jeff Awards established the Non-Equity Wing in 1973 to celebrate outstanding achievement in non-union theatre.

Profiles Theatre, founded in 1988, was formed as an actor-driven theatre ensemble dedicated to creating provocative and emotionally truthful productions. Passionate about shaping an original vision for new works, they focused on performing World, American and Midwest premieres as well as rarely performed plays. 

First Folio Theatre is in its 17th season of bringing high-quality performances of Shakespeare and other classics to the Chicagoland suburbs. The theater has grown from an annual summer show to a year-round operation with three separate and distinct stages. As a professional, not-for-profit organization, First Folio relies upon the support and donations of friends and businesses to continue its efforts and build upon its success.

Congratulations to Larry and Alison!