Schroeder Named Jeff Awards Committee Member

College of DuPage Speech Communication Professor Steve Schroeder was recently selected to serve as a member of the prestigious Jeff Awards Committee.

"I'm honored to be accepted as a committee member for the Jeff Awards," Schroeder said. "It's particularly meaningful because it allows me the opportunity to make a significant difference in the Chicago theater community."

Schroeder was selected after a review that included his experience as an award-winning educator as well as his extensive work in theater a combination that is particularly significant in his new role as a committee member.

"My formal training in oral interpretation and Readers Theatre, as well as my experiences as an actor and director in both professional and community theater have been big assets in my ability to judge shows for the committee." Schroeder said.

As an actor, he has appeared in dozens of productions hosted by numerous companies including the Buffalo Theater Ensemble, Stageworks, West Suburban Players and Wheaton Drama, Inc. In addition, Schroeder has built an impressive body of work as the director of productions undertaken at College of DuPage, the Institute for Readers Theatre, The Summer Place and Wheaton Drama, Inc.

In his new role as a committee member, Schroeder will be required to view productions throughout the Chicago area to help determine which nominations should be awarded and to vote on final awards at the end of each season. Schroeder sees this as a great opportunity to impact and bring increased attention to outstanding work being done in the local theater scene.

"I've known for years that Chicago is a unique, amazing center of theatrical excellence, and I relish any chance I can get to promote it," said Schroeder. "By calling attention to those theater companies that do outstanding, groundbreaking work, hopefully we can foster a stronger love for, and support of the arts in our area."

Established in 1968, the Jeff Awards committee consists of 50 members united by an active interest in the advancement of Chicago theater. The committee evaluates approximately 250 theatrical productions in numerous categories and holds two awards ceremonies annually.

Click here for more information on the Jeff Awards.