Broadway beckons DePaul Theatre professor

July 11, 2012
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A DePaul Theatre School professor will reach the pinnacle of his profession this fall when he directs an all-star cast in a Broadway play.

Dexter Bullard, professor in The Theatre School and head of graduate acting, will make his Broadway debut directing actors Ed Asner, Paul Rudd, Michael Shannon and Kate Arrington in a production of “Grace.” The play tells the story of a Christian evangelical couple who plan to open a chain of gospel motels in Florida but end up in a dangerous love triangle.

“Broadway is the most visible and celebrated venue in the world of American theatre. Only the most accomplished artists, with records of consistent quality, are offered the opportunity to work in this world of high art, high stakes and large budgets. We could not be prouder that Dexter has been offered this opportunity,” says John Culbert, dean of The Theatre School.

The right connections and the right blend of talent and experience led to Bullard’s opportunity. Since 1991, Bullard and Shannon have worked on more than seven productions in Chicago and New York. This includes the Chicago production of “Grace” directed by Bullard and starring Shannon at the Northlight Theatre in 2006.

While working on the Chicago production of “Grace,” Bullard met its playwright, Craig Wright. He directed two other plays written by Wright since then. Bullard also knows the play’s lead producer, Debbie Bisno, from their days as students in Northwestern University’s Department of Theatre and from Bisno’s work with the 1990s’ off-Loop theatre company Roadworks.

Bullard has longtime connections to Chicago’s theatre community, with directing credits at the Goodman Theatre and a host of other theatres. He’s also received awards for directing several off-Broadway productions and is co-founder of the critically-acclaimed physical theatre company Plasticene. The Broadway experience will be similar to his past productions in many ways, he says.

“The higher level of expenses and celebrity cast are the only real differences,” Bullard says. “Making a successful production requires the exact same skills I have practiced for two decades—this one just is more risky, so I’ll have to be even more Zen, converting fear into creativity.”

“Grace” is already receiving positive attention from major industry and national publications, such as The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times.

“While I count the experience as one of many artistic triumphs, it is exciting to get a chance to play at that level, be in Tony Award consideration and have national media attention,” Bullard says.