Lights Up! raises funds for The Theatre School

Nov. 9, 2017

On Monday, Nov. 6, The Theatre School hosted Lights Up!, its annual fundraiser supporting student scholarships. In addition to entertainment and dinner, guests learned about what happens both on and offstage, and got a glimpse of the student experience with behind-the-scenes access. Alumnus John C. Reilly, an honorary co-chair for Lights Up!, appeared at the event as a part of the program on the Fullerton Stage.

John Culbert, dean of The Theatre School at DePaul, shares remarks and welcomes guests to the event. (Image courtesy of Joe Mazza-Brave Lux)

During the gala, students conduct performances and other demonstrations for guests. (Image courtesy of Joe Mazza-Brave Lux)

Beyond dinner and entertainment, guests of the annual gala got a behind-the-scenes look at the various aspects of theatre production, including makeup and costume design. (Image courtesy of Joe Mazza-Brave Lux)

Students demonstrate various theatre skills to guests at The Theatre School's Lights Up! event, such as stage combat, where participants learn the skills of fighting on stage. This includes hand-to-hand skills, like slaps, punches, kicks and sword fighting. (Image courtesy of Joe Mazza-Brave Lux)

John C. Reilly, a comedic and dramatic actor born and raised on the south side of Chicago, is best known for his roles in the movies "Chicago," "We Need to Talk about Kevin" and "Step Brothers." (Image courtesy of Joe Mazza-Brave Lux)

Left to right: A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D., president of DePaul, Josephine Esteban, John C. Reilly, Brian Montgomery, chair of The Theatre School Board, and co-chair of Lights Up!, celebrate at the annual November gala. (Image courtesy of Joe Mazza-Brave Lux)

All proceeds from Lights Up! support The Theatre School Scholarship Fund, which assists the school's diverse body of students as they pursue their training. (Image courtesy of Joe Mazza-Brave Lux)