MEET THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE JEFF AWARDS
Two new members have joined the Jeff Awards to help extend the mission to promote live theater, recognize excellence and honor theater artists. They join the all-volunteer organization of more than 50 passionate theater enthusiasts that make up the membership which evaulates 100+ Equity and Non-Equity theater performances each season.
Dakotta Hagar
is a theater professional in Chicago with experience ranging from administration, acting, directing, and principally dramaturgy. Dakotta holds an MA in Theatre History and Dramatic Literature from University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory where he found a specific fondness for the study of 19th and early 20th Century American Theatre and popular entertainment. In addition to working in Chicago, Dakotta presents and lectures when he can. He is incredibly excited to be part of the bold and innovative regional work being done in Chicago.
Jesse Scheinbart
is a recent transplant to Chicago who was born and raised in Massachusetts, and has lived in San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Cape Cod.
He studied Vocal Performance at Syracuse University where he participated in numerous productions as well as serving as Music Director and Pit Conductor for several musicals. Jesse is also an alumnus of the College Light Opera Company (CLOC), where one summer he performed in nine fully staged musicals in nine weeks.
Jeff Awards members come from a variety of backgrounds that give them a unique perspective to evaluate theater and ensure the integrity of our annual awards. Members are working theater artists, many with academic and training backgrounds and significant professional experience, as well as those with a history of theater involvement, and/or years of consistent theater attendance in Chicago and in other major theater capitals of the world. We are invigorated by what is happening in the world and the vital need for diverse voices in how we help champion theater excellence. We welcome all interested and qualified candidates, regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, disability, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.
BECOME A MEMBER
Want to learn more about being part of the Jeff Awards?
Here’s an overview on membership. If you have questions, need more information or have recommendations on prospective candidates, please reach out to us at membership@jeffawards.com. You can also check out our brief membership application online via this link. Once your application is reviewed, we will contact you and this may include an interview with the membership committee.
About The Jeff Awards
The Jeff Awards is one of the most active and engaged theater awards organizations in the country evaluating hundreds of theatrical productions annually and holding two awards ceremonies highlighting work over the past Equity and Non-Equity seasons. Through our recommendations, awards and honors, we help foster the growth of companies, encourage artists, bring new appreciation to diverse storytelling, and cultivate civic pride in the achievements of the Chicago theater community. The 50+ members belong to an all-volunteer organization supported by membership dues. For more information, visit www.jeffawards.org.