Show Notes
Tyrone, Dujon, and the rest of the Definition Theatre ensemble are working hard to bring more underrepresented stories to the forefront in Chicago’s theatres. Established in 2012, Definition Theatre has not only been successful in creating and sharing these stories but recently received a $1.6 million seed grant from the City of Chicago to build their own theater and community center on the South Side. In this episode, you’ll hear insights on how they navigated this journey, while currently holding full time jobs and careers outside of Definition Theatre.
Tyrone is the founding Artistic Director of Chicago’s Definition Theatre, he is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has studied abroad at Shakespeare’s Globe. As a first generation Jamaican-American, Tyrone is passionate about equity and inclusion in the fine arts and has completed advanced anti-racism training to lead change in our community. Select theater credits on and off stage include: Definition Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare, Goodman, Steppenwolf, Writers, Old Globe, Berkeley Rep, Milwaukee Rep, and Stage 42 (off-broadway). Tyrone is currently adjunct faculty at DePaul University and the University of Illinois - Chicago while also serving on the Board of Directors for the League of Chicago Theaters. He is also a proud member of the NAACP, SAG-AFTRA, SDC, and represented by Grossman & Jack Talent.
Dujon is the Director of Development for Definition. In addition, he serves as the Global Program Manager for Accenture's Black Founder's Development Program. Led by Accenture Ventures, the new initiative will help improve Black communities’ ability to create wealth for those who previously did not have a seat at the table and enable the next generation of innovation. Dujon has traveled, worked, and studied in 50 countries and is passionate about connecting technology, culture, and education within communities.
Find Definition Theatre Online:
- Definition Theatre's Website – Make certain you donate towards the building fund!
- Definition Theatre's Instagram
- News Articles
- Chicago Tribune – Definition Theatre gets $1.6 million for new home on South Side
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Definition Theatre expected to Break Ground 2023
Cool stuff discussed during the episode that you should further explore:
- How to Start a Nonprofit – Tyrone spent time talking about ALL the paperwork, check out this resource that has the basics
- Black Enterprise – Dujon loves checking this outlet as a source for staying informed on Black excellence
- American Theatre – Tyrone taps into this resource to stay current on the latest in American Theatre
- Theatre in Chicago – Tyrone ensures he keeps a finger on the pulse in his backyard as well
- Donor Perfect – Website that Definition Theatre uses to stay engaged with their donor community
- Google Workspace – The Definition Theatre team stays connected and can collaborate using this resource
