Mission
History
Blank Theatre Company was founded in 2017 by a small group of early-career Chicago theatre artists dedicated to continuing the tradition of producing high-quality productions of plays and musicals at the non-equity level. Our first full-production, the musical Spring Awakening, opened in September 2018 and played to sold-out houses its entire run. We produce two-show seasons in addition to several one-night cabaret events every year. After a pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited to return to producing in-person productions of beloved canonical works.
Blank Theatre Company is an artistic home that connects emerging theatre-makers with seasoned professionals by creating fulfilling artistic opportunities that give new life to existing texts and welcome new and frequent theatre-goers alike.
Meet the Company
Co-Artistic Director | Founder
Dustin Rothbart
Dustin is one of the Co-Founding Artistic Directors of Blank Theatre Company. For Blank, Dustin directed Songs for a New World: In Concert and appeared on stage as Burrs in The Wild Party (Jeff Nomination - Best Ensemble), The Chairman in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Georg in Spring Awakening. His favorite acting credits include: Camelot (Janus Concert Series); Anyone Can Whistle, 25th…Spelling Bee, Funny Girl (Madkap Productions); The History Boys (Eclectic Theatre); Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters (Lifeline Theatre); Hair, Ragtime (Big Noise Theatre); Chekov’s The Wedding (Red Theatre); The Rocky Horror Show (Underscore Theatre Company); and Parade (Harper Ensemble Theatre). Additionally, Dustin has worked in Chicago with Pride Arts, Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co, Brightside Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center and regionally with Hampstead Stage Company and Canterbury Summer Theatre. Dustin is a graduate of the acting program at Illinois State University. www.DustinRothbart.com / @dustinrothbart
Co-Artistic Director | Founder
Danny Kapinos
Danny Kapinos is a director, music director, and accompanist. As co-Founding Artistic Director of Blank Theatre Company, he directed She Loves Me (Jeff nominations--Best Director and Best Musical), Spring Awakening, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Credits as an assistant director include Pearl's Rollin' With the Blues (Writers Theatre, dir. Ron OJ Parson) The King’s Speech (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, dir. Michael Wilson), Becky Shaw (Windy City Playhouse, dir. Scott Weinstein), and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Filament Theatre, dir. Katy Walsh). Proud graduate of Northwestern University. SDC Associate Member and SDCF Observership Class of 2019-2021.
Manager Director | Founder
Aaron Mann
Aaron has journeyed across the country, but happily calls Chicago home. For Blank, he has taken the stage as Sipos in the Jeff Award-nominated production of She Loves Me, and as Durdles in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Additionally, Aaron has contributed to the national recordings of popular musicals like Sweeney Todd, The Sound of Plaid, and Miss Saigon for Music Theatre International (MTI). Other notable roles include Mr. Boss in Slide (Chicago Music Theater Festival), Sir Robin in Spamalot (WTC), and Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors (WTC). Aaron's talents extend beyond acting, as he has also written and produced a popular Dungeons & Dragons podcast called "That Big D&D Energy" for all you fellow nerds out there. He's utilized this to become a professional Ad Operations Manager in the podcasting world! Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Aaron's dedication to the theatre is evident in all that he does. Aaron's education includes a BFA in Theatre Studies from Nebraska Wesleyan University.
Company Member
Larry D. Trice II
For Blank Larry has been seen as Oscar D'Armano and understudy Black in Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party and as understudy Sipos in She Loves Me. Some of their favorite credits include: The Threepenny Opera (Theo Ubique), Tick Tick Boom (Boho Theatre), The Little Mermaid (Music Theatre Works), Shrek (Windy City Performs), Once On This Island (That Was a Show Theatre Co.), The Rocky Horror Show (Stage Wright Productions) and countless other shows, readings and cabarets. Additionally, Larry has worked with Lifeline Theatre, Haven Chicago, and countless others. They are also the Artistic Director of Trans Voice Cabaret Chicago. Love to friends, fam, and Mika. Keep up with them on social media IG, Twitter, TikTok @LtriceBelts
Company Member
Carter Rose Sherman
Carter Rose Sherman is a Chicago-based actor who recently appeared in Blank Theater Company's production of The Wild Party. Credits include: Amelia in Mirada: A War-Torn Fable (Impostors Theater Company), Lucy in Dracula (SF+T), Veronica in Heathers (SF+T), and Nell Gwynn (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). carterrosesherman.com