Performing Arts (U)

A history-making cultural icon, ballet dancer Misty Copeland shares her inspiring life journey—from living in a motel room with her five siblings to becoming the first Black principal dancer at the prestigious American Ballet Theatre in the company’s 75-year history. 

Star of Mindy Kaling’s hit comedy The Sex Lives of College Girls, Pauline Chalamet discusses her life, career, and creativity.   

Dr. Dr. Dr. HC (Yes, it’s a thing), Professor of Practice Jamie Hyneman is best known as host and Executive Producer of Discovery Channel’s long running series, Mythbusters. 

Prior to Mythbusters, Jamie was a jack of all trades with jobs and skills ranging from wilderness survival and Russian linguist to sailboat captain and dive master. He is a lifetime member of both the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, as well as the National Science Teachers Association.

<p>Tyler James Williams is the 2023 Golden Globe Winner for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical, Comedy or Drama for his role of ‘Gregory Eddie’ in the hit award-winning series <em>Abbott Elementary.</em></p><p>After hitting it off with Quinta Brunson on <em>A Black Lady Sketch Show</em>, she specifically wrote the Abbott Elementary substitute teacher character with Williams in mind.

<p>Captain Sandy is a leader, hero and businesswoman whose exceptional leadership style has helped her to break through every obstacle in her path – from the glass ceilings and near-fatal accidents on land to pirates and fires at sea!</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(62, 62, 60);">The Second City&#39;s comedians create a slice-of-life environment, lampooning the political, social, and cultural aspects of our lives.</span></p><p>For over 50 years, The Second City has been the training ground for a host of famous alumni including John Belushi, Mike Myers, Gilda Radner, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, and countless stars of stage and screen.

<p>Defense attorney and cancer survivor Jerry Buting has worked on many high-profile cases while also serving as a frequent lecturer on DNA, computer crimes, and other forensic evidence.  </p><p>His reputation as a tenacious, talented defense attorney preceded his being the co-defense attorney in the State v. Steven Avery murder trial in 2007. His performance throughout the trial shined light on the shaky integrity of law enforcement and inherent flaws in the justice system.

<p>Ice-T not only invented gangster rap, he lived it. He is the embodiment of LA Hip-Hop, an actor, and a cultural icon. </p>

<p>Through his music, his books, and his lecture tours of America’s prisons, high schools, libraries, and colleges (including Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford), Ice-T has become an influential spokesman for America’s youth, regardless of color. </p>

<p>Rita Moreno remains one of the busiest stars in show business. Rita recently starred in the critically-acclaimed Latino remake of Norman Lear’s classic sitcom, <i>One Day at a Time</i> on Netflix. Prior to that, Rita has also appeared in guest-starring roles in primetime TV series such as <i>Getting On</i>, <i>Jane The Virgin</i>, <i>Grey’s Anatomy</i>, and<i> Grace and Frankie</i>.</p><p>In 2015 Rita received the Kennedy Center Honor for her lifetime Contributions to American culture.

<p>Garrison Keillor captivates with his signature blend of humor, charisma and wisdom as he shares his journey to becoming one of America’s greatest storytellers. </p>

<p>Garrison regaled audiences for more than 40 years as the host of <i>A Prairie Home Companion</i>, and brought stories to life on public radio’s <i>The Writers Almanac</i>.</p>