Cheryl Lynn Bruce
Bruce has extensive acting and directing experience both in Chicago and around the country. Her direction of the emerging Congo Square Theatre's 2001 production of From the Mississippi Delta garnered both the African American Arts Alliance and the Black Theatre Alliance award for Best Direction. She returned to direct their 2003 season opener SPUNK, a trio of Zora Neale Hurston tales. Bruce served as co-founding Director of the Goodman Theatre's Youth Drama Workshop for eight years, and now heads a new initiative, Dearborn Homes Youth Drama Workshop, for its residents of 10 – 18 years of age. She has also taught and directed at the University of Illinois at Chicago and DePaul University. Most recently Bruce appeared in Intimate Apparel at Steppenwolf Theatre and she has also been seen at Lookingglass Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens, Huntington Theatre, Hartford Stage, La Jolla Playhouse, the Globe in San Diego, Chicago Theatre Company, the Kennedy Center, Crossroads Theatre, Shakespeare Repertory, Remains Theatre, the Cort Theatre on Broadway and in numerous television and film appearances. Bruce received the prestigious Helen Hayes Award (Outstanding Lead Actress), the Joseph Jefferson Award (Best Ensemble), and the Connecticut Critic's Award (Best Ensemble) for her portrayal of Aint Baby in Northlight Theater's celebrated production of From the Mississippi Delta.