Bradley Akers, theatre teacher, graduated from Douglas Anderson as a theatre major.

The Artisan: What’s your favorite part of working on Chicago?

Akers: It’s always been my very favorite musical, so to visit it with such young, passionate people reminds me of how I was when I first discovered it. It’s a joy to see them discover it, have fun doing the process, you know?

The Artisan: How is working with DA students outside of that?

Akers: DA students are a different kind of student, because they’re passionate, they’re relentless in their artistic passion, they want to be here, and they bring such a unique perspective to the classroom that it doesn’t feel like a traditional class. It feels like a workshop, which is the best thing you could ask for in theater.

The Artisan: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Akers: Hm… the power to fly, because I do not like sitting in traffic. Does that make me sound old?