Dale Calandra(1954-2025)

As an Actor, he has appeared in over 200 Productions. Highlights include: Charlei in "The Whale" Rave Reviews (Victory Gardens), Edna in "Hairspray" the 1st Nat'l Broadway Tour 2004-2006, Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (Festival Theatre), Squeaky Clean in the world premiere of Stephan Daly's "Lifeidreamedof" (Center Theater), Otto in "The Food Chain (Organic Theatre), Allen Ginsberg in "The Chicago Conspiracy Trial" (Remains Theater) and several seasons as Mr. Fezziwig in Goodman Theater's annual "A Christmas Carol". TV: Enrico Caruso in "The Untouchables", and 3 Guest Spots on "Early Edition". FIlm: Leo Persini in "Joshua" with Tony Goldwyn & F. Murray Abraham. And numerous Commercials. Dale has directed over 100 productions. As a Founder/Interim Artistic Director of Center Theater Ensemble in Chicago, he Directed, Produced, Acted and was Creative Director for The Training Center for the Working Actor, Chicago's Top Acting School for 20 years. Center Productions include: "The Scarecrow", a wireless version of "Peter Pan", "Kingdom Of Earth" and the cult classic "Lysistrata 2411, A.D." published by Doubleday 1995. And, for 12 years, was Artistic Directoe of Festival Theatre, Illinois' oldest outdoor Shakespeare Company. Productions include: a rock-n-rock "Taming of the Shrew", "The Tempest" starring Tom Mula, "Hamlet" starring Henry Godinez, and his award-winning adaptation of Cervantes' "The Adventures of Don Quixote". He recently Directed the HIT production of "Sweet Bird of Youth" at The Artistic Home. He teaches Camera Acting at Columbia College.

He has specialized in Directing and Developing One-Person Shows & Cabaret. A few are Tom Mula's "Circus of Dr. Lao"(Next Theater), Rob LaMont's "Wit, Wisdom & Romance" (Cuneo Museum Theater), and Denise LaGrassa's "Is There Anything Really Going On Upstairs?" (Royal George Cabaret). He also was Creative Consultant for Club Performances of The Sparkle Sisters, Shane Taylor, Thalia Tarsino & Robin Trilling, Charles West, Carol Moss,Carmen Severino. Judy & Bernie Rice, Lou Galecki and Becky Menzie. And Teaches Solo/Duo Workshops...most recently at Actor's Equity. In 2008 he created a character: Aunt Lola Cabana: "America's Favorite Aunt!" Aunt Lola is a Host for Corporate Events, Special Appearances, Benefits, & "Roasts". WWW.DaleCalandra.com for more Info.