Like any good production, the theatre program at UIC has benefited from a strong cast. Several generations of actors, directors, designers dancers and teachers have been nurtured by, and flourished within, the program. Here are a few of the standout performers who have graced UIC's stages over the past four decades.

Michael Gross

Michael Gross, '70 LAS Perhaps the most famous theatre program alumnus, Chicago-born Gross starred as the father in the television sitcom "Family Ties." He has been seen most recently in the "Tremors" series of films, as well as the TV shows "Law and Order" and "ER." Karen Mason, '99 aa This well-known cabaret singer and actress recently finished a one-year run on Broadway in the musical "Mama Mia!" She has also appeared on the TV shows "Ed" and "Law and Order SVU."

Vyto Ruginis, '79 LAS He played a prominent role in the play "The Real Thing," as well as in films such as "The Fast and The Furious," "Phenomenon" and "A Thou- sand Acres."

Mechelle Moe, '96 LAS, '96 aa Recipient of a Jefferson Citation for best actress for "Machinal," she is executive director of the theatre group The Hypocrites, and the editor of PerformInk.

L. Walter Stearns, '91 LAS Artistic director of Porchlight Music Theatre in Chicago, Sterns directs many of the company's musical productions and has directed several Gilbert and Sullivan op-erettas for the Savoy Aires of Evanston.

Liucija Ambrosini, '69 LAS For 33 years, she has directed the theatre program at the University of Chicago Laboratory School.

Allen Ambrosini, '72 LAS A set designer of plays such as "Once In a Lifetime" and a former instructor at UIC, he also created "At the Park" magazine, which covers the theme entertainment industry.

Venetia Stifler, '84 LAS Executive director of the Ruth Page Center in Chicago, she is a choreographer and for-mer professional dancer.

Cheryl Lynn Bruce, '70 LAS She recently appeared in "Race" at Looking GLASs Theatre, where she serves as associate director. Bruce was in "The Grapes of Wrath," which went to England and Broadway, and the film "The Fugitive." She ran a summer theatre program for the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.