Ann Wakefield

Ann’s connection to TimeLine began with Nick Bowling and PJ Powers, whom she knew as students at DePaul University. She considers both to be men of vision, integrity and wonderful creativity. Ann has appeared in TimeLine’s productions of THE LION IN WINTER (After Dark award), THE CHILDREN’S HOUR (Non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Nomination for Supporting Actor – Play), THE HISTORY BOYS (Equity Joseph Jefferson Nomination for Ensemble – Play), TO MASTER THE ART and GUANTANAMO: HONOR BOUND TO DEFEND FREEDOM. She is motivated by the TimeLine’s family focus, personal responses, vision and collective sharing.

I love the cause and effect of history – its stories and the fact that TimeLine finds ways of making history reverberate.

Ann has worked in South Africa, England, France and the U.S.A. as an actor, teacher and director. In Chicago, she has performed for a range of theatres including Steppenwolf (UNCLE VANYA and THE GLASS MENAGERIE), Eclipse (ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST, Non-Equity Joseph Jefferson Award for Supporting Actor, directed by Nick Bowling), Shattered Globe (THE ROAD TO MECCA, non-equity Jeff award for lead actor), Remy Bumppo (THE SEAGULL), Lifeline Theatre (TALKING IT OVER and PRECIOUS BANE), Interplay (HAEBEUS CORPUS) and Shaw Chicago (MISALLIANCE).

She served on the Adjunct Performance Faculty at the Theatre School of DePaul University where she teaches acting and has directed a wide range of work including many mainstage productions for Playworks (for young audiences), most recently SYMPHONY OF CLOUDS (about the young Mozart), and also for whom she wrote and directed TALES AS OLD AS AFRICA. She has been honored with the Excellence of Teaching Award at DePaul University in 2007 and the Louise de Marillac Women of Spirit and Action in 2010. She has now retired from her teaching position at DePaul Theatre School and has moved to the sea, sun and sea lions in San Diego!

Ann was raised in East London, South Africa. She earned a BFA degree with Honors in Theatre/Acting from Natal University, South Africa; a Higher Teacher’s Degree from Cape Town University, South Africa; and a Maitrise (Masters) degree in Theatre and Athol Fugard at Nantes University, France.