Denise Gordon graduated from GAC in 1974 and went on to receive an MFA in directing from Yale. After directing in theatres in New York, Dennie moved to California where she has directed for many major television series, including Picket Fences, Allie McBeal, Sports Night, and Nash Bridges. In 1999, she received a Director's Guild of America Award for Outstanding Achievement. Her films include Meet Joe Dirt, produced by Adam Sandler and starring David Spade, What a Girl Wants with Amanda Bynes and New York Minute starring Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
David Esbjornson received his B.A. (English/Theatre) from GAC in 1975 and earned his MFA in directing from New York University. After serving for a number of years as Artistic Director of The Classic Stage Company in New York City, David currently works throughout the United States and Europe as a free-lance director. Among his recent productions are Arthur Miller's The Ride Down Mt. Morgan on Broadway and, at the Guthrie Theatre, Summer and Smoke, Hedda Gabler, and Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? David has received numerous awards for his directing, including an OBIE in 1997 for his production of Therese Raquin at The Classic Stage Company.
Kevin Kling received his B.A. (Theatre) from GAC in 1979. An actor, playwright, and storyteller, Kevin has performed his own one-man shows in Australia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic as well as in theatres throughout the United States. He has received rave reviews for his creations, many of which draw upon his experiences growing up in Minnesota. His voice is frequently heard on National Public Radio and his annual one-man Christmas shows have become a Twin Cities' tradition. Based in Minneapolis, Kevin collaborates with local theatres, including the Guthrie, the Playwrights Center, and Theatre de la Jeune Lune.
Steve Epp received his B.A. (Theatre) from GAC in 1980 and for many years has been a principle company member with Theatre de la Jeune Lune where he acts, writes, directs and designs. Among the many spectacular productions to which he has contributed are Children of Paradise, Cyrano de Bergerac, Twelfth Night, The Green Bird, The American Project, Yangz an Frogs in Moon over Hong Kong Sweatshop, and The Magic Flute. An award-winning actor, Steve has also performed with other Twin Cities theatre, including the Guthrie, the Illusion and Heart of the Beast.
Tim Latta received his B.A. (Theatre) from GAC in 1980 and his MFA (Choreography) from CalArts in 1982. He has toured and choreographed with internationally recognized companies, including Pilobolus and Momix. Tim is the founder of Koku Dance Theatre and has been a guest artist with many companies including ISO and the Bobs, Royal Danish Ballet and The Deutsche Opera Ballet in Berlin.
Nanci Olesen received her B.A. (Theatre) from GAC in 1981. She has produced the radio arts review Artifacts for NPR and is the creator of Mombo, regular feature program about mothers and children. Nanci also has worked as a musician and actor in Twin Cities theaters (Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, Illusion Theatre, and Theatre de la Jeune Lune).
Peter Krause received his B.A. (English) from in 1987 from GAC where he performed in many plays. He went on to earn an MFA in acting from New York University. He is now a member of the Los Angeles-based Hidden Theater Company, which showcases the works of aspiring writers, actors, and directors. Peter was the co-star of the critically acclaimed Sports Night on ABC and he currently stars on HBO's series, Six Feet Under for which he has received Golden Globe and Emmy nominations. Besides roles in such television series as Beverly Hills, 90210, Ellen, and Seinfeld, he has had featured roles in films, including The Truman Show. In the summer of 2004, he made his Broadway debut in After the Fall. He co-stars in the feature drama We Don't Live Here Anymore.
The chapel has been the site of numerous special events and speakers, including Spike Lee, Marilyn Horne, the King and Queen of Sweden, Gordon Parks, Krister Stendahl, Toni Morrison, and many more.