Hello! My name is Rachael Dec, and I am a musical theatre artist currently based in Chicago, IL!
Keep reading below to learn more about me :)
I am a 2023 graduate of Northwestern University (Go ‘Cats!) where I was a Theatre Major and Dance Minor, as well as a member of the Music Theatre Certificate program. My studies also included some focus in acting for the screen and choreography.
Photo credit: Liz Lauren. (I am second from left!)
Upcoming Projects and News: Rehearsals are underway for CINDERELLA at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, IL! In addition to my roles as Ensemble and u/s Charlotte, I am honored to take on the role of Dance Captain for this production, directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller and choreographed by Mandy Modic. Performances September 26th 2024 - October 20th 2024. Link to tickets.
ANYTHING GOES has received 7 Equity Jeff Award Nominations, including the The Dr. Harlan Haimes Award for best large musical production! I am so proud to have been an ensemble member of this production, as my Chicago professional theatre debut! See the list of all nominations here.
Recent Projects:
In August 2024, I had a blast singing in Porchlight Music Theatre’s Summer Concert Series, BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD! Videos of my solos will be uploaded soon :)
I was delighted to join the cast of ANYTHING GOES with PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE in Chicago, IL Jan-Mar 2024 as “Charity/US Female Ensemble #2.” I am so honored to have made my professional Chicago theatre debut with this production.
The summer after my graduation (2023), I joined the cast of LYLE THE CROCODILE at Northwestern University as a newly graduated, professional actor. As an undergrad at Northwestern, I had many fulfilling opportunities to perform in both Wirtz MainStage and Student Theatre productions. Some of my highlights include ‘Martext’, ‘De Boys Dancer’, and other ensemble roles in Shaina Taub’s musical adaptation of AS YOU LIKE IT (pictured above). I appeared in the 91st ANNUAL WAA-MU Show as a featured dancer and ensemble member (and dance captain!), and in the Northwestern & UC-Davis partnered production of [Re: Click] I participated as ‘Fresh’/ensemble. Selected student theatre credits include THE LIGHTNING THIEF (Katie Gardner/Ensemble), MAMMA MIA (feat. dancer and ensemble), DESDEMONA: A PLAY ABOUT A HANDKERCHIEF (Emilia), and CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (Frank Jr.).
At Northwestern I was not only an active member of the theatre community as a performer, but also as a choreographer. I have choreographed for two full-length musicals: BIG FISH and GODSPELL, as well as for Tonik Tap, NU’s Tap Dance student group, of which I have been a member for all 4 years. Check out my “choreography” tab for more info!
I’m thrilled to be in Chicago now, but my heart also lives in Lansing, MI where my mom, dad, two brothers, and two dogs live. I am Michigan born-and-raised and lived there most of my life! A fun fact about me is that my two brothers and I complete a set of TRIPLETS!!! <3
In my off-time from theatre and dance, I can most likely be found reading, exploring Chicago, enjoying a cozy movie-night-in with the people I love, or stress-baking.