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John C. Vennema

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BIO

John C. Vennema is an American actor with an impressive career in theater, film, and television. He was born on June 24, 1948, in Houston, Texas, and grew up in New York City. Vennema attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in drama. He later received a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the Yale School of Drama.


Vennema began his acting career in the theater, performing in numerous productions on and off Broadway. He made his Broadway debut in 1976 in the play "The Shadow Box," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. He has also appeared in productions of "The Elephant Man," "The Sisters Rosensweig," "The Heiress," and "A Man for All Seasons," among others.
In addition to his stage work, Vennema has also appeared in several films and television shows. He made his film debut in 1981 in the movie "Eyewitness," and has since appeared in films such as "The Ice Storm," "The Siege," and "The Adjustment Bureau." On television, Vennema has had recurring roles on shows such as "Law & Order," "Damages," and "The Blacklist."
Despite his success in film and television, Vennema has remained committed to the theater throughout his career. He has continued to appear in productions on and off Broadway, including the 2016 revival of "The Front Page" and the 2019 production of "The Inheritance."
Vennema is also a respected acting teacher and has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Yale School of Drama, the Juilliard School, and the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. He has also served as the artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Irish Repertory Theatre Off-Broadway Production, 2022
Nicholas Gadsby

[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Original Off-Broadway Production, 2017
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
US Premiere 59E59 Theaters Off Broadway Production, 2016
Doctor Maise

[Off-Broadway]
Irish Repertory Theatre Production, 2012
Judge

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Doctor

[Off-Broadway]
2008
Judge Reading / Sergeant Hearn / Captian Reginald Hall / Executioner / Juror

[Off-Broadway]
2006
Craig Hutto

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Gavin Ryng-Mayne [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Gavin Ryng-Mayne [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2000
Tom

[Off-Broadway]
1998
Tom

[Broadway]
1995
The Rt. Rev. Gilbert Heffernan

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Matthew Paine

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Matthew Paine

[Off-Broadway]
1994
Pridamant

[Off-Broadway]
1993
Martin Green

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Engaged Man/Raymond Terwilliger/Others

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Arnold Handler

[Off-Broadway]
1990
FDR, Richard Nixon & other memories

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Maj. Tarver

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Colin Shaw

[Off-Broadway]
1981
1st Red Soldier/GPU Man/2nd Customs Officer/Bob Stringer/1st Male Nurse

Bela Veracek (Understudy)

[Broadway]
1979
Will [Replacement]

Pinhead Manager [Replacement]

Lord John [Replacement]

London Policeman [Replacement]

Frederick Treves (Understudy) [Replacement]

Belgian Policeman (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Lieutenant Eric Wilken

[Off-Broadway]
1978
White Actor

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Detective-Sergeant J. DuPerez


Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2008 - Outstanding Ensemble Performances

John C. Vennema, The Cripple of Inishmaan

Videos

News


Terry Donnelly, A.J. Shively & More to Star in PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME! at Irish Repertory Theatre

Irish Repertory Theatre has revealed the cast for Philadelphia, Here I Come!, the third production in The Friel Project. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Irish Rep Announces Winter 2022 Season

Irish Repertory Theatre announced today two productions, two special one-night-only performances and one streaming event for their upcoming winter 2022 season.
Virtual Theatre This Weekend: March 6-7- with Eva Noblezada, Jeremy Jordan and More!

Broadway might be dark, but that doesn't mean that theatre isn't happening everywhere! Below, check out where you can get your daily fix of Broadway this weekend, March 6-7, 2021.
Virtual Theatre This Weekend: February 27-28- with Brian Stokes Mitchell, Alex Newell and More!

Broadway might be dark, but that doesn't mean that theatre isn't happening everywhere! Below, check out where you can get your daily fix of Broadway this weekend, February 27-28, 2020.
Virtual Theatre Today: Tuesday, February 16- with Patrick Page, Robert Cuccioli and More!

Today (February 16) in live streaming: Laura Osnes sings with Seth Rudetsky, Josh Groban in concert, and more!
Virtual Theatre Today: Friday, February 12- with Laura Osnes, Paolo Montalbán and More!

Today (February 12) in live streaming: soap stars unite on Stars in the House, Laura Osnes visits Backstage Live, and more!
Virtual Theatre Today: Thursday, February 4- with Susan Lucci, Shaina Taub and More!

Today (February 4) in live streaming: All My Children on Stars in the House, a CSC conversation with Shaina Taub, and more!
Irish Rep Announces THEATRE @ HOME WINTER FESTIVAL Featuring Melissa Errico, Max von Essen, Ali Ewoldt and More

Irish Repertory Theatre has announced their Theatre @ Home Winter Festival, a four-week repertory retrospective of all of the original digital productions created by Irish Repertory Theatre during the COVID-19 shut-down, from January 26 – February 21, 2021.
Irish Repertory Theatre Announces Online 2020 Fall Season

Irish Repertory Theatre has announced its Online 2020 Fall Season. This fall will feature five Performances on Screen.
Belle Aykroyd, Robert Cuccioli and More to Star in Irish Rep's for A TOUCH OF THE POET; Full Cast & Creative Team Announced

Irish Repertory Theatre (Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director and Ciarán O'Reilly, Producing Director) has announced the full cast & creative team for A Touch of the Poet by Eugene O'Neill and directed by Ciarán O'Reilly (Dublin Carol). Performances will begin on the Francis J. Greenberger Mainstage on March 25, 2020, with opening night set for April 5, for a run through May 10, 2020.
Photo Flash: Playwright William Nicholson and More Celebrate FPA's SHADOWLANDS Opening Off-Broadway

Fellowship for Performing Arts returns to New York for their third season with the first New York revival of William Nicholson's award-winning play SHADOWLANDS. The production opened last night, November 1st, at The Acorn Theatre at Theatre Row and will run through January 7, 2018. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening festivities, featuring the playwright himself, below!
Fellowship for Performing Arts Opens First New York Revival of William Nicholson's SHADOWLANDS

Fellowship for Performing Arts announced today they will return to New York for their third season with the first New York revival of William Nicholson's award-winning play SHADOWLANDS.
Fellowship for Performing Arts to Stage First New York Revival of William Nicholson's SHADOWLANDS

Fellowship for Performing Arts announced today they will return to New York for their third season with the first New York revival of William Nicholson's award-winning play SHADOWLANDS.
BWW Review: Janie Dee Makes a Smashing Return To New York as Feminist Fighter LINDA

It's not exactly a spoiler to note that the closing scene of Penelope Skinner's wonderfully absorbing and issue-oriented dramatic comedy, LINDA, has the title character, a successful marketing executive, addressing a group of colleagues in the year 2007, excited about how the anti-aging cream she promotes has been putting out the message that the beauty in all women of all ages is a cause for celebration.
Photo Coverage: MTC Celebrates Opening Night of Penelope Skinner's LINDA

Linda, the new play by Penelope Skinner (The Ruins of Civilization at MTC, The Village Bike), directed by MTC's award-winning Artistic Director Lynne Meadow (The Assembled Parties, Wit), opened just last night, February 28, at MTC at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street). BroadwayWorld was on hand for the big night and you can check out photos below!
Photo Flash: First Look at Janie Dee in the American Debut of LINDA at MTC

Linda, the new play by Penelope Skinner (The Ruins of Civilization at MTC, The Village Bike), directed by MTC's award-winning Artistic Director Lynne Meadow (The Assembled Parties, Wit), opens tonight, February 28, at MTC at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!
Janie Dee Stars in American Debut of LINDA, Opening Tonight at Manhattan Theatre Club

Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Linda, a new play by Penelope Skinner (The Ruins of Civilization at MTC, The Village Bike) directed by MTC's award-winning Artistic Director Lynne Meadow (The Assembled Parties, Wit), opens tonight, February 28, 2017 at MTC at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street).
American Premiere of LINDA Opens Tomorrow at Manhattan Theatre Club

A friendly reminder! Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Linda, a new play by Penelope Skinner (The Ruins of Civilization at MTC, The Village Bike) directed by MTC's award-winning Artistic Director Lynne Meadow (The Assembled Parties, Wit), opens tomorrow, Tuesday, February 28 at MTC at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street). Performances of the limited engagement began Tuesday February 7.
American Premiere of LINDA Announces Digital, Student Rush Policies

In light of its first performance, LINDA has announced its Digital Rush and Student Rush policies.
American Premiere of LINDA, Starring Janie Dee, Begins Tonight at Manhattan Theatre Club

Performances begin tonight, February 7, for Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Linda, a new play by Penelope Skinner (The Ruins of Civilization at MTC, The Village Bike) directed by MTC's award-winning Artistic Director Lynne Meadow (The Assembled Parties, Wit). The limited engagement of Linda opens Tuesday, February 28 at MTC at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has John C. Vennema been in?

John C. Vennema has appeared on Broadway in 3 shows.

How many West End shows has John C. Vennema been in?

John C. Vennema has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has John C. Vennema been nominated for?

and Outstanding Ensemble Performances (Drama Desk Awards) for The Cripple of Inishmaan.

What awards has John C. Vennema won?

John C. Vennema has won the Outstanding Ensemble Performances award at the Drama Desk Awards for his role in The Cripple of Inishmaan.

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