American
John Drea is an American stage actor who has rapidly ascended from Chicago's vibrant theatre scene to Broadway, earning critical recognition for his nuanced performances in contemporary drama.
Defining moments and milestones
John Drea graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2020 and immediately immersed himself in Chicago's independent theatre landscape, earning two Jeff Award nominations and establishing himself as a versatile dramatic actor across venues from Lifeline Theatre to Raven Theatre. His 2024 performance in Samuel D. Hunter's *Little Bear Ridge Road* at Steppenwolf Theatre Company led directly to the play's 2025 Broadway transfer, marking Drea's debut on the Great White Way and cementing his reputation as an interpreter of contemporary American drama. His 2026 casting as Howard Wagner in the Broadway revival of *Death of a Salesman* represents a significant milestone, positioning him as a rising force in classical American theatre.
Broadway debut as James/Kenny in *Little Bear Ridge Road* (2025, Steppenwolf Theatre Company/Broadway)
Loyola University Chicago (BA, Theatre, 2020)
Recordings featuring John Drea in the Society index
Additional recordings will appear here as the catalog expands.