Mason Gross Commencement Convocation 2023

Kevin Chamberlin (BFA Theater, ’85)

Kevin Chamberlin grew up in Moorestown, NJ. In 1985, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting from Rutgers University. In 2000, Chamberlin originated the role of Charlie in Claudia Shear’s Dirty Blonde, which earned him his first Tony Award nomination and Drama Desk Award nomination. The following year, he received his second Tony nomination, as well as Drama Desk and Grammy nominations for playing Horton the Elephant in Seussical. In 2010, he received his third Tony nomination, for his portrayal of Uncle Fester in The Addams Family.

Other Broadway credits include Amos Hart in Chicago, starring opposite Rita Wilson and Usher. In 2007, he starred in a revival of Terrance McNally’s The Ritz opposite Rosie Perez, directed by Joe Mantello, and spent a year playing the Wizard in Wicked on Broadway in 2018. Other Broadway credits include My Favorite Year, Abe Lincoln in Illinois, and Triumph of Love with Betty Buckley and F. Murray Abraham.

Chamberlin has amassed over 10 million followers on TikTok, all of which began at Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway Bootcamp in the summer of 2019 when a camper filmed him on a lunch break. His award-winning videos include “Anyone Can Cook” for Ratatouille the TikTok Musical, the first online crowd-sourced musical, which raised over $2 million for The Actor’s Fund during the pandemic. His original songs and jingles have been seen around the world, and he is currently writing jingles for the grocery store Sprouts.

In 2013, Chamberlin fulfilled a lifelong dream–making his Carnegie Hall debut–and sang with the New York Pops Symphony Orchestra.

In Los Angeles, Chamberlin has starred in productions of Hair, Spamalot, and West Side Story at The Hollywood Bowl, as well as Little Shop of Horrors at Pasadena Playhouse.

His film credits include Charlie in Die Hard With A Vengeance, In and Out, Suspect Zero,Taking Woodstock directed by Ang Lee, Lucky Number Slevin, The Road to Perdition directed by Sam Mendes, Christmas with the Kranks, Trick, and, most recently The Prom, co-starring with Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, and James Corden, and directed by Ryan Murphy.

DeVonna Brockman

DeVonna Brockman is a fourth-year student receiving her BFA in digital filmmaking. She was born in Kansas City, Kansas, raised in the suburbs of St. Louis and Chicago, and now resides in Seattle, Washington. In her pursuit of becoming a filmmaker, she found a sense of belonging on the East Coast, right here at Mason Gross.

During her three years at Rutgers, DeVonna has worked on 23 short films. She also sang in the Rutgers University Choir, excelled in acting and visual arts classes, served on the BIPOC at MGSA executive board, and was fashion coordinator for the Rutgers Modeling Team, all while managing a chronic disease. DeVonna looks forward to applying all of her talents and bringing more inclusivity to the New York film industry.

You must complete a diploma application in order to officially graduate.

Any undergraduate who has six or fewer outstanding credits may be allowed to participate in the Mason Gross Convocation ceremony provided they have enrolled in the appropriate courses in an accredited summer program and have had the summer credits preapproved by their academic advisor. These students will officially graduate in August 2023. If you need to update your class year, please contact your academic advisor.

Based on advice from the CDC and the state of New Jersey as well as best practices adopted by the performing arts industry, State Theatre has implemented the following health and safety guidelines.

• As of July 1, 2022, proof of vaccination status or results of a negative Covid-19 test are no longer required to enter the theater.
• Masks are strongly encouraged but not required.
• If you are feeling ill the day of an event or have been exposed to someone who has Covid-19, we kindly ask that you do not attend the performance.

Guidelines are subject to change at any time, and some artists and shows may require more stringent measures. Please refer to the website HERE for the latest policies applicable to your show.

Academic regalia is required to participate in commencement and convocation ceremonies.

Rutgers–New Brunswick graduates can purchase regalia from the Barnes and Noble Rutgers University Bookstore ONLINE HERE. Order now through February 28 to receive an early bird discount!

Online orders offer these deliver options:

• Ship to store for no extra charge. Must order by February 28 and may pick up at Barnes & Noble starting April 5.
• Ship to home for an additional delivery charge. Ship to home ordering closes April 17.

Purchase regalia in-store and pick up online orders at Barnes & Noble on Somerset Street beginning April 5.

The Grad Fair will be held at Barnes & Noble on April 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join in the festivities, come for a complimentary professional headshot, and meet with representatives for purchasing class rings, diploma frames, personalized announcements, and more!

Rutgers has partnered with Pro Pics to take professional portraits of all graduates during the ceremony. Photos will be available for purchase after the ceremony. There is no cost to have your photo taken and no obligation to purchase. If you would like to receive your photo proofs, please go to www.RutgersPhotos.com to submit your information. If you have any questions regarding photos, please contact Pro Pics at info@propicsusa.com.

Lors Photography is offering Senior Portrait Sessions at the College Avenue Student Center in New Brunswick, NJ.

Seniors were sent an email in the fall from Lors with details and links to book your portrait session. If you did not receive an email, please email customerservices@lorsstudio.com or call 908-964-3040.

What time and where do I report to the ceremony?

If you are planning to take part in the convocation ceremony, you should report to the Civic Square Building between 1:30 and 2 p.m. for check-in. You will receive all instructions at that time.

Is there a rehearsal for the convocation?

There will not be a rehearsal for students. All necessary information will be relayed to you when you report to the Civic Square Building. Mason Gross staff will assist you step-by-step through the ceremony.

What if I have a guest with a disability attending the ceremony?

Accessible seating will be available in the rear of the orchestra section of the State Theatre and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to accommodate all requests and per ADA laws, those requiring accessible seating will have one (1) companion seat in addition to their accessible seat. Graduating students should contact advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu if your guests have any hearing, visual or mobility impairments. Accessible seating can only be guaranteed for those who inform the Dean’s Office prior to the ceremony. All held seats will be forfeit 10 minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony start time. Guests can be dropped off at the main entrance if all accessible parking is full.

When contacting advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu with accessibility requests, please be sure to let us know if your guest requires a wheelchair accessible space or if they have a visual or hearing impairment.

What time should my guests arrive at the State Theatre?

The Theatre will open at 1:30 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; there is no reserved seating. Be sure to allow ample time for arrival due to traffic patterns and weather.

What is the State Theatre’s COVID-19 policy?

Please visit the State Theatre’s website for the most current information.

How do I get to the State Theatre? Where do I park?

Parking is available for a fee in a few locations in the downtown New Brunswick area. View directions and parking at the State Theatre’s website.

What time does the State Theatre open?

The Theatre will open at 1:30 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis; there is no reserved seating. Be sure to allow ample time for arrival due to traffic patterns and weather.

Note: For your safety and security, The State Theatre has instituted bag checks and upon entry. While the process is quite efficient, please allow time to complete the bag check. Your patience and understanding during this process is appreciated.

What can I bring with me?

This is a very busy event, and space in the seating area is limited. The event staff cannot monitor or be responsible for personal items. Flowers and balloons are not permitted in the seating area.

Can I save seats for family who are running late?

In order to accommodate all those in attendance, please wait for your entire party prior to entering the seating area. All empty seats will be filled by event staff as necessary.

What is the late seating policy?

If you arrive late to the ceremony, you will be seated at the discretion of the event management in a predetermined late seating area. Late seating usually occurs after the student and faculty processionals, roughly 10 to 15 minutes into the ceremony. After that, seating will be determined by the event staff and seat availability.

What if there are no more seats when I arrive?

Due to fire codes, there is a limit to the number of people allowed in the State Theatre. Once this number is met, no more people will be admitted. It is suggested that you make sure you give yourself ample time to get to New Brunswick, park, and walk to the theater. The State Theatre has a video/audio feed into the lobby for the full event.

Can we sit near or with our graduate?

No. The family seating area will be determined by event staff.

Can we bring an infant or small child?

All infants and small children should be able to sit quietly, or you will be asked to leave the ceremony. Please make arrangements for childcare if your infant or small child cannot sit quietly for the duration of the ceremony. Strollers and car seats are not permitted in the seating area.

What if I have a guest with a disability attending the ceremony?

Accessible seating will be available in the rear of the orchestra section of the State Theatre and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to accommodate all requests and per ADA laws, those requiring accessible seating will have one (1) companion seat in addition to their accessible seat. Graduating students should contact advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu if you are guests have any hearing, visual or mobility impairments. Accessible seating can only be guaranteed for those who inform the Dean’s Office prior to the ceremony. All held seats will be forfeit 10 minutes prior to the scheduled ceremony start-time. Guests can be dropped off at the main entrance if all accessible parking is full.

When contacting advisement@mgsa.rutgers.edu with accessibility requests, please be sure to let us know if your guest requires a wheelchair accessible space or if they have a visual or hearing impairment.

How long will the ceremony last?

The ceremony lasts approximately two hours, depending on the number of students graduating.

Can I bring food, beverages, or bottled water into the ceremony?

No. Food or beverages are not allowed in the State Theatre.

Can I take pictures?

Yes, you can take pictures. However, we ask that you be aware of students and other guests and not obstruct the aisles or block the view for someone else.

Can I meet my graduate in the seating area after the ceremony?

It is respectfully requested that families and friends arrange to meet each other at the reception in the Civic Square Building following the ceremony. The seating area closes directly after the ceremony ends.

The ceremony will be livestreamed on our website. The broadcast will begin at 2 p.m. ET.