About Me
Israel Antonio is a playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker, actor, and motivational speaker who believes each person who attends a performance of his artistic creation is not there to simply watch a show, but in fact, he or she is there to experience a journey. He enjoys telling stories, entertaining people, making them laugh, tugging at their heart, and accepting his responsibility to raise the social consciousness while pushing the boundries of accepted societal norms.The fifth of six children, Antonio was the first American born son to proud parents who had come to Chicago from Oaxaca, Mexico with their four daughters. He grew up in a strict Catholic home where faith, work ethic, family and civic pride, and respect were the foundation for a successful life. He attended Saint John Berchman’s, Our Lady Of Grace, and Our Lady Of Mercy elementary schools.
When he was fourteen years old, Israel lost his eyesight over night as a result of detached retinas. Three surgeries during a five month span to correct his sight were unsuccessful. Antonio had to fight for acceptance in two worlds, the blind one with which he wanted nothing to do and the sighted one which did not recognize him as a former son. During the remainder of his teenage years and his early twenties, the years which some may say are the most difficult in a person’s life, Antonio had to deal with social, academic, sexual, and employment pressures all while living life in the dark.
Israel graduated from Carl Schurz High school were he spent three years on the “A” honor roll, a year in the drama club appearing in the spring musical, “West Side Story”, and a year as a track letterman. He received his Bachelor’s Of Art in English from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, where he spent every semester on the Dean’s List. He also spent four years at WKDI-FM student radio station. He served as a co-host, ace in-game sports reporter, a daily sports anchor, and President Of Sports Operations. As a co-host of The Sunday Munch, a guest driven sports and entertainment show, Antonio was in charge of booking every guest. These were local and national coaches, athletes, media members, film critics, professors, and musicians. Guests included; Joe Novak, Amanda Reese, Alison Keilty, Christy Arnold, and Joe Bonomo. Nationally, these included; Hall Of Famer, Dan Hampton, Tom Waddle, Spike O’Dell, David Kaplan, Mike North, and Den Bernstein.
Antonio studid acting at the Actors’ Center Chicago under legendary actors, directors, and instructors such as; Ted Hoerl, Eileen Vorbach, Laura Sturm, and Patrick Murphy. He learned to use his body as an instrument in movement classes taught by Laura Sturm. He continued these advancements at the Breadline Theatre Group’s Professional Training Program in classes taught by Laura Sturm and Jenna Newman. He has continued acting Evic Eileen taught by Eileen Vorbach. Antonio discovered his voice as a playwright under the guiding hands of G Riley Mills. He has studied voice with Deb Kowalczyk and Tanera Marshall.
Antonio made his Chicago professional stage debut as the lead in his autobiographical piece, “In The Dark” which received its world premiere production at Prop THTR in a co-venture between Prop and Curious Theatre Branch. Israel has previously received recognition as a playwright when Prop THTR named the piece a New Play Fest winner.
As a high school senior, Antonio and friend, David Melzer, co-founded the Sports For Mutual Admiration And Respect Amongst Teens (S.M.A.R.T.) Games Foundation. Teens with hearing, visual, mobility, and cognitive impairments and those without any apparent physical disabilities who are considered able bodied play sports with and against each other in a tournament setting. Israel spent two years as a motivational speaker for the Department Of Human Services of Chicago going to schools, churches, and parks to discuss child safety, conflict resolution, sex, drugs, and other issues with youth ranging between three to sixteen years old. He also works for Creativity Incorporated as a speaker and performer for the company’s spiritual and retreat based services. Israel has often been hired as a guest speaker for youth groups, high schools, college students, organizations, educators, and anyone else interested in his services. He has also delivered keynote addresses. While a captivating speaker, Israel prefers to show his audience rather than tell them so he more often than not will deliver his message through a theatrical performance. He enjoys making every presentation unique to that audience. While certain scenes or ideas will always be constant, Israel enjoys writing for each specific audience.
