Several Northwestern Communication alumni have graduated to the next stage of their careers. Jake Cohen, Govind Kumar and Alison Siple are new additions to the cast and crew of “A Separate Peace,” the most recent production by Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

The play, based on the novel by John Knowles, portrays the complex relationships at an all-boys boarding school during World War II. The show features only young adult actors, and for many it is their first Steppenwolf production.

“It feels like one of the best classrooms I’ve ever gotten to be a part of,” said Cohen (Communication ’09), who has worked with the company before.

Although the three graduates said they came to NU for different reasons, they left with similar lessons instilled in them.

“Northwestern allows an independent path,” said Kumar (Communication ’08). “There’s a very loose structure to the program. It makes you ready for an artist’s career because the real world is so unstructured. There are so many opportunities. You’re able to carve your own path.”

Working at Steppenwolf reminds Cohen of his student theater performances at NU, he said.

“Obviously the production value is on a much larger scale, but at the same time, it’s still a room full of people who are really excited to get together and tell a story,” he said.

Siple (Communication ’98) said she credits her NU experience with helping her find work in costume design after graduation.

“Especially in costume design, you need to know how to be resourceful,” she said.

Cohen said his liberal arts studies were crucial to his development as an actor.

“If actors are supposed to be telling stories from all over the world, it helps to study the rest of the world while you’re learning the craft of acting,” he said.

All three graduates said they enjoy being a part of Steppenwolf.

“It’s a really comfortable, unassuming environment, and given their history, they get to brag, but they refrain from doing so,” Cohen said. “I really appreciate the modesty of everybody in that office building.”

The cast of “A Separate Peace” is unique because all of the actors are so young, Cohen said.

“We have a great time with messing around,” he said. “It feels like the frat I never pledged at Northwestern.”

Working with a cast of peers has been a nice experience, Kumar said.

“There’s a sense of ease, but at the same time there’s focus,” he said. “There’s just a sense of respect among all of us. You’re all in a similar situation in terms of trying to support yourself and figuring out the beginning of our careers.”

Although they have graduated from NU, Kumar and Cohen said they stay in touch with other Chicago area Communication graduates.

“The few of us who are in Chicago see each other, but not enough,” Cohen said. “Life is acting, and we’re all trying to pay the bills.”

Steppenwolf is comprised of professionals trying to make a living, and the company features passionate actors with a common love of theater, Cohen said.

“You never really seem to grow out of that kid who just wants to make believe with your friends,” he said.[email protected]