NIU Alumnus and Chicago native Lamar Barnes graduated from NIU in 2005 and has since been featured on television shows such as “Chicago P.D.,” “Crisis” and “Empire.”

Barnes will debut in “Unspeakable,” a play that will run now through Nov. 8 at the Broadway Playhouse Theater, 175 E. Chestnut Street in Chicago.

Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your time at NIU and how you got started in acting?

A: Well I graduated with a degree in business marketing at Barsema. Initially, I did that as a fallback. I wanted to study theater and auditioned for the program, but went with business since it was a safer career route. Growing up, I did a lot of stage work around the park district of Chicago, which is where I got acting experience and learned it was my passion.

Q: What is “Unspeakable” about?

A: It’s about the life of Richard Pryor. Throughout the play, you’re able to see things that happened to him from when he was a child to when he was in a wheel chair, and everything in between.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being in this play?

A: I have two favorite parts: the learning process. There’s so many talented actors aboard, and I love learning from the rest of the cast. The second would be to work with a piece of this nature. It’s not your typical play with a beginning and an end. It’s like a notable figure’s dream sequence happening right before your eyes.

Q: Anything else you’d like to say to NIU students pursuing their dreams like you?

A: You have to be the first person to believe in anything you want to see happen to you. Don’t let anyone’s disbelief become part of what you believe in. And don’t let the money be a part of what you chase; chase your dreams, and everything else will work out.