Spotlight: Catching Up with Cece Donathan

As a young artist living in New York City, Cece Donathan wears many hats – actor, singer, dancer, model. Growing up in Springfield, Cece became interested in the performing arts at a young age and was fortunate to have access to numerous performance opportunities and strong mentors. On August 16, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. she is returning to her hometown to examine her roots and share the story of her journey by presenting her original piece “Odes to Origins: A Personal Cabaret” at The Grant Conservatory of Music and Dance, 501 West Elliott Avenue.    

Theater runs in Cece’s blood. Her parents, Greg and Elizabeth Casey Donathan met while performing in a dinner theater in Indiana. Liz grew up in Springfield and is one of eight Casey siblings, all of whom attended Christ the King for grade school. Liz went on to major in vocal performance at the University of Illinois. Greg graduated from Ball State University in Indiana with a degree in social work, but has always been heavily involved in theater. In the Casey family tradition, Cece attended Christ the King through 8th grade. After she graduated from Sacred Heart Griffin High School in 2019, Cece followed in her dad’s footsteps to Ball State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in the highly competitive Musical Theatre major. According to Ball State, approximately 1,500 applicants audition each year from across the country, with 20-22 students being offered admission to the program. As Cece notes, “participating in local theater in Springfield and being a member of the Springfield Ballet Company (now Copper Coin Ballet) prepared me well for the auditions.” Cece certainly was a staple in local theater for years before leaving to attend college. This included dancing Clara in the Springfield Ballet Company’s Nutcracker and participating in many shows at the Muni and with Springfield Youth Performance Group (SYPG). One of Cece’s Muni highlights was playing Wendy in Peter Pan in 2019. Another especially exciting Muni appearance was the 2016 production of White Christmas when Cece was able to share the stage with her mom and dad as well as with several of her fellow dancers from the Springfield Ballet Company. 

After college Cece’s career path took her to New York City. She arrived in the Big Apple on a one-way ticket, with two suitcases, and rented a room with strangers. Her first paid gig was one that she never imagined. One of her friends from school had a mother working for a romance novel publisher in the City. One day, there was a photography shoot planned for a book cover and the original female model was unable to attend. At the last minute, they asked Cece if she would come and fill in and she did. Cece now appears on two romance novel covers – Christy Caryle’s The Duke and Lady Scandal and Megan Frampton’s The Devil’s Charm. 

To help pay the bills, Cece also works as a substitute teacher at a local Catholic school, a position she has held for 2 years. After arriving in New York, Cece was on a walk around her neighborhood when she noticed the school. Cece went back to her apartment, researched the school, and found the principal’s email address. She emailed the principal, met with her that same week, and started subbing the following Monday. She enjoys teaching, and the sub position allows her the flexibility to audition for shows and pursue her dream in the big city – a city she loves. When asked what she likes about New York, Cece exclaims, “Everything. It feels constantly buzzing and it doesn’t get old, I’m always learning and excited about each new day.”

Cece admits that while she loves New York she misses her family and the community in Springfield. She also acknowledges that so much of who she is and her foundation is grounded in her time in Springfield, which provided the inspiration for Odes to Origins. Like so many in our community, Cece understands the importance of giving back and knows the benefits of mentoring. She is in town next week, August 4^th through 8^th, to run a youth theatre arts camp for children ages 7 to 13 at The Grant Conservatory. 

To reserve a seat at Odes to Origins on August 16^th, please email odestoorigins@gmail.com.

To follow Cece’s career, please visit www.cecedonathan.com.