WWU Theatre Program Gives End-of-Year-Awards

5/16/2012 Mary Ann Beahon
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The William Woods University theatre program recently held its annual achievement night, awarding students for their academic and production achievements for the 2011-2012 theatre season.

Jason Cavallone of Chicago, Ill., won the "Most Contribution to the Theatre Department" Award. This award is the highest honor the department gives to any actor, student, technician, designer or manager. The recipient is the person who best exemplifies all aspects of the theatre department, including leadership, loyalty, talent and a high GPA.
 
Joe Potter, assistant professor of performing arts, said what made Cavallone stand out among his peers was his "academic standing, followed by his quiet and effective leadership and his constancy of purpose."
 
Cavallone was also awarded "Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role" for his performance as Salieri in "Amadeus." Kassaundra Davidson of Roseau, Minn., was awarded "Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role" for her performance as Emily in "Our Town."
 
Alumna Lindsey Hux of Fulton, Mo., won "Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role" for her role as Mrs. Gibbs in "Our Town." Drew Arnett of Columbia, Mo., won "Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role" for his role as Amadeus in "Amadeus."
 
Known as the WWU Theatre Guild Awards, Best Actor and Actress honors, along with Best Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role, are determined by a group of faculty, staff and community members.
 
Using criteria set forth by the theatre department and the guild, directors from each main stage production submit nominees for the awards, and the guild then votes on them. Students are not allowed to vote.
 
The Outstanding Achievement in Theatre Award was presented to Dustin Z. West of Kansas City, Mo. This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional mainstage artistry in some capacity far beyond the requirements of the production.
 
Describing West's achievement, Potter said, "He demonstrated a tireless work ethic to the department and the performing arts."
 
Certificates of Achievement were awarded to Katherine Carney of St. Peters, Mo., for her stage management on "Amadeus," Joey Merlotti of St. Louis, Mo., for his sound design on "Amadeus," and Maddie Meyer of St. Charles, Mo., for her properties management on "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940."
 
Meyer, along with other non-theatre major seniors Amanda Almich of Granby, Mo., and Gillian Tracey of Spring, Texas, were awarded the "Technical Theatre Extraordinaire" award for their outstanding contributions, achievements and dedication to the department.
 
Carney, Cavallone and Paige Runge of St. Louis, Mo., were all recognized for winning theatre portfolio awards.
 
Runge and Cavallone were also awarded "Best Actress" and "Best Actor" for the Jesters Club. These awards were presented by Jesters sponsor, Melissa Alpers-Springer. Other Jesters award recipients were T.J Green of Brandon, Miss., for "Best Technical" and Maggie Hunter of Columbia, Mo., for "Best Design and Management."
 
Newly initiated members of Alpha Psi Omega, theatre honor society, were recognized. In addition to Meyer, Tracey and Hunter, they are Stephen Chamineak of Hazelwood, Mo.; Jennifer Steindorf of San Diego, Calif.; and Bailey Campanini of Camdenton, Mo.
 
Productions planned for the 2012-13 theatre season were also announced. The season will include the musical "Nine to Five," "Bob, A Life in Five Acts," "Medea," and "The Cherry Sisters Revisited."
 
 "Our students work very hard and sacrifice a lot of time toward the art of theatre," Potter said. "We hope that you will buy a season ticket for next year and continue to support live theatre."  
 

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Jason Cavallone of Chicago, Ill., recipient of the "Most Contribution to the Theatre Department" at William Woods University.