With great pride, URTA announces the recipients of the 2023 Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Training. The awards recognize outstanding work of undergraduate instructors, coaches, and mentors, as well as institutions, for excellence in the training and preparation of undergraduate theatre artists.
This year’s award recipients are:

Individuals

• Acting – Assistant Professor Amelia McClain, University of Evansville
• Costume Design & Technology – Assistant Professor Whitney Locher, Oakland University
• Projection/Media Design – Associate Professor Peggy Mead-Finizio, Saginaw Valley State University
• Scenic Design & Technology –Professor Linda Roethke, Northwestern University
• Technical Direction – Assistant Professor Nolan O’Dell, and Associate Professor Reid Parker, East Carolina University

Institutions

• Acting – Temple University
• Design & Technology – University of Texas at El Paso

URTA acknowledges the vital contribution of these instructors and institutions; furnishing undergraduates with the essential skills needed to prepare for advanced theatre training, and ultimately to take their place in the profession.

The two institutions, Temple University and University of Texas at El Paso, will receive Candidate Awards, providing free registration for the URTAs to a student of their choice.

Awardees will be honored at a reception during the URTA Auditions & Interviews in January.

“URTA is once again thrilled to highlight the outstanding work and commitment to their students shown by these instructors and their institutions. In this, its fifth year, the URTA Excellence Award has become one of the most highly regarded awards of its kind. And this group of honorees could not be more deserving of it,” said URTA Executive Director, Tony Hagopian.

Each year, nearly 1,000 candidates pursuing graduate training in theatre take part in the URTA Auditions & Interviews (“the URTAs”). The event also includes classes, workshops, and panel discussions on theatre topics of interest to both candidates and recruiters.

The University Resident Theatre Association was founded in 1969 with the mission of supporting excellence in theatre training. Fifty years later, URTA is still setting the stage for professional training, emerging theatre artists, and professional advancement. To learn more about URTA and its programs and services, visit
urta.com.
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