Barbara E.R. Lucas
Sightlines Editor

Nine outstanding young designers and technicians will be honored with awards during USITT's Annual Conference & Stage Expo in Louisville, Kentucky in March. The recipients were selected after an adjudication process which included jury members drawn from USITT's ranks and representatives of the individuals and companies who sponsor the awards.

Kate Wightman of the University of Texas at Austin is the winner of the KM Fabrics, Inc. Technical Production Award. Richard D. Stephens nominated Ms. Wightman, who is scheduled to graduate in May. Evaluator William Byrnes, Dean of the College of Performing & Visual Arts at Southern Utah University, noted her effective people management skills.

Peter Shiplett will receive the newly created Robert E. Cohen Sound Achievement Award. Richard K. Thomas nominated Mr. Shiplett, who is scheduled to graduate in May from Purdue University. A reviewer of his design portfolio noted "engineering basics are strong and concept/challenges are well defined."

Andrew Hungerford, winner of the USITT Lighting Design Award sponsored by Barbizon Lighting Company, is a 2005 graduate of the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. He was nominated by Chuck Hatcher.

Another Andrew, Andrew Birdzell, will be honored with the USITT Scene Design Award sponsored by Rose Brand. Anne M. Mundell nominated the Carnegie Mellon University student who is scheduled to graduate in May 2006. His work was praised as "uncluttered" and having "clear, concise imagery."

Zi Xie , also of Carnegie Mellon University, was selected for the USITT Costume Design & Technology Award sponsored by Zelma H. Weisfeld. Ms. Xie, who will receive her graduate degree in May, was nominated by Dick Block. Ms. Weisfeld noted that the winning portfolio showed "an accomplished artist, skilled in design, rendering, and production."

Daniel Lisowski will receive the USITT Frederick A. Buerki Scenic Technology Award sponsored by Bernhard Works. The candidate for May graduation from the Yale School of Drama was nominated by Bronislaw (Ben) Sammler.

Kevin Kyle, winner of the USITT Make-up Design Award sponsored by Kryolan, graduated in December 2005 from Sam Houston State University. Nominated by Kristina Hanssen, Mr. Kyle's work was noted as showing a keen understanding of specialized make-up techniques and application processes.

Hallie Stern, another student nominated by Ms. Mundell, will receive the USITT W. Oren Parker Scene Design Award sponsored by Stage Decoration & Supplies Inc. The Carnegie Mellon University student impressed adjudicators with an impressive combination of research, sketches, and production photos.

Tanase Popa is the winner of the USITT Stage Management Award sponsored by Clear-Com Intercom Systems. Pam Knourek nominated Mr. Popa, a North Carolina School of the Arts student, for the honor.

The USITT Awards for Young Designers & Technicians in the Performing Arts will be presented as part of the All-Conference Reception and Fellows Address beginning at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, March 30 in Marriott's Marriott Ballroom as part of the 2006 Annual Conference & Stage Expo in Louisville, Kentucky.

Since its inception in 1995, with the first KM Fabrics, Inc. Technical Production Award presented by Richard Heusel, the YD&T program has grown to include two fully-funded awards and seven others whose sponsors provide financial support to continue this outstanding program.

In addition to a cash prize, award winners receive complimentary Conference registration and have an opportunity to meet and discuss their work with the award sponsors and adjudicators.

A complete list of YD&T winners from the past 10 years is available here. Applications for the 2007 awards will be available later in 2006.

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