Costume creations, such as that at left for Boesman & Lena impressed the adjudication panel and helped Nadine Grant to become the winner of the 2009 USITT Costume Design and Technology Award sponsored by Zelma H. Weisfeld.

After a lengthy adjudication process, 10 outstanding young designers and technicians were selected from over 60 individuals nominated for USITT's Awards for Young Designer & Technicians in the Performing Arts. The winners will be honored during USITT's 49th Annual Conference & Stage Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio in March.

Each award was recommended by jury members drawn from USITT's ranks along with representatives of the individuals and companies who sponsor the awards,

• Mary Weber of Indiana University is the winner of the KM Fabrics, Inc. Technical Production Award. Paul Brunner nominated Ms. Weber, who is scheduled to graduate in May. Fritz Schwentker, commented on Ms. Weber's "depth in the skills for technical directior" and was "impressed with the depth and care which she takes toward the process." Mr. Brunner won the KM award in 2001.
  
  
• Corrine Carrillo will receive the Robert E. Cohen Sound Achievement Award. Vincent Olivieri nominated Ms. Carrillo, who is scheduled to graduate in June from the University of California, Irvine. One adjudicator describes her work as "very engaging and clearly indicates her capability to create what she envisions."
  
  
• Catherine Girardi, winner of the USITT Lighting Design Award sponsored by Barbizon, will be graduating from the University of Tennessee in May. Ms. Girardi was nominated by Kenton Yeager. Richard Dunham made this comment, "She has a gift for pulling the performers out from the rest of the stage and sculpting them within the space."
  
  
• Arnond Bueso will be honored with the USITT Scene Design Award sponsored by Rose Brand. Michael Lincoln nominated the Ohio University student who is scheduled to graduate in June. John Iacovelli praised Mr. Bueso's designs "as strong and shows a confident designer at work."
  
  
• A. W. Nadine Grant, a student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, was selected for the USITT Costume Design and Technology Award sponsored by Zelma H. Weisfeld. Ms. Grant who will receive her degree in May, was nominated by Cynthia Stofiel. Ms. Weisfeld based her decision on "excellent designs …her philosophy and….presentation of a variety of produced works."
  
  
• John McCullough will receive the USITT Frederick A. Buerki Scenic Technology Award sponsored by Bernhard R. Works. John is a candidate for May graduation from the Yale School of Drama. Mr. McCullough was nominated by Ben Sammler who will be receiving the 2009 USITT Distinguished Achievement in Technical Production Award. Mr. Sammler also nominated last year's winner in this category.
  
  
• Ming-Yen Ho, winner of the USITT Makeup Design Award sponsored by Kryolan, will graduate in May from the North Carolina School of the Arts. Nominated by Michael Meyer, Ms. Ho was noted as having a "very strong point of view with innovative imagery."
  
  
• Ryan Wineinger is the winner of the USITT W. Oren Parker Scene Design Award sponsored by Stage Decoration & Supplies, Inc. The University of North Carolina School of the Arts student will graduate in May. Mr. Wineinger impressed adjudicators with his "highly evocative and dramatically powerful" designs. He was nominated by Frank Colavecchia who is receiving the 2009 USITT Distinguished Achievement in Scenic Design Award.
  
  
• E.J. Wilson is the recipient of the USITT Stage Management Award sponsored by Clear-Com. Emily Gill nominated Mr. Wilson, who will graduate in May from the University of Montavello. One adjudicator was impressed with Mr. Wilsons "amazing innate talent."
  
  
• Andy Baker will receive the USITT Undergraduate Lighting Design Award sponsored by Stage Technology. The candidate for May graduation from Otterbein College was nominated by Rob Johnson. Richard Dunham commented on Mr. Bakers "natural ability to see effective compositions in light."

The USITT Awards for Young Designers & Technicians in the Performing Arts will be presented at the All Conference Reception, Fellows Address, and Awards for Young Designers & Technicians, Thursday, March 19, 6:15 p.m., in the Duke Energy Convention Center's Grand Ballroom as part of USITT's 49th Annual Conference & Stage Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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.

Applications for the 2010 award will be available later in 2009.

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