23rd Annual Merritt Awards for Excellence in Design and Collaboration Set for 5/16

The 23rd Annual Merritt Awards for Excellence in Design and Collaboration will take place on Monday, May 16th, at Loyola University Chicago. 5:00pm-10:00pm

Nationally-known Sound Designer and Composer Michael Bodeen will receive the 2016 Merritt Award.

"At a time when other national awards have marginalized the contributions of Sound Design the Merritts are thrilled to be celebrating the career of Sound Designer and Composer Michael Bodeen." - The Michael Merritt Awards Committee

Set Designer Scott Davis, Master Electrician Jeff Glass, and Goodman Audio Supervisor David Naunton will receive major awards in addition to student and exhibition prizes.

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The Michael Merritt Awards And Endowment Fund Honor The Memory Of A Brilliant Designer And Inspirational Teacher. The Michael Merritt Award, A National Award Unique In Its Emphasis On Excellence In Both Design And Collaboration, Has Been Presented Annually Since 1994 To Outstanding Professional Theatrical Designers. The Endowment Fund Recognizes And Encourages The Work Of Young Professionals And Students Through A National Design Exposition And Prizes To Promising Theatrical Design Students.

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The Merritt Awards thanks the theatre community for its ongoing support and Loyola University Department of Fine and Performing Arts for hosting. We hope the theatre professionals, students and the public will join us for this exciting celebration of our collaborative art form.

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Tickets

Student - $ 5.00

General Admission - $ 20.00

Book tickets online at merrittawards.com

General Public is welcome.

Food, wine and beer are included in the ticket price. Funds go to support the awards endowment fund.

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Schedule:

THEATRE DESIGN EXPOSITION
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Showcasing the works of Chicago-area emerging theatrical designers and graduating design students from Chicago's best theatrical design programs and attended by many of Chicago's artistic directors, production managers, and industry professionals.

DIALOGUE WITH THE DESIGNERS
7:00-8:00 p.m.
A discussion moderated by Hedy Weiss featuring the award recipients exploring current issues of interest to professional and student designers.

AWARDS PRESENTATION AND CELEBRATION
8:15-8:45 p.m.
Presentation of The Michael Maggio Emerging Designer Award, the four academic prize recipients, the Prizes for Best Exhibit,The Emerging Technical Collaborator Award, The Robert Christen Award for Excellence in Technical Collaboration, and The Michael Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration.

Food, wine, beer and fellowship until 10:00 p.m.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Lighting Design - Top 3

1. Jen Schriever, Michael Arden - The Lost Boys

30.4% of votes

2. Kevin Adams - Chess

15.5% of votes

3. Jack Knowles - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

7.6% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats