Hartt School Alumnus Nominated For A New York Innovative Theater Award

Hartt School alumnus Steve French has been nominated for a New York Innovative Theatre Award (IT Awards) for Outstanding Actor in a Lead Role for his work in STILL THE RIVER RUNS, which was produced by Zootopia Theatre Company. The nominees were announced on July 20, 2009, at a sold-out event attended by more than 500 artists and guests. Nominees include 142 individual artists, 49 different productions and 38 theatre companies. The awards will be presented at a ceremony on September 21st.

The New York Innovative Theatre Awards are given annually to honor individuals and organizations who have achieved artistic excellence in Off-Off- Broadway theatre. Celebrating its 5th year, the New York IT Awards recognizes the unique and essential role Off-Off- Broadway plays in contributing to American and global culture, and believes that publicly recognizing excellence in Off-Off- Broadway theatre will expand audience awareness and appreciation of the full New York theatre experience. For more information about the New York Innovative Theatre Awards visit www.nyitawards.com.

French, a 2003 graduate of The Hartt School's Actor Training program, currently is appearing in CAMELOT with Goodspeed Musicals. When speaking about his experience in STULL THE RIVER RUNS, Steve said, "I guess because the subject matter was so serious, Jaron [Farnham] and I prepared for each performance of this two-man show by dancing around to the Queen Song, ‘Don't Stop Me Now', which played over the theatre's [sic] speakers."

The Hartt School is the comprehensive performing arts conservatory of the University of Hartford that offers innovative degree programs in music, dance, and theatre. With more than 400 concerts, recitals, plays, master classes, dance performances, and musical theatre productions a year, performance is central to Hartt's curriculum. For more information on The Hartt School, visit www.hartford.edu/hartt.

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