University Of The Arts Theater Faculty And Alumni Earn 2009 Barrymore Noms

Faculty and alumni from the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts at the University of the Arts earned almost a dozen nominations for Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theater when the slate for the 15th annual event honoring Philadelphia's best stage productions was announced recently at the University's Caplan Center.

Ben Dibble '00 (Theater Arts), who earned the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia's 2006 F. Otto Haas Award for an Emerging Philadelphia Theatre Artist, earned further recognition, garnering two nominations as outstanding leading actor in a musical. Dibble played Candide in "Candide" (Arden Theatre Company) and Leo Bloom in "The Producers" (Walnut Street Theater).

Other alumni nominees include Erin Weaver '02 (Theater Arts) for outstanding supporting actress in a musical for her turn as Invasia Loosestrife in "Cinderella" (People's Light & Theatre Company); Megan Nicole O'Brien '04 (Theater Management and Production) for outstanding direction of a musical for "Avenue X" (11th Hour Theatre Company); Pete Pryor '90 (Theater Arts) for outstanding direction of a musical for "Cinderella" (People's Light & Theatre Company); and faculty member and alumna Jennifer Childs '90 (Theater Arts), a founding member of 1812 Productions with Pryor, was nominated for outstanding new play as one of the writers of "This is the Week That Is: The Election Special!" (1812 Productions).

University of the Arts Theater Arts Senior Lecturer Scott Greer also earned two nominations: outstanding lead actor in a play for his turn as Dale Wiston in "Something Intangible" (Arden Theatre Company), and outstanding leading actor in a musical for his portrayal of Voltaire/Pangloss in "Candide" (Arden Theatre Company).

Other faculty nominees include Theater Arts Assistant Professor and Dance Adjunct Assistant Professor Dr. Patricia Raine for outstanding direction in a musical for "Thoroughly Modern Millie" (Media Theatre); Dance and Theater Arts Adjunct Assistant Professor Karen Cleighton '04 (Dance Education) for outstanding choreography/ movement for "Thoroughly Modern Millie" (Media Theatre); Theater Arts Senior Lecturer Eric Ebbenga for outstanding music direction for "Grey Gardens" (Philadelphia Theatre Company); and Theater Arts Adjunct Assistant Forrest McClendon for outstanding supporting actor in a musical for playing Roscoe in "Avenue X" (11th Hour Theatre Company).

Nominations were spread among more than 140 actors, directors and designers representing 25 companies and over 33 productions. Produced by the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, the award show will be held October 15, 2009, at the Walnut Street Theatre. Named after Philadelphia's legendary Barrymore family, the awards have recognized and celebrated Philadelphia theaters and artists since its inception in 1994. Each year, over 100 productions, produced by local professional theatres, are reviewed by the Barrymore voting committee. Since 1995, the Barrymore Awards have recognized 58 organizations, 526 productions and 750 artists for the excellence and vitality that they have brought to Greater Philadelphia.

The University of the Arts is the nation's first and only university dedicated to the visual, performing and communication arts. Its 2,400 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs on its campus in the heart of Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts. The institution's roots as a leader in educating creative individuals date back to 1868.

 

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