MCC Theatre and Film Arts Students (L to R): Lily Gastelum (Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Story Theatre); and, Steven May (Best Sound Design, Eurydice).
MESA, Ariz. -- September 20, 2018 – Mesa Community College Theatre and Film Arts Department students earned awards and recognition for their talent at the 28th annual ariZoni Awards of Theatre Excellence held at the Tempe Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 17.
The ariZoni awards promote the visibility, cooperation and growth of theatre in the Valley and are dedicated to recognizing excellence in theatrical performances, as well as individuals who produce exceptional work in all aspects of theatre.
Kevin Dressler, MCC Theatre & Film Arts performance faculty said, “What I am happiest about is that essentially every facet of our program received nominations by the ariZoni Awards of Theatre Excellence. This includes faculty, staff and professional guest artists, but most of all, we’re pleased by the recognition our students received.”
Top honors went to Lily Gastelum for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for "Story Theatre" and, to Steven May for Best Sound Design for "Eurydice."
Five other high-caliber MCC Theater & Film Arts students were recognized through nominations for ariZoni Awards of Theatre Excellence in multiple categories.
MCC’s production of "Eurydice" was nominated for Best Overall Play with guest artist David Barker receiving nominations for Best Director and Best Choreography.
MCC Theatre and Fim Arts Students (L to R): Lily Gastelum, Tu Nguyen, Steven May, Omar Aguilar, Jared Kitch, Aaron Roberts (Missing: Louis Ponesse).
Student honors for "Eurydice" include:
Jared Kitch for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Omar Aguilar for Best Costume Design
Tu Nguyen for Best Hair & Makeup Design
Aaron Roberts and Louis Ponesseas a team for Best Scenic Design
Two nominations were received for "Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play":
Jeff Thomson, guest artist, for Best Scenic Design
Jeffrey Parulski, MCC staff member, for Best Sound Design
Kevin Dressler, MCC Theatre & Film Arts, was nominated for Best Director for "Story Theatre."
MCC students were coached through 2017-2018 season productions by MCC Theatre & Film Arts Department staff Kara Thomson, design faculty; Kevin Dressler, performance faculty; Addy Diaz, Costume Shop supervisor and adjunct faculty; Chris Tubilewicz, production manager; Stephanie Salem, technical director/Scene Shop supervisor; and, Jeff Parulski, lighting and sound supervisor.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to higher education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Renowned faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and nationally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of 10 colleges comprising the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.
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