Catawba College's Theatre Arts Department is the recipient of the North Carolina Theatre Conference's 2013 College/University Award in part for its outstanding work in producing alumni who go on to enjoy successful careers in the theatre industry.
The award was presented to Catawba's Theatre Arts Department Chair, Professor Chris Zink, by NCTC Board member, Stacey Boone, prior to a Feb. 28th performance of "The Outrageous Dance Project," a collaboration between Catawba College's Theatre Arts Department and Ballet Pensacola of Pensacola, Florida, in Keppel Auditorium on campus.
NCTC Executive Director Angie Hays explained why Catawba was chosen to receive this award:
"The Catawba College Theatre Department focuses on intensive theatrical training, combined with progressive liberal studies, educating students who are ready to adapt to the demands of the ever-changing theatrical world. Serving as a leader in the N.C. theatre community, Catawba College's Blue Masque is active in the NCTC Fundraising Partner Program, and the college is a Scholarship Partner for the NCTC State High School Play Festival (awarding $160,000 in scholarships at the Play Festival over the last three years).
"Catawba's faculty achievements are immense and the theatre department continues to produce alumni who go on to successful careers in the theatre industry. Notable alumni include Mia Self '92 (assistant professor theatre at Lenoir-Rhyne University and V.P. of the NCTC Board), Justin Dionne '07 (managing artistic director of Lee Street Theatre in Salisbury) and Mike Wiley '96 (playwright/producer and founder of Mike Wiley Productions)," Hayes continued. "We congratulate Department Chair Christopher Zink and the theatre arts faculty and students for this outstanding honor!"
The last time Catawba received the NCTC's College/University Award was in 1995. By receiving the award twice, in 1995 and 2013, Catawba joins an elite group of colleges and universities that are two-time award recipients, including Greensboro College, Wake Forest University and UNC Greensboro.
Each year, the NCTC Board of Directors presents the NCTC Awards to companies, schools, and individuals that have exhibited leadership roles in their community, as well as artistic, professional, or educational excellence. The Board of Directors is a group of statewide volunteers who represent the theatre community and serve on behalf of some of the state's most prominent organizations and schools.
The North Carolina Theatre Conference is the statewide service organization and professional association for the theatre industry. The NCTC membership includes middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities, professional and community theatres, individual artists and arts supporters. NCTC produces numerous events each year including the NCTC High and Middle School Play Festivals, NCTC College Discovery Day and the NCTC Producing gathering. Each year, the Board of Directors presents the NCTC Awards to companies, schools, and individuals that have exhibited leadership roles in their community, as well as artistic, professional, or educational excellence. Visit www.nctc.org to learn more about NCTC or contact Angie Hays, Executive Director, at angelahays@nctc.org or (336) 369-1884
