Gardner-Webb University Theatre Nominated for Eight Metrolina Theatre Awards

Last Modified: 05/21/2012

Program has Racked Up 40 Nominations, 11 Awards since 2004

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— Gardner-Webb University has been nominated for eight Metrolina Theatre Association awards (MTA) this year for its performances in 2010-11.  Awards for the winners will be presented on Saturday evening, Oct. 9, at the Omni Charlotte Hotel in Charlotte, N.C. 

Gardner-Webb Theatre’s production of “Three Sisters” was nominated for the following awards:

 

• Christopher R. Keene – Outstanding Set Design
• Christopher R. Keene – Outstanding Properties Design
• Jonathan Banner and Jared Bass – Outstanding Special Technical Effect (projections)

 

Gardner-Webb’s musical “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” a joint production by the Gardner-Webb Theatre and Music programs, received the following nominations:

• Max Sandberg (Lawrence) – Outstanding Lead Actor – Male
• Brittany Infranco (Page Girl with Sign) – Outstanding Cameo
• Christopher R. Keene – Outstanding Properties Design
• Dr. Patricia Sparti (conductor) and Dr. Susan Ali (vocal coach) – Outstanding Musical Direction/Conducting
• Kenzie Conner – Outstanding Choreography

 

Christopher Keene, technical director for the GWU Theatre Program, said the nominations prove that Gardner-Webb’s Theatre Program is operating on par with other, larger theatre programs in the state. “In terms of the quality of our productions, we are very competitive in our region, and that speaks to the great work our students are able to produce,” he said.

Of his own nominations, Keene said, “It is a thrill to be nominated, especially because theatre is a collaborative effort.  All our nominees would tell you the same thing—it takes so many hands, so many minds, to bring these ideas to the stage.  I couldn’t do any of this without my assistant technical director Matt Marlowe, and all our great student workers.” 

Keene also shared glowing remarks about the benefit the Metrolina Theatre Association offers programs in this region.  “The MTA has created this network so that we can be aware of and celebrate all the great work our colleagues are doing in other areas,” he said. Keene credits the MTA with offering students unique access to the professional theatre guild even before they truly become professionals. “It’s a neat thing for our students to get to know people from other programs who will be their colleagues in a few years.” 

Since 2004, the GWU Theatre Program has now received 40 MTA award nominations for eleven different productions.  Of the 40 nominations, the program has received 11 MTA awards.

The MTA represents over 50 theatrical organizations along with hundreds of other artists, directors and producers in and around the Charlotte, N.C. area.  For more information, visit metrolinatheatre.org.

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Press Release Contact:

Noel T. Manning, II Director for University Relations and Chief Communications Officer (704) 406-4631 ntmanning@gardner-webb.edu	Paul Foster Assistant Director for University Relations (704) 406-3221 pfoster@gardner-webb.edu
Matt Walters Assistant Director for Executive Communications (704) 406-2237 mbwalters@gardner-webb.edu	Mark Houser Senior Communications Specialist (704) 406-4637 mahouser@gardner-webb.edu