DOUBLE AWARDS, TIES SPARK DRAMA AWARDS

Double awards and ties were in the mix Saturday night when drama awards were handed out at the annual Black Mask/University Players banquet, based on work done during the 1993-94 theatre season of Southeast Missouri State University.

Scott Hamann of St. Peters received not only the Critic's Award ("the Judy") for achievements during his entire college career, but also was recognized for Outstanding Service on a Single Production for directing and designing for "Never in My Lifetime."

Dan Akre of Minneapolis, Minn., tied with himself for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his portrayals as the Steward and Al Cleveland in "Very Good Eddie" and as Mel in "Zara Spook and Other Lures."

Tying as Best Actor in a Leading Role were Alden Field of Sikeston for playing Tom in "Never in My Lifetime" and George Kralemann of Jackson for enacting Eddie Kettle in "Very Good Eddie."

Best Actress in a Supporting Role was Tina Schaefer of St. Louis as Miss Trunchbull in "Matilda."

The Tommie Award went to Dennis C. Seyer, associated professor of speech, communication and theatre. It's an award given by the students to someone they feel has helped them in the past year.

Diana Mays of Oran received the award for Outstanding Service for an Entire Season.

Named as Best Actress in a Leading Role was Heather Lewis as Ramona in "Zara Spook and Other Lures."

April Johns of Barnhart won the Unsung Hero accolade.

Except for the Critic's Award, which is named for Judith Ann Crow, the Missourian's theatre reviewer, all the awards are in the long-established Davis-Barnett series, initiated by Cape Girardeau Businesswomen, Jane Barnett (now retired) and Elaine "Tommie" Davis.