SOUTHEAST DRAMA STUDENTS RECEIVE AWARDS

Members of the University Theatre inducted into Black Mask Honorary Dramatic Society were, from left, David Schneider, Kathryn Waterhout, Rachel Roberts, Megwyn Sanders and Scott Mercer.

The graduating seniors fought off tears and senior Terry Vallulunga's words prompted more in the audience during last weekend's Black Mask Honorary Dramatic Society Banquet at the Drury Lodge.

Graduating seniors traditionally make a short speech at the banquet and often have a difficult time getting through the heartfelt thank-yous. Members of the faculty sometimes have the same trouble.

Vallelunga, who won the Career Acting Award later in the night, likened his years at Southeast to Dorothy's journey in "The Wizard of Oz," and members of the faculty to characters in the movie. His apt comparisons of Dr. Donald Schulte to the Wizard, Dennis Seyer to the Scarecrow, Dr. Robert W. Dillon Jr. to the Tin Man and Dr. Sharon Bebout-Carr to the uncowardly Cowardly Lion produced one of the best moments of the season.

Thankfully, there was comic relief: The Golden Bricks distributed to those performers whose gaffes were memorable.

Jessica Nelms was named Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her multiple roles in "Henry IV, Part I." The other nominees were Kara Cracraft as Kristina in "Miss Julie," Regina Hagen as Clang-A-Lang in "The Emperor's New Clothes," Rachel Roberts as Lady Mortimer in "Henry IV, Part I," and Kathryn Waterhout as Lady Percy in "Henry IV, Part I."

The cup for Best Actor in a Supporting Role went to Jason Merkler as Ding-A-Ling in "The Emperor's New Clothes." Merkler is the great-nephew of Tommie Davis, who with her partner Jane Barnett originated the awards.

Other nominees were Tim Medlock for multiple roles in "Henry IV, Part I" and Scott Mercer as Koco-Loco in "The Emperor's New Clothes." Merkler also was nominated as Owen Glendower in "Henry IV, Part I."

The Best Actress in a Leading Role award went to Rachel Roberts, who played Miss Julie. Brooke Hildebrand as Ying in "The Emperor's New Clothes" and Jessica Wilson as Yang in "The Emperor's New Clothes" also were nominated.

Steve Ruppel was named Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Prince Hal in "Henry IV, Part I." The other nominees were Alden Field as Jean in "Miss Julie" and Marcus Stephens as Hotspur in "Henry IV, Part I."

Lighting designer April Scott won the award for Outstanding Service for an Entire Season, and also won the Tommie Award, which is voted on by the University Players. Scott will pursue a master's degree in lighting design at the University of Nebraska.

The award for Outstanding Service on a Single Production went to Christine Beardslee, box office manager for "The Emperor's New Clothes." Other nominees were: Sharon Anderson, costume designer, "Henry IV, Part I"; Julia Alford, assistant director, "Miss Julie"; Jennifer Bush, production stage manager, "The Emperor's New Clothes"; Latesha Mercer, dance captain, "Miss Julie"; April Scott, lighting designer, "The Emperor's New Clothes"; Terry Vallelunga, fight captain, "Henry IV, Part I"; Kim Westrich, production stage manager, "Henry IV, Part I"; and Stephanie Williams, costume designer, "The Emperor's New Clothes."

The Critic's Award, nicknamed The Judy for longtime Southeast Missourian reviewer Judy Crow, went to Brooke Hildebrand, a graduating senior. Hildebrand will pursue a master's degree in drama at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill.

Anne Branscum won the UnSung Heroine award.

Brooke Hildebrand and Scott Mercer were announced as regional finalists for the Irene Ryan Awards, named for the actress who played Granny on "The Beverly Hillbillies."

The competition requires them to perform at a festival next winter in order to advance to the national level.

Danna Dockery, Scott Mercer, Kathryn Waterhout, Megwyn Sanders, Rachel Roberts and Dave Schneider were inducted into Black Mask.

Most of next year's theater schedule is unsettled. An exception is the musical comedy "Sugar," which will be presented in November. "Sugar" is the musical adaptation of the film "Some Like It Hot."