THEATRE HONORS: POWERS, SOUGH ARE NAMED RECIPIENTS OF THE FIRST GRISVARD ACTING AWARDS

Southeast Missouri State University's funded acting award has a new name. As announced Friday night at the 33rd annual banquet of Black Mask Honorary Society and University Players, the recognition will now be called the "Larry Grisvard Acting Award."

Its first recipients are Doug Powers of Cape Girardeau and Jeff South of Poplar Bluff.

Grisvard, who retired last year as head of the Department of Theatre, will give the award irregularly on the basis of outstanding performances throughout a college career, making possible further study in acting.

Julie Ammerman of Florissant and Doug Pecka of Washington received the Critic's Award, nicknamed "The Judy" for Judith Ann Crow, the Southeast Missourian's theatre reviewer. The award goes for outstanding work throughout a college career.

Seven awards constitute the Davis-Barnett Series, named for it founders, the late Elaine "Tommie" Davis and Jane Barnett, former Cape Girardeau businesswomen and theatre patrons.

Named Best Actor in a Leading Role was Jay Cross of Billings, Mont., as Romeo in "Romeo and Juliet," and Best Actress in a Leading Role was Kara Cracraft of Cape Girardeau, as Luisa in "The Fantasticks."

Recognized as Best Actor in a Supporting Role was South as Mercutio in "Romeo and Juliet," and Best Actress in a Supporting Role was Sharon Wickerham of Hematite, as Nurse in "Romeo and Juliet."

Wickerham was also honored for Outstanding Service for an Entire Season.

Tapped for Outstanding Service on a Single Production was Scott Hamann of St. Peters for "The Odd Couple."

Ann Trimberger of Cape Girardeau was named Unsung Hero for her work in all phases of theatre for the year.

Not in the Davis-Barnett series, but named "The Tommie" in honor of Davis' memory, is an award voted by the students themselves rather than the professional staff and community representatives. The "Tommie" for 1990-91 went to South.