U. THEATRE PRESENTS AWARDS

The student-directed play "Independence" carried off top Davis-Barnett Awards, and tribute was paid to the late Jane Barnett Friday night at the University Theatre's version of Oscar night.

The Black Mask Honorary Dramatic Society and the University Players Banquet, held at the Drury Lodge, annually caps the end of each theatrical season at Southeast Missouri State University. The Davis-Barnett Awards are named for Tommie Davis and Jane Barnett, two longtime supporters of the University Theatre.

"Independence," a four-actress play presented in the Theatre Lab and directed by Bob Clubbs, brought Brooke Hildebrand the Best Actress award for her portrayal of the lesbian sister Kess. Freshman Rachel Roberts also was honored as Best Supporting Actress for her role as Sherry, the rebellious youngest sister in "Independence."

Clubbs capped the virtual sweep by winning the award for Outstanding Service on a Single Production.

A graduating senior with a 3.8 GPA, Clubbs also won the Career Acting Award for outstanding commitment during his four years at Southeast.

Matthew Buttrey was recognized as Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his dancing portrayal of Tommy Djilas in "The Music Man." And Terry Vallelunga, who played Marcellus Washburn and had a heavy technical involvement in "The Music Man," received the award for Outstanding Service for an Entire Season.

Vallelunga also was the technical director for the University Players Christmas Show, "Bang! Goes Christmas," and directed the student one-act play "A Playwright's Dilemma."

No Best Actor Award was given to a student this year because faculty member Jeffrey Jackson had the lead roles in both "Ghosts Still Speak" and "The Music Man."

"Independence" had no male roles.

The Critic's Award, given to a student who has made a special contribution to the University Theatre, went to Diana Mays-Nielson. She directed the Black Mask Arts Festival production of "Animal Farm."

Stephanie Williams, an assistant director for "The Music Man" among her other involvements, won the Unsung Hero Award.

The Tommy Award, voted by the students, went to Sharon Anderson, who was the costume designer for both "Ghosts Still Speak" and "The Music Man."

Danna Dockery, who had the female lead in "The Music Man," was awarded the $1,000 Frank Loesser Music Scholarship, given to a student who shows promise in musical theater.

American College Theatre Festival awards also were announced. Don Marler won an award for his scenic design of "Independence," Sharon Anderson for her costumes in the spring 1996 production of "Rumplestiltskin," and Anne Sturtevant for her lighting design in "Rumplestiltskin."

New members of the Black Mask Honorary Dramatic Society tapped were Kim Westrich, Stephanie Williams, Jessica Nelms, Sharon Anderson, Matthew Buttrey and Jennifer Bush.

Dr. Donald Schulte paid tribute to the late Jane Barnett, the longtime University Theatre booster who died in April.

"She was what I have always thought of as delightfully exotic," said Schulte in recalling their meeting 30 years ago.

"You might have expected to find her in Greenwich Village or on the Left Bank of Paris, but decidedly not on the west bank of the Mississippi."

Barnett, said Schulte, embodied her own "acceptance of the diversity of the world. She would welcome our homage in any individual way we would choose."

DAVIS-BARNETT AWARDS NOMINATIONS

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

*Liz Evans as Martha in "Ghosts Still Speak"

*Jessica Nelms as Evelyn in "Independence"

*Rachel Roberts as Sherry in "Independence"

*Rachel Roberts as Zanetta Shinn in "The Music Man"

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

*Matthew Buttrey as Tommy Djilas in "The Music Man"

*Bob Clubbs as Mayor Shinn in "The Music Man"

*Don Marler as Mathias Speed in "Ghosts Still Speak"

*Terry Vallelunga as Marcellus Washburn in "The Music Man"

* George Aplin, Neal Boyd, Matthew Kiesling, Scott Krietemeyer as the School Beoard Members in "The Music Man"

Outstanding Service - production

*Sharon Anderson as costume designer for "Ghosts Still Speak"

*Bob Clubbs as director for "Independence"

*Don Marler as scenic designer for "Independence"

*Terry Vallelunga as actor/technician for "The Music Man"

*Kim Westrich as assistant director for "Ghosts Still Speak"

*Stephanie Williams, Heather Marsh as assistant directors for "The Music Man"

*Sharon Anderson, stephanie Williams, Jen Maine as costume/make-up designers and coordinators for "The Music Man"

Outstanding Service - season

*Sharon Anderson

*Matthew Buttrey

*Brooke Hildebrand

*Heather Marsh

*April Scott

*Terry Vallelunga

Best Actress in a Leading Role

*Danna Dockery as Marian Paroo in "The Music Man"

*Brooke Hildebrand as Kess in "Independence"

*Megwyn Sanders as Spirit in "Ghosts Still Speak"

*Bonnie Thornhill as Pam in "Ghosts Still Speak"

*Kathryn Waterhout as Karen in "Ghosts Still Speak"

*Jessica Wilson as Jo in "Independence"

Tommy Award

*Sharon Anderson

*Stephanie Williams

*Matthew Buttrey

*Don Marler