SU Theatre Students Receive Honors

Monday March 1, 2021

Two actors in a scene SALISBURY, MD---The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many live performances to a halt.

While these setbacks have been felt by Salisbury University, its Music, Theatre and Dance Department not only has continued live theatre performances, but has done so in award-winning fashion.

For the fourth time, the University’s Bobbi Biron Theatre Program has been recognized by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (ACTF), Region 2.

SU’s production of The Baltimore Waltz was invited to be shown as a participating production. Adjudicators lauded SU’s students and faculty for their creative process and use of cutting-edge technology to continue the performances virtually.

Partnering with Tláloc López-Watermann, founder of Light Conversations, a lighting and video design company based in New York, the production used a new software platform, StreamWeaver, which networks all of the performers systems together, solving many logistical issues. SU’s technical team was even able to control theatrical lights, which were delivered to the actors’ residences.

SU senior theatre major Georgia Fried of Rhodesdale, MD earned a regional award for her scenic design, while alumna Natasha Hawkins of Bowie, MD won for her dramaturgical work on Everybody, a production from earlier in the fall. Their work will advance to the national competition.

Senior political science major Brandon Lill of Brookeville, MD received two awards for his participation in a 10-minute play for outstanding performance and as part of the outstanding ensemble in a full-length production. An ACTF tradition, the short play was produced and shared at the festival, with Lill auditioning and being cast there. Rehearsals took place over just five days.

The Bobbi Biron Theatre Program continues to deliver live virtual performances this spring, with Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information Thursday-Sunday, March 25-28.

For more information on the Music, Theatre and Dance Department and its virtual productions call 410-548-5588 or visit the SU website.