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Outstanding KU theatre and film students honored in ceremonies
LAWRENCE — Outstanding students in the Department of Theatre and Film at the University of Kansas were honored with awards and scholarships recently.
The annual Stage Supper, which recognizes theatre students, was held May 11 on the Crafton-Preyer Theatre stage. The Film Fiesta and “Tensie” Awards presentation was May 18 at Oldfather Studios.
At the Stage Supper, Steve Ferrell, a graduating senior from Topeka, and Justin Knudsen, a graduating senior from Lakeville, Minn., shared the Kilty Kane, the department’s highest honor. Named for actor Jerome Kilty, who brought the prop for a production of “Henry IV” in 1957, the Kilty Kane is awarded to a student leaving the theatre program who has contributed the most to the University Theatre.
Popular actor Paul Rudd, who attended KU in the late 1980s, was awarded the Alumni Honor Citation in recognition of his work in films and television. Raised in Overland Park, Rudd came to KU to major in theatre. Discovering he wasn’t overly fond of academics, Rudd left to enroll at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts-West in Los Angeles. His film credits include “Clueless,” “The Object of My Affection,” “The Cider House Rules,” “The Shape of Things,” “Night at the Museum,” “200 Cigarettes,” William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and “Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers.” His television series credits include “Sisters” in 1992-93 and “Friends” in 2002-04.
Two departmental Awards of Merit were announced for Janice Carlisle, professor of English at Yale University, and the family and friends of Sean Ryan, a KU student from Lansing who was killed in an automobile accident in April 2006.
Carlisle was honored for “extraordinary support of graduate study in theatre” at KU in recognition of her establishment of the Joseph R. Roach Dissertation Research Award in honor of her husband, Joseph R. Roach, a noted theater scholar, director of the stage and the Charles C. and Dorathea S. Dilley Professor of Theatre at Yale University.
The director of more than 40 plays and operas, Roach received his bachelor’s degree from KU in 1969 and went on to complete a master’s degree in Elizabethan drama from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and a doctorate in theatre from Cornell University.
Ryan’s family and friends were recognized “for remembering Sean through their generous support of the KU film program.” Ryan was a freshman film student at the time of his death.
Current and incoming KU students receiving theatre and film awards and scholarships are listed below by hometown, current level in school, major, parents’ names and award.
BUTLER COUNTY
From Augusta 67010
Aubree A. Bowen, junior, theatre and film major, daughter of Paul Bowen, Loren Kennedy Traineeship.
DICKINSON COUNTY
From Solomon 67480
Meghan L. Misenhelter, junior, theatre and film major, daughter of Kim Misenhelter, Peter and Ann Thompson Undergraduate Film Scholarship.
DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence 66044
Alexander Backus, freshman, “Tensie” Award for Best Editing for “Carjacked.”
Michael Bales, senior, film major, Gerhard Zuther Memorial Award for Dramatic Scriptwriting,
Dale Buchheister, senior, theatre major, son of Jim and Carol Buchheister, Bob Findlay “Bad Ass” Award.
Muriel M. Green, senior, film major, Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship.
Sara Huslig, senior, English major, “Tensie” Award for Best Music Video for “Tragic Scene From Some Movie” for Steve Unruh’s “Serenade.”
Thomas W. Middleton, senior, theatre and film major, Gerhard Zuther Memorial Award for Dramatic Scriptwriting.
Charles Olson, senior, film major, “Tensie” Award for Best Animation Project for “Somewhere Between Now And Later.”
From Lawrence 66046
Manuel Perez-Tejada, doctoral student, film major, Herk Harvey Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant in Film Award and KU Film Studies Symposium Outstanding Paper Award.
From Lawrence 66047
Erin M. Niedenthal, junior, theatre design major, daughter of Michael and Susan Niedenthal, Clarence Seaver Technical Theatre Scholarship.
JACKSON COUNTY
From Holton 66436
Tyler McKee, sophomore, film major, Mike Gunter Distinguished Service Award in Film.
JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood 66224
Oluwatosin B. Morohunfola, freshman, theatre major, son of Kenny and Ajoke Morohunfola, Friends of the Theatre Scholarship in Memory of Reese Saricks.
Kristin Overton, senior, film major, Mike Gunter Distinguished Service Award in Film and “Tensie” Award for Best Sound Design for “Unpleasant Encounter.”
Courtney L. Schweitzer, senior, theatre and film major, daughter of Linda Schweitzer and Ken Schweitzer, Adah Clarke Hagan Scholarship for Film and Theatre Students.
Madison E. Spencer, graduate student, scenography major, daughter of Katherine Gordon, Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding New Graduate Teaching Assistant in Theatre Award.
From Lenexa 66215
Matthew Cohen, doctoral student, film major, Donald and Betty Dixon Scholarship.
From Lenexa 66216
Megan K. Smith, junior, theatre major, daughter of Mary and Kevin Smith, Loren Kennedy Traineeship.
From Olathe 66061
Ryan Noll, senior, film major, “Tensie” Award for Best Sound Design for “Unpleasant Encounter.”
From Olathe 66062
Cali B. Gilman, junior, theatre major, daughter of Barbara Signor, Donald and Betty Dixon Scholarship.
Mackenzie L. Wiglesworth, sophomore, theatre and film major, daughter of Russ and Carol Wiglesworth, Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship.
From Overland Park 66207
Candice E. Bondank, senior, theatre/voice major, Dorothy and Benjamin Glick Theatre Scholarship.
Jerry Koukol, senior, film major, “Tensie” Award for Best Experimental Project for “Season’s Greetings.”
Taylor A. Sloan, senior, theatre and film major, son of Gary and Sharon Sloan, Berg Family Film Studies Award.
Jordan F. White, freshman, theatre and film major, daughter of Bowen White, Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship.
From Overland Park 66212
Derek Sellens, freshman, film major, “Tensie” Award for Best Special Effects for “Error 7125.”
From Overland Park 66213
Jordan D. Altman, junior, theatre major, son of Ron and Julie Altman, Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship.
Lara C. Thomas, junior, theatre and English major, daughter of Jay and Mary Cay Thomas, Loren Kennedy Traineeship.
From Overland Park 66215
Brian P. Ervin, junior, theatre and film major, son of Dan and Debbie Ervin, Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship.
From Overland Park 66221
Alex K. Haynes, junior, theatre and film and psychology majors, son of Martin and Patricia Haynes, Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship.
From Prairie Village 66207
Franco Leng, graduating senior, film major, “Tensie” Awards for Best Comedy, Best Script, and Best Body of Work for “Grandpa, I have a Question…”.
Ann E. Sitzman, sophomore, theatre design major, daughter of Everette Sitzman, Claire Reinhold Scholarship and Glenn Bickle Award.
From Roeland Park 66205
Andrea M. Porter, junior, theatre major, daughter of Scott and Carol porter, Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship and Loren Kennedy Traineeship.
From Shawnee 66203
Bethany Leiker, junior, film major, “Tensie” Award for Best Documentary for “Rolling Into Business.”
From Shawnee 66216
Hilary J. Kelman, junior, theatre and French majors, daughter of Stephanie Kelman, Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship.
From Stilwell 66085
Matthew P. Crooks, sophomore, theatre and film major, son of Mike Crooks and Nancy Wunderlich, Adah Clarke Hagan Scholarship for Film and Theatre Students.
JEWELL COUNTY
From Mankato 66956
Jenna M. Bleecker, junior, theatre and film major, daughter of John and Jeanne Bleecker, Kari Wahlgren Theatre Scholarship.
KEARNY COUNTY
From Lakin 67860
Chelsie S. Shipley, sophomore, theatre and film major, daughter of Price and Sue Shipley, Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship.
KINGMAN COUNTY
From Murdock 67111
Nicholas G. Kostner, graduate student, scenography major, son of Tom and Sharon Kostner, Clarence Seaver Technical Theatre Scholarship and David E. Blackwell Scholarship.
LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
From Lansing 66043
Lawrence P. Henderson, graduating senior, theatre major, son of Terri L. Harris, Shirley and Tom P Rea Memorial Award.
From Leavenworth 66048
Lucinda A. Koenig, junior, daughter of Regina Koenig, Alexis and Craig Stevens Performing Arts Scholarship.
Jonathan F. Matteson, junior, theatre major, son of Christine Matteson, Richard Kelton Memorial Scholarship.
MIAMI COUNTY
From Louisburg 66053
Sasha Abu-Ali, junior, theatre and film major, daughter of Samir Abu-Ali and Sholcat Gorjiyan-Abuali, Mark Amin Scholarship.
PAWNEE COUNTY
From Larned 67550
Kate Giessel, senior, daughter of Tom and Sheryl Giessel, Kuhlke Humanitarian Award.
RENO COUNTY
From Hutchinson 67501
Sarah Grace Waltz, senior, theatre and film major, daughter of Martha L. Waltz, Berg Family Film Studies Award.
From Hutchinson 67502
Brady R. Blevins, junior, theatre major, son of Curt and Cindy Blevins, Harley S. Nelson Family Scholarship and Loren Kennedy Traineeship.
SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita 67206
K. Ryan Jones, graduating senior, film major, Loren Dolezal Community Service Award.
SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka 66604
Adam R. Burnett, junior, theatre and film major, son of Vicki Fulmer, New Theatre Guild Dodie Brown Scholarship.
Spencer H. Holdren, junior, theatre and film major, son of Jim and Teresa Turnbull, Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship.
From Topeka 66614
Catherine S. Provost, senior, theatre major, daughter of Janice Provost, Brian Ten Eyck Davis Award.
From Topeka 66617
Stephen A. Ferrell, graduating senior, theatre major, son of Alfred and Barb Ferrell, Kilty Kane.
GEORGIA
From Lenox 31637
Katrina L. Darden Bondari, doctoral student, theatre arts major, daughter of Martha and Laddie Darden, Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant in Theatre Award.
ILLINOIS
From Downers Grove 60516
Margaret K. Saricks, senior, theatre major, daughter of Chris and Joyce Saricks, Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship.
From Elgin 60120
Susanne L. Kepley, graduate student, theatre studies major, daughter of Ann Kepley, Ambrose Saricks Family Scholarship.
IOWA
From Huxley 50124
Elizabeth Grim, incoming graduate student, scenography major, Susan Tisdall Niven Scholarship.
LOUISIANA
From Baton Rouge 70819
Mary E. Woodson, doctoral student, film studies major, daughter of Ray and Jeri Woodson, Donald and Betty Dixon Scholarship.
MASSACHUSETTS
From Leverett 01054
Christopher Robinson, doctoral student, film studies major, son of Arija Robinson, Adah Clarke Hagan Scholarship for Film and Theatre Students.
MICHIGAN
From Middleville 49333
Robert S. Evans, graduate student, film history major, son of Steve and Shar Evans, Alexis and Craig Stevens Performing Arts Scholarship.
MINNESOTA
From Lakeville 55044
Justin Knudsen, graduating senior, theatre and English major, son of Ken and Barb Knudsen, Kilty Kane.
From Rochester 55906
Spencer S. Lott, freshman, theatre and film major, son of Hunter and Nancy Lott, New Theatre Guild Don Knotts Scholarship.
From Saint Louis Park 55426
Megan E. Krogh, sophomore, theatre design major, Stephanie Ann Smith Memorial Scholarship.
MISSOURI
From Carthage 64836
Jessica L. Simmons, junior, theatre and film major, daughter of Laurel Simmons, Harley S. Nelson Family Scholarship.
From Chesterfield 63005
Ryan Klamen, sophomore, theatre major, son of Kelly and Suzy Klamen, Creative and Performing Arts Scholarship.
From Sheldon 64784
Samuel J. Cole, doctoral student, film major, son of Charles and Judy Cole, Charles “Buddy” Rogers Scholarship.
From Springfield 65807
Ben Craig, graduate student, film major, “Tensie” Award for Best Image Capture as Director of Photography, Best Drama and Best Director for “Under The Surface.”
From St. Joseph 64503
Thad C. Nurski, junior, theatre and film major, son of Frank and Vickie Nurski, Donald and Betty Dixon Scholarship.
From St. Louis 63141
Melissa S. Sher, junior, theatre design major, daughter of Linda and Tom Sher, Donald and Betty Dixon Scholarship.
NEBRASKA
From Overton 68863
Micah Brown, sophomore, film major, “Tensie” Award for Best Drama and Best Director for “Under The Surface.”
OHIO
From Hillsboro 45133
Rich M. Housh, doctoral student, film studies major, son of Richard and Jennifer Housh, Alexis and Craig Stevens Performing Arts Scholarship.
OKLAHOMA
From Stillwater 74075
Amy Virginia Buchanan, junior, theatre and film major, daughter of David and Cindy Buchanan, John David Lentz Memorial Scholarship and Loren Kennedy Traineeship.
SOUTH CAROLINA
From Sumter 29150
Jocelyn L. Buckner, doctoral student, theatre studies major, daughter of Carolyn F. Buckner, Ethel Hinds Burch Outstanding New Graduate Teaching Assistant in Theatre Award and Joseph R. Roach Dissertation Research Award.
SOUTH DAKOTA
From Sioux Falls 57105
Adam L. Hurly, junior, film and journalism majors, son of Lori and Joe Hurly, Allen Crafton Memorial Scholarship.
TEXAS
From Plano 75025
Benjamin D. Cook, junior, theatre major, son of Rick and Carol Cook, Claire Reinhold Scholarship.
WASHINGTON
From Bellingham 98227
Muriel Green, junior, film major, Special “Tensie” Award for Most Disturbing Content for “Puppy Love.”
MACEDONIA
From Skopje
Sandra Ristovska, freshman, theatre and film major, daughter of Snezana Ristovska, Mallory Yund Undergraduate Film Scholarship for Women.
SOUTH KOREA
From Goyang City
Nohchool Park, graduate student, film studies major, son of Bok-Jin Jeong, Patricia Joyce Ellis Scholarship.
From Seoul
Sohyun Lee, doctoral student, film studies major, daughter of Chung Kyun Lee and Kyong Ok Lee, Claire Reinhold Scholarship.
TANZANIA
From Mbeya
Mona N. Mwakalinga, doctoral student, film studies major, daughter of Uswege Mwakalinga, Claire Reinhold Scholarship.
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