MESA, Ariz. -- October 25, 2019 – Mesa Community College Theatre and Film Arts Department and Musical Theatre students and faculty earned awards and recognition for their talent at the annual ariZoni Awards of Theatre Excellence held at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts on Sept. 23. The ariZoni awards promote the visibility, cooperation and growth of theatre in the Valley and are dedicated to recognizing excellence in theatrical performances, as well as individuals who produce exceptional work in all aspects of theatre.
MCC Director of Music Theatre Sue Anne Lucius received the Kyle Lawson Outstanding Contribution Award. This honor acknowledges her as an individual from within the theatre community who has served in a profound way through personal investment of time, energy, vision and talent. Lucius has staged, musically directed and produced over 200 musicals, operas and showcases in her 41 years with the college.
“I thank all of the hundreds of students and colleagues who have enriched my life,” she said. “It’s thrilling that many of my former students are now winning awards and teaching, performing and directing.”
Kevin Dressler, MCC Theatre & Film Arts performance faculty said, “At this event, MCC competes against local theatre companies in addition to the larger academic institutions such as ASU and GCU. It should also be noted that MCC Theatre and Film Arts has won the Best Overall Production in three of the last four years. We’re pleased by the recognition our students and faculty received.”
MCC Theatre & Film Arts honors
Best Overall Production: The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow|Noises Off
Actress in a Major Role: The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow - Lillian Gastelum
Actor in a Supporting Role: The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow - Ezra Storment
Director:
The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow - Patrick Walsh
The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus - Kevin Dressler
Scenic Design:
The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow - Chloe Lewis
Noises Off – Jeff Thomson
Media Design:
The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow - Cody Plumb
Lighting Design:
The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow - Aaron Roberts
Sound Design:
The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow - Quinn Rupp
The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus - Brian Honsberger
Property Design:
Noises Off - Dillion Girgenti
The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow - Kevin Peterson
MCC Musical Theatre honors
Kyle Lawson Outstanding Contribution - Sue Anne Lucius
Best Overall Production: Seussical
Actor in a Major Role: Seussical - Rio Chavez
Musical Direction: Seussical - Cathy Hauan
Costume Design: Seussical - Aurelie Flores
Scenic Design: Seussical - Mandy Crandall
Hair and Makeup Design: Seussical - Melody Stuart
Property Design: Seussical - Mary Cox
Lighting Design: Young Frankenstein - Cody Soper
MCC Musical Theatre students were coached by Sue Anne Lucius, Director of Musical Theatre; Cathy Hauan, Music Director; Valerie Tanner, Co-Director; Hannah Guy, Production Manager.
MCC students were coached by MCC Theatre & Film Arts Department staff Kara Thomson, design faculty; Kevin Dressler, performance faculty; Addy Diaz, Costume Shop supervisor and adjunct faculty; Chris Tubilewicz, production manager; Stephanie Salem, technical director/scene shop supervisor; and, Jeff Parulski, lighting and sound supervisor.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, MCC, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 150 U.S. Community College and is known for service learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 30,000 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs online, at its two campuses, the Mesa Downtown Center and additional locations. Through the implementation of Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services, MCC is transforming ways it champions student success; college completion, university transfer and career attainment for all students. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. The diverse student body includes more than 400 international students representing over 60 countries. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training to empower MCC students to compete locally and globally. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of the 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Learn more at mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.