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Albright College Earns Eight 2020 National Theatre Awards

By Albright College

Jul 02, 2020

Reading, PA – Albright College has been named the winner of eight 2020 national Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival awards for its celebrated production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime,” by Simon Stephens.

Following an invited and highly celebrated performance of “A Raisin in the Sun” in 2019, Albright College was again invited to perform (for the 11th time) at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre’s prestigious regional festival, in January 2020. The college’s Domino Players wowed fellow thespians with their production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime,” earning eight national awards, including Distinguished Production of a Play and Outstanding Production Ensemble.

Among those honored for excellence in college theatre was Associate Professor Wayne Vettleson, M.F.A., earning the national judges’ highest recognition: a Gold Medallion for Lifetime Achievement in Lighting Design and Technical Direction.

“Wayne creates beautiful art and teaches his students to respect themselves, their peers and their art,” said Festival Manager Andy Truscott. “He has brought more than 10 shows to Festival and is one of the sole reasons we’ve streamlined our process with the addition of a production manager.”

Based on a best-selling 2003 novel by Mark Haddon and adapted by Simon Stephens, “Curious Incident” is a Tony and Oliver Award-winning play about a 15-year-old math whiz who has difficulty dealing with the sounds and stresses of everyday life. The secrets he unearths while investigating a crime prompt him to leave his trusted teacher and the familiar streets of his hometown for a life-changing trip to London.

Through Vettleson’s direction, Albright’s crew created a colorful, mathematical space to help audience members see inside the head of the play’s main character, Christopher Boone. In addition, Albright’s Wachovia Theatre and the University of Maryland’s Kay Theatre were filled with purposeful music during “Curious Incident” performances, meant to help the audience feel Boone’s heart.

Bence Veres ’21, majoring in theatre at Albright, was recognized for his distinguished performance of Christopher Boone, and director Jeffrey Lentz, M.M. ’85, earned two awards, recognizing his directing role and integral sound design. Additionally, Visiting Assistant Professor Dahlia Al-Habieli, M.F.A., was recognized for distinguished scenic design.

This year’s national Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival awards were bestowed in 23 different categories.

 

Albright’s national 2020 awards include:

 

The Gold Medallion for Lifetime Achievement

(For lighting design and technical direction)

Wayne Vettleson, M.F.A.

Associate Professor of Theatre, Technical Director

 

Outstanding Lighting Design

Wayne Vettleson, M.F.A.

Associate Professor of Theatre, Technical Director

 

Distinguished Director of a Play

Jeffrey Lentz, M.M. ’85

Senior Artist in Residence (Theatre/Music) and Music Department Chair

 

Distinguished Sound Design

Jeffrey Lentz, M.M. ’85

Senior Artist in Residence (Theatre/Music) and Music Department Chair

 

Distinguished Scenic Design

Dahlia Al-Habieli, M.F.A.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Scenic Design

 

Distinguished Performance by an Actor

(For lead role of Christopher Boone)

Bence Veres ’21

Theatre major

 

Distinguished Production of a Play

Albright College

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime”

 

Outstanding Production Ensemble

Albright College

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime”

Founded in 1856, Albright College is a diverse community of learners cultivating integrity, curiosity, connection and resilience. The college’s flexible curriculum encourages students to combine and cross majors to create individualized academic programs. Close faculty mentorship and numerous experiential learning options create opportunities for Albright graduates to exceed their own expectations. Located in Reading, Pa., Albright enrolls more than 1,700 full-time undergraduates, adult learners and graduate students.

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