Students, faculty, staff and alumni from UCF have been recognized by Matthew J. Palm in the Orlando Sentinel’s Orlando Theater Best of 2024. [Note: subscription may be required to view links. Support local journalism!]
Director, Drama: Professor Roberta Emerson from Theatre UCF received the “Critic’s Pick” award for the production of The Cherry Orchard. Alumna Felichia Chivaughn was recognized for her direction of A Raisin in the Sun at the Annie Russell Theatre. Alumna Tara Kromer was also honored for her direction of To Kill a Mockingbird at Theater West End.
Featured Actor, Drama: Alumnus Andres Procel was recognized for his direction of Appropriate at The Ensemble Company.
Featured Actor, Comedy: Alumna Brenna Arden was honored for her role in In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) at The Ensemble Company.
Director, Comedy: Assistant Professor of Theatre History and Dramaturgy Chloë Rae Edmonson received recognition for her direction of Rhinoceros.
Director of a Musical: UCF faculty Roberta Emerson was acknowledged for her direction of Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Orlando Shakes.
Choreography: Arius West’s choreography in Orlando Family Stage’s P.Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical was honored.
Sound Design: For the fourth consecutive year, sound designer Olivia Deiter has been recognized for her work, receiving the “Critic’s Pick” award this year for Theatre UCF’s production of The Cherry Orchard. Kate Jeffcott was honored for her work in Theatre UCF’s production of Rhinoceros. Alumna Tara Kromer was recognized for her work on To Kill a Mockingbird at Theater West End.
Lighting Design: Associate Professor Vandy Wood from the School of Performing Arts received a “Critic’s Pick” award for his lighting design on “Allie Kazan and the Magic Mansion” at the Orlando Family Stage. Alumnus George Jackson was celebrated for his lighting design on Pippin at Garden Theatre. Alumnus Ben Lowe was praised for his work on P.Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical at Orlando Family Stage. Alumnus Philip Lupo was commended for his work on Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike at Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse.
Leading Actor, Drama: Alumna Janine Papin won the “Critic’s Pick” award for her performance in Appropriate at The Ensemble Company. Alumnus Tim Williams was noted for his performance of Duke of York in Henry VI, Part One for Orlando Shakes.
Scenic Design: Lecturer Tramaine Berryhill was recognized for his design of Theatre UCF’s The Cherry Orchard. Associate Professor Tim Brown was recognized for his design of P.Nokio: A Hip-Hop Musical at Orlando Family Stage.