CF Theatre students with Assistant Professor and director Rob O’Brien, far right.

CF Theatre Students Earn Superior, Innovation Awards

April 19, 2012

The College of Central Florida Theatre program was recently awarded a Superior ranking by the Florida College System Activities Association for its production of “The Tempest” by William Shakespeare. CF Theatre also received a special FCSAA Innovation Award which recognizes unique and innovative concepts and interpretations of classic works.

“I am honored that FCSAA has awarded our production of ‘The Tempest’ with the Innovation Award,” said Assistant Professor Rob O’Brien. “The award is really a testament to the power of a great collaboration of designers. There is a special behind-the-scenes magic that takes place in collaborating. That is what fueled Prospero’s magic on stage.”

Several students were also named FCSAA Pin Recipients, which acknowledge performances deemed exceptional by the FCSAA adjudicator. These students were Federico Bauzo as Caliban, Dan Dicola as Gonzalo, Kim Dupree as the percussionist, Ezra Fowler III as Prospero, Michelle Geering as the vocalist and Sycorax, Mike Shier II as assistant director and Michelle Ware as the stage manager. Additional recognition was given to Amber Chandler and Jenn Martz for their overall production assistance.

“Directing ‘The Tempest’ has been a long-time goal for me,” said O’Brien. “I’ve had this concept rattling around in my brain for years. I am so pleased for our students to be recognized for all of their hard work. Performing Shakespeare is not a simple task, and the cast and crew were able to make it look easy while dangling off of custom-welded grid walls and while moving effortlessly over an insanely raked stage. Even with all of the theatrical elements included in the show they were able to clearly tell the story.”