Four young artists have been awarded Rising Stars from the League of Cincinnati Theatres for their exemplary contributions to local theatre courtesy of Diet Dr. Pepper and Pepsi Beverages.
Kaitlyn Adams, nominated by Patricia Linhart, faculty member at the UC- College Conservatory of Music, has also been selected for her fine work as a makeup and wig artist. Her work has been spotlighted in critically acclaimed shows like “Into the Woods,” “Evita,” and most recently “Les Miserables.” She will be traveling back to Glimmerglass Festival Opera in Cooperstown New York for her third season where she was promoted this summer to Hair and Makeup Design Assistant under Anne Ford-Coates.
Blaine Krauss, a 2014 graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College- Conservatory of Music was nominated by Aubrey Berg, chair of the CCM Musical Theatre program and Joshua Steele, Managing Director of The Carnegie for his many contributions as an actor, singer, dancer, and student of theatre. Most recently, Blaine played Jean Valjean in CCM’s LES MISERABLES to rave reviews. He has graduated from CCM and is now performing on the national tour of THE LION KING.
Patrick Phillips, a 2014 graudate of Xavier University, was nominated by Cincinnati Landmark Productions Executive Artistic Director Tim Perrinno for his work as an actor. Patrick has appeared in productions at both Xavier and the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. He graduated this May with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and English and will be starring in Unity Productions Fringe Festival piece, BLOGGING BEHIND BARS. This fall Patrick will join Ensemble Theatre Company as an acting intern.
Kevin Semancik is a graduate student at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music working on an MFA in Sound Design. He was nominated by Joshua Steele for his work at The Carnegie, CCM, NKU, and other area theatres. Kevin is currently working with Commonwealth Theatre Company designing sound for THE GAME’S AFOOT and this fall he will be the sound designer for SWEENY TODD at The Carnegie.
These four winners were chosen from a pool of nominees recommended by their university or a theatre they have worked for. The runners up were:
- Timeka Clifford – Miami University
- Matt Hill – UC-CCM
- Jon Kovach – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Kathryn Miller – The Carnegie
- Jennifer Studnicki – Miami University
- Shaun Sutton – UC-CCM
- Marianna Taylor – Miami University
Rising Stars must be under 25 years of age and are nominated for their body of work by academic and theatre personnel. The award was created to recognize talented young people who have and will contribute to professional theatre in Cincinnati and the industry at large. This year’s committee was chaired by LCT Board Members Cathy Springfield and Kirk Sheppard. Each winner receives $1000 to help them as they continue their careers courtesy of Diet Dr. Pepper and Pepsi Beverages, facilitated by Rick Gill.
The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at www.leagueofcincytheatres.com.
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