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.
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.
“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.”
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”
