According to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival region 7 newsletter, the HORACE ROBINSON/JACK WATSON AWARD is awarded to faculty/staff who show dedication and support for their students, going above and beyond the normal duties expected of university faculty.
At the annual Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) Region VII conference, hosted by Colorado State University Theatre at the University Center for the Arts in Feb. 2020, the honor was co-awarded to Steven Workman, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance technical director, and Elise Kulovany, the school’s costume shop manager.
About the KCACTF award
Horace Robinson was a member of the theatre department at the University of Oregon from 1933 to his retirement in 1975, and a co-founder of the Northwest Drama Conference, the fore-runner of KCACTF in Region VII. In the early years, Horace served as the president of the organization and organized the annual conference, usually held at the University of Oregon.
Jack Watson was a student of Horace Robinson who joined the UO faculty 1987. He was department chair from 1995-2001 and often led the popular theatre arts study abroad program. He was active in the Northwest Drama Conference and KCACTF, where he served as an officer of both organizations.
Steven Workman found his place
There are moments in Steven Workman’s life when he looks at those around him and knows he is in the right place. For the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance’s technical director, that place is CSU!
“This award was given to Elise Kulovany and me, but I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that the one thing I’ve done correctly is to surround myself with individuals who share the same love and passion as me,” said Workman whose own dedication is buoyed by working with a faculty and staff who make it their mission to uplift and educate students.
“I am humbled by the recognition of the small part I play in our students’ lives. Our students are pursuing their dreams, and I feel privileged to be able to support them along their journey,” stated Workman.
Elise Kulovany's students come first
For Kulovany, students always come first and foremost. “I work to promote our students, to further our programs, and work towards making our department stand out,” said Kulovany, whose role as a faculty mentor puts her in contact with…. “It is a huge honor to be recognized nationally for doing something so near and dear to my heart,” said Kulovany.
When asked about receiving the KCACTF award, Workman and Kulovany both immediately commented on the mutual admiration for each other’s tireless contributions toward the well-being of the students.
“To receive this honor alongside my supervisor and friend is like icing on the cake,” she stated. “I love that the students call us mom and dad; we have a unique family here and I couldn’t do the work I do without his support.”
CSU’s 2020 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region VII Awards
- Scenic Design—Meritorious Achievement: Whitney Roy, junior theatre major for Cabaret
- Costume Design—Regional Award for Achievement: Laura Myers, senior theatre major for Cabaret
- Costume Design—Barbizon National Award for Excellence in Costume Design: Hannah Garcia, senior theatre major for One Man, Two Guvnors, will compete at the national conference in Washington, D.C.
- Lighting Design—Meritorious Achievement: Ryan Stabler, junior theatre major for L'enfant et les soritegles
- Lighting Design—Barbizon National Award for Excellence in Lighting Design: Lachlan Fordyce, senior theatre major for Cabaret, will compete at the national conference in Washington, D.C.
- Stage Management—KCACTF National Award for Excellence in Stage Management: Tara Tolar-Payne, senior theatre major for Cabaret, will compete at the national conference in Washington, D.C., awarded Santa Fe Opera internship
- Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas Summer Institute—one-week internship: Whitney Roy
- Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas Summer Institute—one-week internship: Ryan Stabler
- Horace Robinson/Jack Watson Award: Steven Workman, technical director, and Elise Kulovany, costume shop manager
- Showcase Production: Cabaret, directed by Noah Racey, assistant professor of theatre