Andja Budincich of Sierra Madre Receives 2014 Passion for the Arts Award from Southwestern University

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Andja Budincich works on a costume for Southwestern University's production of "Tartuffe."

GEORGETOWN, TX (03/24/2014)(readMedia)-- Andja Budincich of Sierra Madre received the 2014 Fayez Sarofim Passion for the Arts Award from Southwestern University.

The award is presented annually to the graduating senior who, regardless of major, has demonstrated an unusual passion for the arts during their career at Southwestern. It includes a cash prize that can be used any way the recipient wants.

Budincich will be graduating from Southwestern in May with a double major in theatre and art history. She has worked on all but three of the main stage productions at Southwestern the past four years and is costume coordinator for the university's spring 2014 production of "Gypsy."

In addition to making costumes, Budincich has operated the light board, ushered, managed props, and helped with several other behind-the-scenes jobs.

"I was so surprised and jazzed to receive this award," Budincic said. "I never expected to receive this award because what I do is not physically visible in the same way that acting is."

Budincich plans to use the award money to help pay for graduate school. She had offers from numerous schools, but will attend the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where she will pursue a MFA in costume design.

Budincich plans to spend the summer working in the costume shop at the Weston Playhouse in Vermont.

Budincich is the daughter of Catherine and Michael Budincich and a 2010 graduate of Westridge School for Girls.

Southwestern University is a selective, nationally recognized undergraduate liberal arts college with an enrollment of 1,500 students. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in Texas. For more information on Southwestern, visit www.southwestern.edu.