Rachel Petricka receives William Woods University Theatre Award

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Rachel Petricka of Las Vegas, Nev.

FULTON, MO (05/13/2011)(readMedia)-- The William Woods University theatre program recently held its annual achievement night, awarding students for their academic and production achievements for the 2010-2011 theatre season. Rachel Petricka of Las Vegas, Nev., was a recipient of an award.

Jason Cavallone of Chicago, Ill., won the "Most Contribution to the Theatre Department" Award. This award is the highest honor the department gives to any actor, student, technician, designer or manager. The recipient is the person that best exemplifies all aspects of the theatre department.

Joe Potter, assistant professor of performing arts, says what made Cavallone stand out among his peers was his "academic standing, followed by his quiet and effective leadership and his constancy of purpose."

Bailey Campanini of Camdenton, Mo., was awarded "Best Actress in a Leading Role" for her performance as Claire in "Fuddy Meers." Drew Arnett of Columbia, Mo., was awarded "Best Actor in a Leading Role" as Haskell Harelik in "The Immigrant."

Rachel Petricka of Las Vegas, Nev., and Stephen Chamineak of Hazelwood, Mo., won "Best Actress and Actor in a Supporting Role" for their performances in "Fuddy Meers" as Gertie and Millet.

Known as the WWU Theatre Guild Awards, Best Actor and Actress honors, along with Best Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role, are determined by a group of faculty, staff and community members.

Using criteria set forth by the theatre department and the guild, directors from each main stage production submit nominees for the awards and the guild then votes on them. Students are not allowed to vote.

The Old World Craftsman Award was presented to Amanda Almich of Granby, Mo. This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding technical theatre craftsmanship far beyond the necessary requirements of the productions.

Almich was also awarded a Certificate of Achievement in stage management for "The Immigrant," along with Dustin West of Kansas City, Mo., for his work with "Zombie Prom."

Newly initiated members of Alpha Psi Omega, theatre honor society, were recognized. In addition to Almich and Arnett, they are Paige Runge of St. Louis, Mo.; Ashleigh Emmons of Bothell, Wash.; Nick Hoover of Auxvasse, Mo.; Jennie McFadden of Alton, Ill., and Kayla Jo Pulliam of Bloomington-Normal, Ill.

Productions planned for the 2011-12 theatre season were also announced. The season will include the musical "The Drowsey Chaperone," "Amadeus," "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940," and "Our Town."

"Our students work very hard and sacrifice a lot of time towards the art of theatre. We hope that you will buy a season ticket for next year and continue to support live theatre," says Joe Potter.