Dawn BonkerNina LeNoir, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Theatre, has been selected as one of the 2011 Excellence in Theatre Education Award recipients from the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), Region VIII.
The award honors faculty who are leaders in the field of theatre education and go “beyond the call of duty” in devoting their time, efforts, talent and energies on behalf of the students and in support of the other faculty and staff of their institution.
KCACTF is a national theatre program involving 18,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide. Through state, regional, and national festivals, KCACTF participants celebrate the creative process, see one another’s work, and share experiences and insights within the community of theater artists.
Dr. LeNoir joined Chapman University two years ago but has been involved with KCACTF throughout her career in other regions.
“We’re very happy she made the move to Southern California,” said John H. Binkley, associate chair of the Department of Theatre at Cal State Northridge and chair of KCACTF Region VIII. One resource KCACTF offers its member schools are visiting respondents, or reviewers. Binkley said Dr. LeNoir is a particularly gifted reviewer.
“It’s a very delicate thing to do. … It’s that whole notion of how you talk to young theatre artists and in a way that is supportive yet critical so that they can continue to grow,” he said.
Dr. LeNoir will attend the organization’s February festival in Ogden, Utah, to receive her award. A group of 16 Chapman acting students will also attend to compete in the Irene Ryan Acting Competition.
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