Thursday, October 2, 2008

2008 Tyrone Guthrie Awards

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival's 2008 Tyrone Guthrie Awards recently rewarded company members, theatre staff, and alumni with more than $60,000 for training, development, and special projects.

A few winners are listed below. You can read the entire list in the press release.

Abigail Winter-Culliford -- winner of the Mary Savage Award for an actress who has shown outstanding commitment to her craft. Winter-Culliford appeared this season as Moth in Love's Labours Lost after debuting last season as Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Stephen Kent -- winner of the John Hirsch Award for the young actor who shows the greatest potential. Kent appeared this, his second season, as Bernardo in Hamlet and Rodrigo in Fuente Ovejuna.

Ben Carlson -- winner of the Max Helpmann Guthrie Award for a company member who exhibits dedication and tenacity. Carlson debuted at the Festival season as Hamlet in Hamlet, Tranio in The Taming of the Shrew, and First Lord Dumaine in All's Well That Ends Well. He will return next season as Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest.

Ron Kennell -- winner of the City of Stratford Award to assist a local resident in gaining further training. Kennell appeared this season as Reynaldo in Hamlet, Tailor in The Taming of the Shrew, and in All's Well That Ends Well.

Peter Donaldson -- winner of the William Needles Award in recoginition of special interest shown to newer company members. Donaldson celebrated his 24th season with the Festival this year, in the roles of Friar Lawrence in Romeo and Juliet, Don Armado in Love's Labours Lost, and Rufio in Caesar and Cleopatra.

Shelley Simester -- winner of the Maureen Forrester Award for advanced classical training. Simester stole a few scenes this season as Alma Hix in The Music Man, and also appeared in All's Well That Ends Well.

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