URTA proudly announces the recipients of the 2025 Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Training. The awards recognize outstanding work of undergraduate instructors, coaches, and mentors, as well as institutions, for excellence in the training and preparation of undergraduate theatre artists.
This year’s award recipients are:
Individuals
Raymond Marius Boucher, Sr. Lecturer, Concordia University (Costume Design & Technology)
Christian Harvey Boy, Associate Professor, Concordia College, Moorhead (Scenic Design & Technology)
Misti Bradford, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Parkside (Lighting and Projection/Media Design & Technology)
Jonathan Drahos, Professor, University of North Carolina at Pembroke (Acting)
Brian Kelley, Theatre Advisor, Metropolitan State University of Denver (Sound Design & Technology)
Eric Renschler, Associate Professor, University of Evansville (Properties Design)
Jonathan Shimon, Associate Professor, University at Buffalo (Technical Direction)
Institutions
Acting – University of Evansville
Design & Technology – University of California, Irvine
URTA acknowledges the vital contribution of these instructors and institutions; providing undergraduates with the essential skills needed for advanced theatre training, and ultimately to take their place in the profession.
The two institutions, University of Evansville and UC Irvine, will receive Candidate Awards, providing free registration for the URTAs to a student of their choice.
“The 2025 group of awardees is among the largest in the history of the Excellence Award,” said URTA Executive Director, Tony Hagopian, “representing some of the most dedicated mentors and theater instructors in higher ed.”
Each year, nearly 1,000 candidates pursuing graduate training in theatre take part in the URTA Auditions & Interviews (“the URTAs”). The event also includes classes, workshops, and panel discussions on theatre topics of interest to both candidates and recruiters. Candidate registration for the 2026 URTAs is open now.
The University Resident Theatre Association - Founded in 1969 with the mission of supporting excellence in theatre training. Fifty years later, URTA is still setting the stage for professional training, emerging theatre artists, and professional advancement. To learn more about URTA and its programs and services, visit
urta.com.