Two professors from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television were recognized at the 24th Annual Ovation Awards, presented by the LA Stage Alliance, a non-profit devoted to the strengthening and appreciation of theater in the greater Los Angeles area.
Shirley Jo Finney is a visiting assistant professor in the theater department and was honored with an Ovation Award for Best Director of a Play in recognition of her work on "In the Red and Brown Waters" at the Fountain Theater. Finney is also an alumna of the UCLA TFT, graduating with an M.F.A. in 1973.
Brian Kite, a visiting associate professor in the theater department, received the Ovation Award for Best Director of a Musical for his production of "Spring Awakening" at La Mirada Theater for the Performing Arts. Kite completed his undergraduate and masters studies at UCLA, earning a B.A. and M.F.A. from the UCLA TFT in 1991 and 2004, respectively. Another member of the TFT faculty, Rich Rose, a professor, vice chair and associate dean of student affairs in the UCLA TFT, collaborated with Kite on "Spring Awakening", contributing all set design for the production.
The Ovation Awards recognize excellence in theater in the greater Los Angeles area, considering 400 productions in 35 categories. These awards are the only peer-evaluated ones in the Los Angeles area, with LA Stage Alliance distributing honors based on the opinions of a vetted 250 member pool.
