UT Tyler Theatre Awarded For Performance Of ‘Comic Potential’

October 24, 2001

The University of Texas at Tyler’s Theatre Repertory Company received awards for its tour performance of “Comic Potential’’ at a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival held Oct. 20 at Texas A&M University-Commerce, Dr. James A. Hatfield, director of theatre, announced.

For the second consecutive year, the theatre received the Excellence in Acting Ensemble Award, which recognizes the talent and quality of the entire cast as it works together in performance.

Irene Ryan Acting Award nominations for Excellence in Acting were given to UT Tyler students Beverly Pearson, Michael Stephens and Connie Orr. The nominations qualify them to continue in regional and national competition for performance scholarships funded by the bequest of Ryan, a stage and television actress who is best remembered for her role as “Granny” in the “Beverly Hillbillies.’’

Student Jerone Turner was honored for Excellence in Performance of Cameo Roles. Faculty awards went to Dr. Mary Ellen Wright, lecturer in theatre, for Excellence in Costume Design, and to Hatfield for Excellence in Program Graphics.

“We have actively participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for a decade and hosted two regional festivals at UT Tyler during that time,’’ said Hatfield. “It is always great to see our students recognized for our productions on tour.”

UT Tyler participates in the Kennedy Center festival to give students touring experience and to allow them an opportunity to measure their skills against those of their peers, Hatfield said.

Written as a love story, “Comic Potential’’ uses mechanical “actoids’’ enhanced by artificial intelligence to perform television “soap operas.’’ Author Alan Ayckbourn describes the play as set in the foreseeable future where everything has changed except human nature.