ASU’s Music Theatre and Opera program wins two prestigious national awards
Arizona State University’s Music Theatre and Opera Program is thrilled to announce being named the first place winner of The American Prize in Musical Theatre Performance 2024 in the college/university division for their production of “Into the Woods.”
Brian DeMaris, artistic director, and Kate Leonard, stage director, are also recognized as recipients of the esteemed award.
This is the program’s seventh American Prize award for musical theatre performance since 2016, with two being awarded in 2018.
“This award in particular has demonstrated the high level of detail and planning that has gone into our productions,” said DeMaris, professor and artistic director of Music Theatre and Opera. “But above all, it demonstrates the passion and dedication of our staff and students on these productions.”
DeMaris said most of the ASU’s productions require a lot of hard work and sacrifice which provides opportunities for the students to learn and grow. He said the directors, staff, faculty and program also grows through each production.
“This award isn't really a sign that we have ‘made it,’” said DeMaris. “It's a sign that we continue to learn and grow, as each production is a step on a journey.”
The production team for “Into the Woods” includes alum Kate Leonard, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, as stage director; alum Brent Mauldin, Masters of Conducting in music direction, as conductor; and alum Sara Bruton, Masters in Voice Performance Pedagogy and Doctorate in Voice Performance, as choreographer. Other team members include scenic design by Dane Burk, costume design by Maci Hosler, hair and makeup by Sharon Jones, lighting design by William Kirkham and sound design by Connor Adams.
Leonard also served as stage manager for Music Theatre and Opera’s productions for 10 years, two years as an undergraduate student and eight years as staff.
Music Theatre and Opera program continues to excel because of the united community that lives and thrives in the basement of the Music building,” said Leonard.
She said there is a strong commitment to fostering a nurturing, collaborative environment where students, faculty, staff and guest artists can work together to create first-rate productions. By working alongside professional theatre artists, Leonard said the students transform the abstract concept of a theatre career into a tangible goal, inspiring them to push their creative limits.
“ASU Music Theatre and Opera achieves excellence because of the dedication of the people who show up each day to create something extraordinary together,” said Leonard.
“I am really happy for Kate Leonard who most deserves this award for a show she planned and executed, and was so passionate about,” said DeMaris. “I am also proud that it was conducted by alum Brent Mauldin and choreographed by alum Sara Bruton. Kate, Sarah and Brent did remarkable work on this production. Kate is a gifted director and this production was a major achievement for her, as well as a major contribution to the ongoing growth and training of our program.”
The American Prize is the nation's most comprehensive series of non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Unique in scope and structure, the competition is designed to recognize and reward the best performing artists, ensembles, conductors, composers and directors in the United States, based on submitted recordings. Awarded annually, the competition includes thousands of artists from all fifty states representing hundreds of communities and arts organizations across the nation.
DeMaris said the importance of this award directly translates into a music theatre students’ learning and professional career.
“If I were a student, I would be remarkably proud to be part of a program that continues to win this award, just as I am proud of our students and staff who work tirelessly to make these productions happen,” he said.
Leonard said winning the award, and other similar awards, helps validate and encourage students to continue to strive for excellence. It also serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication pay off, she said, and that pursuing the arts is not just worthwhile but also incredibly rewarding.
“This award acts as a significant resume enhancer for our students, signaling to industry professionals that they didn't just play these roles, they were exceptional,” said Leonard.
In addition to the program’s award, DeMaris won 2nd place for the American Prize in opera conducting for ASU’s “The Rake’s Progress” and Anchorage Opera’s “Carmen.”
This is DeMaris’ third time winning the award. He previously won the award for “Gianni Schicchi” at Ithaca College (2015) and “Tosca” at Mill City Summer Opera in Minneapolis (2017).
In addition to being an educator and artistic director for ASU’s program, DeMaris has a professional career as a conductor, composer and pianist.
“There are not many competitions that highlight the work of opera and musical theatre conductors specifically, so this is one award that stands to serve that craft,” he said.
DeMaris said receiving the award as a faculty member also correlates into the learning and professional careers of the students in the program.
He said competitions like the American Prize are a valuable tool for students to continue to develop their craft.
“My advice is to capture and archive your work as much as possible so you can learn and put yourself forward, especially conductors,” he said. “This also helps you monitor your own work for self-critique and improvement, which is most important for a successful career.”