Sophomore Cassandra Schillo wins regional theatre award
Released: February 14, 2008
Theatre productions involve more people than just what the eye can see; actors aren't the only ones who put in long hours. The final performances would be nothing without the behind-the-scenes workers who design sets, sounds, light and effects. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater sophomore Cassandra Schillo was recognized regionally for her hard work behind-the-scenes in the area of sound design.
Schillo is the winner of the Kennedy Center Region III American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) Award for Excellence in Sound Design for the UW-Whitewater production of "Terra Nova." The competition provides students with feedback from professionals working in the field and to give outstanding students designers national recognition. Region III includes the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
The stage management major from Westmont, Ill., always felt passionate about theatre. Her interest was sparked in grade school with musicals and it carried to high school where it blossomed into a dream.
"The magic when a production goes up is exhilarating and knowing that you had a part in the weaving of the tale is one of the most satisfying feelings in life," Schillo said.
Not many students at UW-Whitewater have entered the KCACTF competition, and Schillo is the first regional winner from the university. "Terra Nova" Director Jim Butchart and the KCACTF respondent saw the show and suggested that Schillo enter the contest.
"Sound design is a relatively new area of design and requires a particular aesthetic as well as familiarity with an ever-changing array of technical equipment and processes," said Butchart. "Cassie's work in this area is some of the best I have seen, or more accurately heard, at any level- student or professional."
For her entry, Schillo collaged images of scenes from the performance that specific effects she created were supporting on a craft board as well as showing her process as a designer and how she met the goals of her design. The Region III competition was held Jan. 8 at Cardinal Stritch University. Schillo competed against primarily graduate students. Designs were appraised on the basis of quality, effectiveness and originality.
"The head of the design awards came up to Jim and I after the awards and said that it was the originality of my presentation and design and the passion for my work that stood out," Schillo said.
As the Region III champion, Schillo will compete at the national festival in Washington, D.C. in late April. The national sound design winner will be awarded a design fellowship at the O'Neill National Playwrights' Conference, where he or she will serve as a design assistant to the resident designer.
"I am extremely pleased that Cassandra has received recognition for her work," said Butchart. "She is a hard-working and talented student."
Schillo designed sound for "Terra Nova" and "The Desk Set" during fall 2007 and was the stage manager for "Chanticleer and the Fox." She is currently an assistant stage manager for "Peter Pan" and is the stage manager for "Miles Glorious."
- Sarah DuPree,dupreesc02@uww.edu
