Production Directed By Jax State’s Carolyn Conover Nominated for Prestigious American Prize in Musical Theatre
07/23/2024
The SpongeBob Musical, directed by Carolyn Conover, an Associate Professor in Jax State's Department of Theatre and Film, has received a prestigious nomination for The American Prize in Musical Theatre. The production was staged at Crossroads Repertory Theatre in Terre Haute, Indiana, this summer.
Established in 2010, the American Prize recognizes excellence in the performing arts by providing artists and organizations with cash awards, professional adjudication, and regional, national, and international recognition. It is renowned as the most comprehensive series of contests in the performing arts in the United States, awarding thousands of prizes across various categories of live performances.
"Directing SpongeBob this summer at Crossroads Rep was such a fun and rewarding experience," said Conover. "I had a fabulous creative team and a cast with so much dedication and heart. What's most exciting about this nomination is that it really celebrates the true collaborative spirit that is so central to making theatre."
This nomination marks Professor Conover's first for The American Prize, highlighting her exceptional talent and dedication to the performing arts. Last year, her production of Noises Off at Crossroads Rep was nominated for Broadway World – Midwest's Best Play of the Year, further establishing her as a formidable force in theatre direction and inspiring us all with her dedication and talent.
Conover has been an integral part of Jax State's Department of Theatre and Film, specializing in Acting and Directing. Her innovative and captivating productions have not only enriched the university's cultural fabric but also garnered significant recognition in the wider theatre community. This fall, Professor Conover will bring her directorial expertise back to Jax State, where she will helm Sophie Treadwell's 1928 Expressionistic play, Machinal.
The American Prize in Musical Theater Performance celebrates and rewards the best performances of musical theater by producing companies, ensembles, and schools across America. It evaluates productions based on submitted recordings rather than live competition, focusing on the overall quality and execution of the performances.