Two BSU Theater Professors Nominated for Helen Hayes Awards

Psalmayene 24, Kathryn Kawecki Recognized for Excellence in Professional Theater in D.C.

MEDIA CONTACT: Damita Chambers, [email protected], 301-832-2628 (mobile)(BOWIE, Md.) - Two Bowie State University theater professors, with extensive professional experience, received nominations for the 2017 Helen Hayes Awards, one of the country's most prestigious cultural honors.

The awards program, celebrating excellence in professional theater in the Washington, D.C. area, recognizes Assistant Professor Kathryn Kawecki for outstanding set design and adjunct professor Psalmayene 24, also known as Gregory Morrison, for outstanding direction. The winners will be revealed at an awards gala on Monday, May 15 at the Lincoln Theatre.

Kawecki was recognized for her compelling set design for 1st Stage's production of "Proof," a drama about a young woman who has spent years caring for her increasingly mentally ill father, a celebrated mathematician. Kawecki has designed sets for productions at renowned venues and theater festivals around the country, including the Boston Lyric Opera and the Glimmerglass Festival, a summer opera festival in central New York. She recently designed the set for "Trevor," running at 1st Stage through Sunday, February 26.

Psalmayene 24 was honored as the director of the Theater Alliance's production of "Word Becomes Flesh," which blends spoken word, dance and live music in a performance of letters from a young father to his unborn son. Psalmayene 24 has gained acclaim as a playwright, director and actor. He is currently directing his play, "The Freshest Snow Whyte," which runs from February 11 - March 18 at the Imagination Stage. At Bowie State, he will direct student performers in "Cinderella, The Remix," his hip-hop play based on the classic children's story. It runs from April 19-22 in the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Both Kawecki and Psalmayene 24 are part of the faculty of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, which include professional artists with a host of local and national recognitions.

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