Campus News

Professor of Performing Arts and Costume Designer, Jeff Hendry was nominated for the 2019 Equity Jeff Award for Midsize Costume Design. Hendry’s nomination recognizes his costume design talent for the musical comedy production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder by Porchlight Music Theatre that took the stage in Chicago in January through March of 2019.

According the www.jeffawards.org, the Jeff Awards have been honoring local outstanding theatre artists for their theatre talent annually since they were established in 1968. The Jeff Awards is committed to celebrating the vitality of the Chicago area’s theatre scene by recognizing excellence through its recommendations, awards, and honors. Made up of approximately 55 members representing a variety of theatre backgrounds, the Jeff Committee

has always endeavored to respond to the needs of the Chicago theatre community and continues to strive to match the evolution to that of the theatres it serves. Each year the members of the Jeff Committee see the Jeff-eligible, locally produced shows. Once this is complete, they nominate and eventually select the recipients that are honored for their outstanding achievements. A few of the categories awarded include; Production, Director, Actor and Actress in Revue, and Cameo Performance, as well as Ensemble, Choreography, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Costume Design, Original Music, Musical Direction, Sound Design, New Work and Adaption.

During the 2018-2019 theatre season, Jeff Awards committee members attended opening nights of 132 Equity productions offered by 43 producing organizations, among which 112 productions were “Jeff Recommended” and eligible for award nominations. This season, Porchlight Music Theatre took the lead with 17 nominations, including Hendry’s nomination for Midsize Costume Design. This year’s 51^st Annual Equity Jeff Awards ceremony will honor the greater Chicago area’s excellence in professional theartre on Monday, October 21 in Oakbrook Terrace.

For more information on Professor Hendry and his costume designs visit www.rockford.edu/campus-directory. 

Update: Professor Jeff Hendry was announced as the winner for Midsize Costume Design at this years 51^st Annual Equity Jeff Awards ceremony.