Student Awards

Student Awards

Eric Barr Endowed Acting Award Fund

Named in honor of Professor Emeritus Eric Barr, the Eric Barr Acting Award is given annually to a full-time undergraduate acting major who has shown outstanding abilities and commitment to department productions throughout the year. Candidates will be selected by department faculty and eligible students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Recent Recipients:

  • Rachel Millar, 2024
  • Jade Duong, 2023
  • Maksil Lorenzo, 2022
  • Ty Rogoff, 2022
  • Josiah Cajudo, 2021

Chancellor’s Performance Award (Marius DeBrabant)

Each year the Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production awards Chancellor’s Performance Awards between $100-$1000 to majors who have made significant contributions in classes within the major as well as in our film and stage productions, in ways that illustrate academic and creative excellence, an aspiration toward professionalism and a clear sense of passion for the craft.

Recent Recipients:

  • Stephanie Allison, 2024
  • Josiah Alpher, 2024
  • Daniela Cruz, 2024
  • Alfred Enriquez, 2024
  • Lesley Galvan, 2024
  • Sin Sze Man, 2024
  • Derrian Benoit Nash, 2024
  • Jada Ramsey, 2024
  • George Shen, 2024
  • Armoni Taylor, 2024
  • Nakanlaya Tupsamphan, 2024
  • Erica Tsuei, 2024

Emory Elliott Endowed Memorial Award

Established in memory of UCR Professor of English, Emory Elliott, the Emory Elliott Memorial Award is given annually to one student in TFDP for innovative or significant work in the dramatic arts. Juniors, seniors, and graduate students are eligible for consideration. Recipient will be selected by department faculty.

Recent Recipients:

  • Josiah Alpher, 2024
  • Jayla Jacob, 2023
  • Jade Duong, 2022
  • Serena Kilbury, 2021

Andrew and Michael LeMond Memorial Scholarship Endowed Fund

Established in memory of two brothers with UCR connections, the Andrew and Michael LeMond Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate student in TFDP on the filmmaking track. Eligibility requirements: declared student on the filmmaking track; financial need as determined by the FAFSA; in good standing with the university and have a GPA of 3.5 or higher; sophomore or junior class standing at the time of application (students must be enrolled at UCR for the entirety of the next academic year after receiving a scholarship). Preference will be given to students with an interest in digital film production. Application requirements and submission period announced annually during the spring quarter.

Recent Recipients:

  • Summer Hussain, 2024
  • Joel Zepeda, 2023
  • Maxine Garcia, 2022
  • Crystal Auduong, 2021

Marc Longlois Endowed Award for Leadership in Theatre

Named in honor of longtime UCR Theatre Production Manager, Marc Longlois, the Marc Longlois Award for Leadership in Theatre provides financial support to a TFDP student during his/her/their senior year. Students shall be selected based on the following criteria: undergraduate student majoring in theatre, film, and digital production; exemplifies qualities of excellence in his/her/their work; catalyzes  a strong sense of community; exhibits leadership by taking on unexpected or outsized challenges; demonstrates a strong sense of humor and aplomb. Application requirements and submission period announced annually. Peer nominations will also be accepted.

Recent Recipients:

  • Stephanie Allison, 2024
  • Nataly Ceniceros, 2023
  • Jordyn McEvoy, 2022
  • Ankai Cai, 2021

Risso Endowed Award in Theatre

Named in honor of Professor Emeritus Richard Risso, the Risso Award in Theatre annually recognizes one or two students in the department who show outstanding ability in acting and/or directing. Recipients will be selected by department faculty.

Recent Recipients:

  • Gabby Chavez, 2024
  • Michelle Cruz, 2023
  • Lillyanna Lopez, 2023
  • Rachel Millar, 2023
  • Ryan Ong, 2023
  • Naomi Shikuma, 2023
  • Kiki Chavez, 2022
  • Adriana Moreno, 2022
  • Kiki Chavez, 2021
  • Carlos Gutierrez, 2021
  • Nadia Jones, 2021
  • Millie Romero-Pineda, 2021
  • Miranda Sun, 2021

Dave Kellstrand Student Support Award

In honor of David Kellstrand, former director of University Theatre. To support undergraduate students in the Theatre Department who have expressed an interest in theatre technology or theatre/venue management. Awards will be made at the discretion of the department. 

Recent Recipients:

  • Anamaria Mejia Dominguez, 2024
  • Michelle Zepeda, 2023

Spirit of Storytelling Award

Initiated by Kimberly Guerrero, The Spirit of Storytelling Award is given to TFDP students who have consistently brought joy and excellence to every class and production they've been a part of, and have supported our storytelling efforts here at UCR while honing their own creative skills.

Recent Recipients:

  • Torrione Hodge, 2024
  • Dorothy Ledesma, 2024
  • G Novytskyi, 2024
  • Nassir Ward, 2024
  • Aaron Martinez-Duenas, 2023
  • Daniel Michel, 2023

Department Track Awards

The track awards recognize the top graduating seniors on each TFDP track.

Recent Recipients:

  • Literature, History, Criticism, and Dramaturgy - Gabby Chavez, 2024
  • Writing for the Performing Arts - Lesley Galvan, 2024
  • Film Making - Lindsey Byun, 2024
  • Acting and Directing - George Santiago, 2024
  • Production and Design - Mireya Montalvan, 2024
  • General - Marissa Vera