Andy Truscott, Director of Marketing and Development for Delaware Theatre Company and 2009 WCU alum, has been awarded the Region II Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Gold Medallion. It is the organization’s most prestigious award and considered one of the great honors in theater education.
The Kennedy Center Gold Medallion is presented annually to recognize individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theatre. Recipients have significantly dedicated their time, artistry and enthusiasm to the development of KCACTF. Additionally, recipients must have demonstrated a strong commitment to the values and goals of KCACTF and to excellence in educational theatre. Region II encompasses nine states and draws an average attendance of 1,300 students, faculty, and industry professionals for its four day conference.
“I am extremely humbled and honored by this recognition,” Truscott said. “It means a great deal to be recognized by the Kennedy Center and this dedicated group of educators who continue to train the next generation of theatre artist.” Dr. Harvey Rovine, Chair of the Theatre and Dance Department at WCU noted, “All of us are extremely proud of Andy, though not surprised. As an undergraduate he distinguished himself as someone special—an extremely bright, inspired, and productive individual who possessed unique leadership potential. We are very happy for him and grateful for his contributions to the Festival.”
Truscott, who has been the Festival Manager for Region II’s annual festival since 2014, became involved with the organization as a college senior, when West Chester University faculty member Juliet Wunsch solicited his help in planning the 2009 Festival held at University of the Arts.
“We are extremely excited for Andrew and know that this honor is well deserved,” says Executive Director Bud Martin. “I appreciate Andrew’s passion for theatre education and Delaware Theatre Company is proud to support him while he runs this annual festival.” In his career at Delaware Theatre Company, Delaware’s only theatre developing new works for Broadway, Truscott has been instrumental in massive audience increases. Since his arrival in 2012, subscription units are up 70% and single ticket units are up 234%. Since May of 2015, Delaware Theatre Company has developed three new musicals for Broadway: BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE by Duncan Sheik and Nell Benjamin, MAURICE HINES’ TAPPIN’ THRU LIFE (now playing at New World Stages in NY), and most recently DINER by Sheryl Crow and Barry Levinson.
The award was presented to him on Friday, January 15, 2016 at the Phillips Autograph Library on the campus of West Chester University, of which Truscott is a 2009 alum. “It was important to me to present Andrew with this award at his home college, surrounded by friends and his faculty,” says Region II Chair Scott Mackenzie. “Andrew has elevated the quality of the Festival while supporting the 15-person leadership team – allowing them to better execute their position throughout the week.”
Prior WCU recipients of the award include past Department Chair Jay Berkowitz, Professor Juliet Wunsch, and Professor Leonard Kelly.
Truscott was also the 2009 recipient of the J.P. Adler Prize for Excellence in Theatre, an award presented to an outgoing college senior by former WCU President Madeleine Wing Adler.