Theatre professor honored for contributions to theatre production, education

Kerro Knox was recognized with the Kennedy Center Gold Medallion Award from Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

For his contributions to theatre production and education, Oakland University’s Kerro Knox has earned the prestigious Kennedy Center Gold Medallion Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. The award also recognizes individuals who have demonstrated strong commitment to the festival’s values and goals. Knox began working with the festival more than 20 years ago and has served in a number of leadership positions. 

“Oakland was very involved (with the festival) already when I got here in 1997,” said Knox, director of the theatre program at OU. “Carolyn Gillespie (wife of retired OU theatre professor Michael Gillespie) invited me to join the Regional Selection Committee around 2001. Soon, I became the Michigan State chair for the five state region, and was responsible for arranging the responders for all the associate productions in the state, which is the most active state in the region.” 

Knox went on to serve three-year terms as the festival’s vice co-chair, regional co-chair and immediate past chair. He continues to serve on the regional selection committee. In these roles, Knox has helped organize the five-day annual festival for more than 1,200 faculty and students. His other responsibilities have included arranging respondents for all the shows in the region and finding sites for upcoming festivals and national meetings.

Knox’s professionalism, leadership skills and commitment to excellence are widely acknowledged among students and colleagues in Oakland’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance.

“One of Professor Knox's primary areas of expertise is managing production. His keen organizational skills enable us to mount our huge performance season that is central to our academic programs,” said Jackie Wiggins, chair of OU’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. “He is a quick thinker and creative problem solver, always ready to help students and colleagues. This honor reflects Kerro's dedication to the mission and operations of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, Oakland University's Theatre Program and the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance.”

Started in 1969, the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival is a national network of more than 600 academic institutions, in which theater departments and student artists showcase their work and are evaluated by festival respondents. Each year, the eight Kennedy Center American College regions honor a select few individuals with the Gold Medallion Award. Knox was presented with his award in early January at the 2015 Midwest regional festival in Milwaukee.

“The satisfaction of my many years with the festival comes from the people I work with,” Knox said. “The devotion and energy of like-minded educators all over the country, who give countless hours of their time to create opportunities for our students and each other's students, creates a tight community of passionate teachers and artists.”

Reflecting on his career at OU, Knox says he is most proud of the Music, Theatre and Dance department’s rise to regional and national prominence as it continues to deliver high-quality programs and performances. In addition to Knox’s award, OU’s theatre program was well represented at this year’s Midwest regional festival. 

Eight students and one other professor were recognized for their talents: Cassady Temple was named alternate recipient of the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship.  Brian Baylor received the VASTA (Voice and Speech Trainer’s Association) Award for Voice. Aubrey Fink received the Selectors’ Award in Musical Theatre. Jason Maracani was a finalist for both scenic and lighting design. Ellie Tuecke was a finalist for costume design.

Additionally, Stacey Fleming, Daniel Robinson, Jason Maracani, Ellie Teucke and Laura Gist received certificates of merit in various categories. OU Theatre Professor Karen Sheridan was also recognized with a certificate of merit. 

Learn more about OU’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance at oakland.edu/mtd.