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Sound Related Awards

2008 USITT Award

The Sound Commission is particularly excited to recognize the 2008 USITT Award recipient Abe Jacob. The USITT Award recognizes a lifetime contribution in the performing arts community. In 1999 Abe Jacob was also the first recipient of the Harold Burris-Meyer Distinguished Career in Sound Award. On Saturday, March 22, 2008, the Sound Commission recognizes the man many refer to as the "godfather" of contemporary sound design, with a day of sessions featuring designers who began their careers working with Jacob, culminating in "A Tribute to Abe Jacob" at 4:00pm in Room 320 of the convention center. Mr Jacob is also the subject of the first sound monograph in USITT’s series featuring prominent designers of the twentieth century, The Designs of Abe Jacob, which will be available for the first time at the 2008 conference.

The following are awards available through USITT for Sound Designers and Technicians. The Sound Commission appreciates suggestions for nominees for any of these awards. Click here to see the full listing of USITT Awards.

Harold Burris-Meyer Distinguished Career in Sound Award

The Sound Commission is delighted to present the 2008 award to John and Helen Meyer who co-founded Meyer Sound Laboratories in 1979 to make high-quality, professional loudspeakers. From the beginning, Meyer Sound has been deeply involved in theatrical sound. The UPA-1, one of the company’s earliest products, was originally designed for legendary sound designer Abe Jacob, and arguably revolutionized theatrical audio. Meyer Sound has also been one of the first and most consistent supporters of USITT’s trade show and the sound commission, so we are exceptionally pleased to have them join us this year. Please join us for An Evening With Helen and John Meyer at 6:15pm on Friday, March 21, 2008 in Room 330 at the convention center. At the end of the session all present will join in a Champagne toast to our 2008 Harold Burris-Meyer Award recipients.

USITT began presenting Distinguished Achievement Awards in 1998 to recognize achievement by designers and technicians with established careers. The recipient, who does not have to be a member of USITT, is honored during the Annual Conference & Stage Expo. Conference sessions are held concerning the contributions and careers of recipients, and their work is often featured in an exhibition.

Recipients: 1999 Abe Jacob, 2000 Charlie Richmond, 2001 Dr. John Bracewell, 2002 Tony Meola, 2003 Dan Dugan, 2005 Jonathan Deans, 2006 Don & Carolyn Davis, 2007 David Collison.

USITT Robert E. Cohen Award for Sound Achievement

Jason Knox will be the 2008 recipient of the Robert E. Cohen Award for Sound Achievement. This prize is awarded to a young designer or technician who has demonstrated excellence or outstanding potential in the area of sound in the performing arts while pursuing a graduate degree. It was established in 1996 by USITT Contributing Member Clear-Com Intercom Systems of Berkeley, California. Clear-Com Intercom Systems is a leading manufacturer of intercom systems for the entertainment industry.

Recipients: 1996 Mitchell Chapman, 1998 Andrew Dalzell, 1999 Dominic Kramer, 2000 Bryan Schlegel, 2001 Christopher N. Plummer, 2002 Ian Hunter, 2003 Cricket S. Myers, 2004 David Swenson, 2005 Bradlee Ward, 2006 Peter Shiplett, 2007 Dave Mickey.

Nomination forms for Young Designer Awards are made available on the USITT web site during the early Fall.

USITT Rising Star Award

Freelance sound designer Elisheba Ittoop is the 2008 USITT Rising Star Award recipient. Established for USITT by LDI and Live Design magazine the Rising Star Award is given at the beginning of a career to a young professional. The award recognizes excellence and artistic achievement in the areas of scenic, lighting, sound, and projection design, or the convergence of these design disciplines. The award is given to young artists in their first four years of professional (non-academic) work, following the completion of their highest degree.

The Sound Commission congratulates Elisheba Ittoop, the first sound designer to receive this prestigious award.

Application forms for Rising Star Awards are made available on the USITT web site during the early Fall.