The Burry Fredrik Foundation’s overall mission is to champion the growth and the continuing health of Connecticut’s non-profit professional-producing theaters. The Foundation supports Connecticut theaters and associated artists with a proven track record of accomplishments. In addition, through its Burry Fredrik Design Fellowship, the Foundation supports Connecticut college or university training of new design talent for the theater.

This year’s Burry Fredrik Design Fellowship was awarded to Omid Akabari. This generous award provides a $10,000 grant to a graduating student; for the next two years, any Connecticut production theatre where the student works will also receive a grant equal to the amount of the standard designer’s fee. 

“We are so pleased that Omid Akbari is this year’s Burry Fredrik Design Fellow,” said Barbara Pearce, Chair of The Burry Fredrik Foundation Board of Directors. “Since it’s inception, the Burry Fredrik Design Fellowship has enriched the lives of talented designers in all concentrations and has helped advance their career ambitions. We look forward to seeing what Omid’s next projects are!”

Omid is a scenic designer and costume concept artist from Iran. His recent credits Omid is a scenic designer and costume concept artist from Iran. His recent credits include Wish You Were Here at Yale Repertory Theatre, Furlough’s Paradise for the Carlotta Festival, and Macbeth for the School’s Shakespeare Repertory Project.

“I am deeply grateful and honored to receive this year’s Burry Fredrik Design Fellowship,” Omid shared. “As an international designer, I look forward to collaborating with the talented members of the Connecticut theater community. Thank you to the David Geffen School of Drama design faculty, my wonderful classmates, and the Burry Frederik Foundation for providing early career designers with such a remarkable opportunity to make their way into the American theater.”