Two School of Drama students were recently announced as recipients of USITT’s Young Designers, Managers, and Technician Awards.

Christian Fleming (MFA ’20) is this years recipient of the Rose Brand Scenic Design Award and Shahzad Khan (BFA ’21) will be honored with the Clear-com Stage Management Award.

The Awards for Young Designers, Managers, & Technicians in the Performing Arts, known throughout USITT as the YDMT Awards, bring recognition and support to young designers, managers, and technicians at the beginning of their careers. Nominees must be an undergraduate or graduate student, or a recent graduate (within two years).

“Fleming’s work has always shown an incredible imagination and verve.  He is not afraid to explore new territory and has created some wondrous and delightful designs and we are thrilled that he is being recognized for this,” said Dick Block, associate head and teaching professor of design here at the school. “Much congratulations for a most deserved win.”

Of Khan, “he leads his team with grace, gives them agency, credit, and a voice at all points,” said Tina Shackleford, associate teaching professor of stage management. “It is in production that I have seen the most growth in Shahzad. He has challenged himself to work harder on every project and embraces both the details of the job and the big-picture meaning of the work.”

Award presentations will be pre-recorded and featured during this year’s Annual Conference, happening virtually March 8-12, 2021. You can register for the event to view award presentations and other sessions here: https://www.usitt.org/registration