Jimmy Noriega awarded Kennedy Center Gold Medallion

Jimmy A. Noriega, professor of theatre and Latin American studies at The College of Wooster, is the recipient of the Kennedy Center Gold Medallion, which honors individuals that have made extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theatre. It was bestowed upon him by the leadership from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) Region 2. According to the award description, “It is the most prestigious regional award given by KCACTF and is considered one of the great honors in theatre education.”

“I was shocked, honored, and humbled to receive this award. I truly did not expect it, and I cannot express how much it means to me to be recognized for my work as a theatre educator,” said Noriega. “During my time at Wooster, I have endeavored to bring together my artistry, scholarship, and activism in ways that have a positive and lasting impact on students and the larger Wooster community. I want to thank the leadership from Region 2 for this tremendous honor and for seeing and valuing the work that I do.”

There are eight KCACTF regions in the United States. The College of Wooster is in Region 2, which includes theatre programs from Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, Western New York, Northern Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Noriega is chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. He is also president of the American Society for Theatre Research and the founder and artistic director of his own theatre company, Teatro Travieso/Troublemaker Theatre. He has directed over 50 plays at theatres and festivals in Belgium, Ireland, Greece, Romania, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, India, Israel, Canada, and across the United States.

Posted in Uncategorized on April 4, 2023.