June 30, 2020
Stage Managers’ Association
The Stage Managers’ Association (SMA) has announced its annual Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management. The 2020 honourees include Wilma Theater Resident Stage Manager Patreshettarlini (Pat) Adams.
The Del Hughes honour is awarded to those who represent the finest qualities and artistic achievement in stage management throughout their lifelong career. Instituted in 1986, the award was named for Del Hughes, who had an illustrious career as a Broadway and television stage manager as well as a TV director from 1933 to the 1970s.
Honourees are chosen each February from nominations submitted by industry members. The Del Hughes Awards Event will take place virtually on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020. You can learn more and register for the event here.
The Other honourees are: Chicago based stage manager Alden J. Vasquez. In addition to these Lifetime Achievement Awards, the SMA will recognize Robert Sutherland-Cohen with The Founders Award. This award is given on behalf of the SMA Founders, and is a special recognition for embodying the values expressed by the Founders of the SMA through Robert’s work, teaching, writing, and service to the SMA.
About the Honourees
Patreshettarlini (Pat) Adams is the Resident Stage Manager at The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, and has been with the organization since 1996. During her 30 years as a member of Actors’ Equity, Pat’s career has included work at Crossroads Theatre, New Brunswick, NJ, the National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta, GA; the National Black Theater Festival, Winston-Salem, NC and traveling with acclaimed dance company, Noche Flamenca! She is proud to serve as Secretary for the Philadelphia Area Liaison Committee; a Christ-Servant Minister and Trustee Chairperson at Emmanuel UMC; and a member of Theatre Philadelphia’s Board of Directors.
Alden J. Vasquez has been a stage manager for 36 years and is currently a Production Stage Manager at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago where he has proudly stage managed 29 productions of A Christmas Carol as well as 85+ productions. Among his other credits are Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Trinity Rep, Peninsula Players, Manhattan Theatre Club, Arizona Theatre Company, Madison Theatre Company as well as Chicago’s Remains Theatre and Teatro Vista Theatre Company. Alden is an Adjunct Professor at DePaul University where he has taught stage management for 23 years. Alden is a United States Air Force veteran and is married to Author, Director and Actor Jerry Miller.
Robert Sutherland-Cohen’s production stage management credits span Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally, New York City Opera, Lincoln Center Festivals, and he was the Tropicana Entertainment Operations Manager for a decade. Robert was a SMA founding member, past chairperson, and was instrumental in forming USITT’s Stage Management Mentor Project. Robert retired as Associate Professor (emeritus) Brooklyn College, Department of Theater. His books include Introduction to Theatre Production (Focal Press). Robert was nominated by the Jazz Journalists Association for Career Excellence in Photography (2020).
About the Stage Managers’ Association
The Stage Managers’ Association of the United States (SMA) is the only professional organization for working stage managers across the United States. Our mission is to recognize, advocate for, and provide continuing education and networking opportunities, creating community for stage managers across the USA and connecting them with the world through our International Cohort.
In its 39th year, the Stage Managers’ Association is a pivotal resource for stage managers nationwide in all areas of live performance. With a growing national membership, the SMA promotes networking opportunities through its many initiatives such as Operation Observation, Collaborative Connections, and A View from the Wings Symposia. SMA members include top Broadway, Off Broadway, Corporate, Regional, Dance, and Opera stage managers as well as students and those just beginning their careers.
The Stage Managers’ Association strives for equity, fairness, diversity and inclusion. As stage managers we are discreet in our dealings with Productions, Producers and employers. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages, strive toward equitable treatment of our members, and support members who nurture diversity and equity in their places of work and in their broader communities.
Learn more about the Stage Managers’ Association at www.stagemanagers.org
