Northwestern theatre graduate earns national award for sound design

Keely Wright-Ogren, a 2013 Northwestern College graduate, was recently awarded the 2017 Robert E. Cohen Sound Achievement Award from the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT). The national award recognizes designers and technicians who exhibit excellence and creative application of sound in the performing arts.

A theatre major from Orange City, Wright-Ogren is currently earning a master’s degree in design and technology from the University of Idaho in Moscow. An active member of the university’s USITT student chapter, Wright-Ogren has also taught a sound design course and designed sound for several productions. In addition to sound design, she has explored other aspects of theatre, including performing, directing, and costume, scenic and lighting design.

“Keely’s a natural talent,” said Ann Hoste, chair of University of Idaho’s theatre arts department. “She weaves together individual sounds to create these seamless soundscapes that are deeply evocative but never intrusive. She’s also an incredibly generous artist, always willing to share her expertise with others.”

Each year, USITT recognizes 10 young technical theatre artists with its Young Designers & Technicians Awards in the performing arts. In addition to sound design, the awards also recognize costume design and making, scene design, technical production, lighting design, stage management and master craftsmanship. Award winners receive free conference registration to the four-day USITT Annual Conference and Stage Expo, in addition to cash prizes.

Founded in 1960, USITT is an organization that promotes dialogue, research and learning among practitioners of theatre design and technology. It is a leader in lifelong learning opportunities for the entertainment design and technology industry.