The Mary Moody Northen Theatre was recently praised by the Austin Chronicle after being listed in the Top Ten Theatrical Wonders of 2012. The theatre also received  several awards for individuals involved in the theater.

“It makes me proud to be a part of the theater, and makes me proud that I was able to get to this state, especially as a first year student. To progress this far is excellent,” freshman Eric Swabey-Keith said.

Assistant Professor of Scenic and Lighting Design Kathryn Eader was also recognized by the Austin Chronicle in the Top 10 Designer Contributions of 2012.

The theater was recognized for the first show of their current season, “Under Construction,” directed by David Long, artistic director and associate professor of theater arts.

Long said that “Under Construction” was a challenging and rewarding experience.

“It’s fast-paced structure, engaging and thoughtful content, and flawless execution by all involved earned outstanding reviews from Austin theater critics,” Long said.

Long said that productions at the theater are consistently recognized for their merit by the Austin theater community. This recognition is something that reflects St. Edward’s University as a whole. It is the support that is received from administration that allows the theater the unique opportunity to present such professional work on a university campus.

“It’s always flattering to be recognized for our outstanding work,” Long said.

Kathryn Eader, who was recognized for her lighting techniques in “Under Construction,” said that this acknowledgement from the community helps get the name of the theater out into the community as a professional theater company.

“I really feel like St. Edward’s University is this hidden gem in Austin and this helps the public discover the university a little more,” Eader said.

Eader said the main reason she feels her lighting was recognized was because all of the other aspects worked together in the play and blended into one great performance. She said when the design elements all flow nicely, they strengthen each other.

“Theater is such a collaboration … one piece alone does not make for a strong show,” Eader said.

Michelle Polgar, managing director of the Mary Moody Northen Theatre, said other artists affiliated with St. Edward’s were also included in the Austin Chronicle’s list, such as Mary Moody Northen Theatre Assistant Technical Director K. Eliot Haynes, who was honored for work outside of the campus theater.

Eader said these most recent honors are not the first for the theater.

“MMNT productions are regularly honored by the Austin critics for excellence in directing, acting and design,” Eader said. “As recent as last year, we were honored with the ‘Best Comedy’ award at the annual Austin Critics Table Awards ceremony for our production of ‘The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler.’”

Both Long and Eader agreed that the point of these productions was not to win awards or recognition, but to entertain, enlighten and inspire.

Eader said it is more important to put efforts into work instead of into trying to re-gain awards. The success of shows is measured by the audience’s reactions as the shows are done for them.

“It is always about the work, regardless of critical recognition. The second half of our 40th anniversary season is extraordinary and shouldn’t be missed,” Long said.