Western Illinois University is proud to announce that Steven House, associate professor of Theatre and head of Design, has been awarded the ITA’s 2024 Award of Excellence in College/University Theatre.
Each year, the Illinois Theatre Association (ITA) honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing the quality of theatre across Illinois. Nominees are submitted by members of the Illinois theatre community, reviewed by ITA’s divisional representatives and approved by the ITA Board of Directors.
This prestigious honor highlights House’s outstanding dedication to theatre education, scenic design and mentorship in higher education.
Most recently, House designed the scenery for WIU’s 2024 SummerStage production of “MATILDA: The Musical,” earning praise for his imaginative and detailed work. He holds a master of Fine Arts in Scenic Design from Illinois State University and a bachelor of Fine Arts in Design/Technology from the University of Montevallo.
Throughout his career, House has contributed scenic designs to a wide array of companies and institutions, including Midland Community Theatre, St. Gregory’s University, Northern Arizona University, Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, Theatre Randolph, Heartland Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Illinois State University, LaCosta Theatre, University of Montevallo and The Plagiarists.
In addition to his design work, House has served as a scenic painter for theatres across the country, with credits that include the Santa Fe Opera, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre, Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, Midland Community Theatre, Birmingham Children’s Theatre and The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.
“WIU applauds Professor House for his continued excellence in the field of theatre design and congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition,” Tammy Killian, Theatre and Dance chair, said.
To learn more about the WIU Theatre and Dance programs, visit wiu.edu/cofac/theatre/.
***Courtesy of Western Illinois University***
