John Bracewell Honored with National Theater Award

The United States Institute for Theatre Technology has given John Bracewell, associate professor of theater arts, the USITT Harold Burris-Meyer Distinguished Career in Sound Design Award for 2001. This award, established in 1998, was created to recognize an individual who has established a career record of achievement in his or her field of specialization in the performing arts and entertainment industry. Bracewell received the award in March at the USITT’s annual conference and stage exposition in Long Beach, California.

"This was something I’d never expected," Bracewell says. "I’m deeply honored, and the support that my colleagues at Ithaca College have expressed has made the experience even more meaningful."

"The entire department joins me in congratulating John on this most deserved award," adds Lee Byron, associate professor of theater arts and chair and director of theater. "We are indeed fortunate to have John on our faculty. The impact he has had on the lives of so many students has been invaluable."

Bracewell, who has been on the theater arts faculty at Ithaca College since 1973, currently teaches courses in stagecraft, techniques of theater sound, and electronic controls. He has designed sound and composed music for a wide range of theatrical productions over a career that has spanned 35 years. He is the author of Sound Design in the Theatre, published in 1993 by Prentice Hall. A second edition is currently in preparation.

Bracewell has been a member of USITT’s board of directors and has served as its national liaison, education commissioner, and sound design commissioner.

He holds a doctorate in theater technology from Florida State University, a master’s degree in theater from the University of Iowa, and a bachelor’s degree in music from Florida State.

Established in 1960 by theater professionals and educators, the USITT is the association of design, production, and technology professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry in the United States and Canada.