Ponce de León receives URTA scenic design and technology award

Milagros Ponce de León, associate professor of scenic design and head of the B.F.A. in Theatre Design and Technology Program, was recognized by the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA) with the Excellence in Undergraduate Training Award in Scenic Design and Technology. Founded in 1969, the URTA works to ensure the continued renewal of the American theatre by supporting excellence in the professional training of new artists. The annual award recognizes outstanding work of undergraduate instructors, coaches, mentors and institutions for excellence in the training and preparation of undergraduate theatre artists. Ponce de León came to Penn State in 2010 and teaches intro to scene design, advanced scene design, design presentation techniques for theatre/rendering for the theatre and the interdisciplinary graduate design studio. “It is an honor to receive this award. It enhances the visibility of the undergraduate and graduate theatre training programs in the School of Theatre at Penn State,” Ponce de León said. “I have been teaching at the university level for almost 20 years and this is a meaningful recognition to this endeavor.” The URTA selects the award recipients based on the work of the students presenting design portfolios during URTA auditions and interviews, which Ponce de León said highlights the artistic talent at Penn State. “This recognition reflects the caliber of work that Penn State School of Theatre students showcase during the conference,” Ponce de León said. “The award is the result of the students' work ethic and talent, as much as it is a reflection of the work that my colleagues and peers do in the classroom.”