Ruben Santiago-Hudson will visit campus on Friday October 3, 2003 to receive the 2003 Arts Achievement Award for Theatre. The award is given annually to honor the accomplishments of Wayne State University Alumni by the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. Santiago-Hudson earned an M.F.A. at Wayne State University in Theatre in 1982.
Santiago-Hudson, a Tony-winning actor (August Wilson's Seven Guitars) made his playwriting debut with his award winning show Lackawana Blues. Lackawanna Blues is a touching, sentimental journey through the playwright-performer's unorthodox upbringing, and is a lyrical tribute to the woman who reared Santiago-Hudson in the upstate New York burg of Lackawanna. The show has earned both an Obie Award as well as a Drama Desk Award nomination.
His stage, television and screen experience is considerable. Santiago-Hudson originated the role of Buddy Bolden in Jelly's Last Jam on Broadway. Films credits include Coming To America and Shaft among many others. He has also appeared in many television shows, among them are Law and Order, Third Watch, The West Wing, Touched by an Angel, and NYPD Blue.
Santiago-Hudson will be on hand to host a talkback with students at 2:00 PM in the Hilberry Theatre. He will receive the award in a ceremony at the Spencer Partrich Auditorium located in the Law School building at 471 W. Palmer St. The ceremony is slated for 4 PM with a reception to follow.
Previous award winners include such notable alumni as actor Jeffrey Tambor, local playwright Kim Carney, stage manager for the American Ballet Theatre's Alice Galloway, actor and educational pioneer Kathleen Gaffney and Tony Award winning costume designer, Martin Packledinaz. In addition to Theatre, the College of Fine Performing and Communication Arts also awards alumni in the areas of Art Education, Dance, Music, Art and Art History and Communication.
Attached are a release and photo for the 2003 theatre department arts achievement award winner, Tony award-winning actor Ruben Santiago-Hudson.