20th Annual Michael Merritt Awards and Design Expo Honors Inspirational Teacher

The 20th Annual Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration program will take place on Monday, April 15, at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. 5pm-10pm

The Michael Merritt Awards And Endowment Fund Honor The Memory Of A Brilliant Designer And Inspirational Teacher. The Michael Merritt Award, A National Award Unique In Its Emphasis On Excellence In Both Design And Collaboration, Has Been Presented Annually Since 1994 To Outstanding Professional Theatrical Designers. The Endowment Fund Recognizes And Encourages The Work Of Young Professionals And Students Through A National Design Exposition And Prizes To Promising Theatrical Design Students.

Student - $ 5.00

General Admission - $ 20.00

Book tickets online at merrittawards.com

General Public is welcome.

Food, wine and beer are included in the ticket price. Funds go to support the awards endowment fund.

SEVENTH ANNUAL THEATRE DESIGN EXPOSITION
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Showcasing the works of Chicago-area emerging theatrical designers and graduating design students from Chicago's best theatrical design programs and attended by many of Chicago's artistic directors, production managers, and industry professionals.

DIALOGUE WITH THE DESIGNERS
7:00-8:00 p.m.
A discussion moderated by Hedy Weiss featuring the award recipients exploring current issues of interest to professional and student designers.

AWARDS PRESENTATION AND CELEBRATION
8:15-8:45 p.m.
Presentation of The Michael Maggio Emerging Designer Award, our four academic prize recipients, the Prizes for Best Exhibit and The Michael Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration. Also this year, tributes to Joe Drummond, Chris Phillips, Michael Maggio and Michael Merritt.

Food, wine, beer and fellowship until 10:00 p.m.