Recent Ryerson Theatre School Graduates Recognized
by 2006 Siminovitch Prize Winner
Toronto, October 30, 2006 … For the second time this month, recent graduates of Ryerson
Theatre School’s four-year BFA program have distinguished themselves with top honours on
a national level. Two RTS graduates were singled out by the winner of last week’s
prestigious Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, Canada’s largest annual theatre award. Under
the direction of Chair Perry Schneiderman since 2000, Ryerson Theatre School (RTS)
continues to build a national reputation as a centre of excellence for the training of actors,
dancers and production personnel. Celebrating its 35th Anniversary this season, the Theatre
School has confirmed its position as one of the country’s leading centres for training in all
aspects of theatre.
Designer Dany Lyne named RTS alumna Camellia Koo as one of two Protégés, a title which
bestows a $12,500 award. Ms. Lyne also singled out designer Jun-Hye Kim, a 2006 RTS
graduate, with an Honourable Mention. The prize founders have structured the Siminovitch
Prize in this way to underscore the importance of mentorship in Canadian theatre. The
Siminovitch Prize was introduced in 2001 and dedicated to renowned scientist Lou
Siminovitch and his late wife Elinore, a playwright.
Commenting on her selections, Ms. Lyne said, “I chose to honour designers whose work and
commitment I admire very much … Camellia Koo, [is] a meticulous, sculptural and
symbolic interpreter. I also wish to encourage a young graduate, Jung-Hye Kim, whose
talent and determination to become a designer are remarkable.”
Camellia Koo is a Toronto-based set and costume designer and installation artist who
received her B.F.A. from Ryerson Theatre School in 2001 (Production). She has garnered a
considerable body of work, including recent collaborations with fu-Gen Asian Canadian
Theatre Company, Cahoots Theatre Projects (Dora Awards for both set and costume
designs, Bombay Black), Nightwood, Obsidian, Native Earth Performing Arts, Soulpepper,
Theatre Direct, Factory, Fujiwara Dance Inventions, and Great Canadian Theatre Company.
Camellia completed her M.A. in Scenography in the U.K. and Holland as part of the
European Scenography Centres Exchange. She has also been invited to design set and
costumes for Ryerson Theatre School productions, most recently for Brecht’s Caucasian
Chalk Circle.
Korean–born Jung-Hye Kim (Honourable Mention) is a young Toronto-based designer.
Her decision to pursue a career as a set and costume designer was inspired by the opera
performances she attended while studying in Florence. She graduated from Ryerson Theatre
School in 2006, and also holds a degree in Textile Design from the Ontario College of Art
and Design.
Earlier this month, two 2005 RTS graduates, Aidan deSalaiz and Sophia Walker, were
the recipients of 2006 Tyrone Guthrie Awards, awarded through the Stratford Festival
of Canada’s Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre Training.
For more information about the Theatre School and its 35 th Anniversary Gala Weekend on
November 25 and 26, visit www.ryersontheatre.ca
-30Media contact:
Luisa Trisi, Director of Public Relations,
(416) 979-5118
ltrisi@ryerson.ca