Leyden’s First Theatre Technology Founders Award Recipient

Senior+Annalisa+Jamnik+and+Steve+Jacobs%2C+who+presented+her+with+the+award+on+behalf+of+the+Founders+Committee+on+Wednesday+April+9+after+school+in+the+East+Leyden+auditorium.+++

Chris Brito

Senior Annalisa Jamnik and Steve Jacobs, who presented her with the award on behalf of the Founders Committee on Wednesday April 9 after school in the East Leyden auditorium.

On Wednesday, April 9 East Leyden senior Annalisa Jamnik received the United States Institute for Theatre Technology’s Midwest Section Founders Award.

In an impromptu ceremony after school in the East Leyden auditorium, Jamnik was surprised with her plaque, which was presented to her by Founders committee member Steve Jacobs, who had worked with her at the Illinois High School Theatre Festival.

Jamnik has attended the IHSTF for the past three years having made All State as a member of the All State Technical crew every year she’s been eligible.

Also in attendance on Wednesday were fellow theatre students as well as Leyden’s Technical Director Vic Pilolla.

Pilolla, who has worked with Jamnik since her freshman year, nominated her for the Founder’s award which aims to recognize a student for their hard work in their school’s technical theatre program and interest in pursuing a career in theatre.

Jamnik has been active in Leyden Theatre since freshmen year.

“You Can’t Take It With You” was the first set she built, and she has stage managed almost every Leyden Theatre production for the past four years.

She has been president of the Leyden chapter of the International Thespian Society for the past two years.