Pitt Drama Critic Wins First Annual George Anderson Award
A new award in June 1998, to Pitt student Neil Bose, highlights drama criticism in the Pitt News. Given to college drama critics to honor the late George Anderson, long-time Pittsburgh Post-Gazette critic and entertainment editor, the award was instituted by Christopher Rawson, a member of the English Department for 30 years and since 1983 Drama Critic for the Post-Gazette.
Rawson will give up to three awards each year. One is reserved for a student from Pitt, one from Carnegie Mellon, and one from any other college in metropolitan Pittsburgh. Each year by the end of May, applicants submit clips of up to three drama reviews published during the previous 12 months, whether in a college newspaper or elsewhere.
Bose won his award for his series of reviews in the Pitt News, where he dominated theater coverage during the 1997-98 year. Also winning an award was Alex Lewin of CMU, whose criticism graced the student newspaper, The Tartan. There was no third award in this first year since the program was publicized late and entries were few. The winners were announced in Rawson's weekly On Stage column in the Post-Gazette and each received $100 and a certificate of excellence.
Rawson's aim is to encourage more college newspapers to review theater regularly, sharpening informed dialogue on theatrical art and content, as well as to pay tribute to Anderson, his mentor. He hopes to continue the awards indefinitely.