Shirley & Tom P. Rea Memorial Award

Shirley Rea created the Tom P. Rea Memorial Award to honor her husband, Dr. Tom P. Rea, after his death in 1984. Dr. Rea was a theatre faculty member at KU for more than 20 years specializing in directing musical theatre. Tom and Shirley were consummate actors and met while performing in The Fantasticks. They performed several times together over the years and were passionate about assisting young actors to achieve their dream of performing on Broadway. Upon Shirley’s death in 2006, the department changed the name of the award to pay tribute to both Shirley and Tom.

This fund is used to support an award for an undergraduate student graduating from the department who wants to move to New York and become a professional actor/actress. Preference is given to a student with an emphasis in musical theatre.

Eligible students must complete an Award Application by April 1 for consideration. The award is presented by vote of the faculty and staff of the department.

Contributions to the Shirley & Tom P. Rea Memorial Award Fund may be made via KU Endowment.

Past Recipients