2018 Recipients

Lucy Dhegrae (BM ’08, voice) 

“Vocal versatility and an omnivorous curiosity” (New York Times) are the hallmarks of mezzo-soprano Lucy Dhegrae, a passionate vocalist with a flexible technique that fits a variety of styles. She has performed with the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), Talea Ensemble, the Albany Symphony, among others, at such venues as Miller Theatre, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center.

Ms. Dhegrae, who is “everywhere new music is being sung” (New York Classical Review) regularly premieres new vocal works and operas, and has worked closely with such composers as Unsuk Chin, Jason Eckardt, Susan Botti, Alexandra Vrebalov, and Sky Macklay. Her opera premieres include Trillium J by Anthony Braxton, Andy: A Popera (Opera Philadelphia/Bearded Ladies Cabaret), A Marvelous Order by Judd Greenstein, and Ashley Fure’s The Force of Things. Dhegrae’s festival appearances include Darmstadt (Germany), Klangspuren (Austria), Mostly Mozart, Bard Music Festival, Gesher Music Festival (St. Louis), and Aldeburgh Music Festival (as a Britten-Pears Young Artist).

As “soprano and raconteur” (The New Yorker) she directs Resonant Bodies Festival, a festival of contemporary vocal music that takes place in NYC and beyond, which she founded in 2013. She earned her masters degree from the Bard College Conservatory Graduate Vocal Arts Program and is a core member of the new music ensemble Contemporaneous.

Stephen Siercks (BFA ’07, design and production) 

Stephen Siercks serves as the Senior Director of Entertainment Production at Universal Studios Hollywood, where he oversees the development and production of all live entertainment and special events throughout the theme park. Throughout Stephen’s 12 year tenure at Universal, he has held various positions within the Entertainment Department, from stage management to production management.

In his current role, Mr. Siercks has developed and guided compelling content seen by guests every day, from leading the production of the highly-successful yearly marquee events such as Halloween Horror Nights and Holidays at Universal, to producing one-off events such as the grand opening of Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2016 and the Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle projection mapping show in 2017. He also oversees auditions/casting, show quality, and costume production for the Entertainment Department.

Mr. Siercks also serves as a Western Division board member of the Themed Entertainment Association. In 2017, he was proud to represent Universal Studios Hollywood as WaterWorld was named the recipient of the prestigious TEA Classic Award.

After graduating the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Production, Mr. Siercks went on to attend the University of California, San Diego where he received a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Production. He now resides in Los Angeles with his wife Jae and three year old son Noah.

Dee Tomasetta (BFA ’14, dance) 

Dee Tomasetta most recently can be seen playing the role of Peter Pan and Ensemble in the First National Broadway Tour of Finding Neverland. Dee is also the Associate Choreographer of the Broadway National Tour.

She was featured on “So You Think You Can Dance” as a Top 15 female finalist in Season 10. Ms. Tomasetta has worked with choreographer Mia Michaels as her assistant on numerous projects including So You Think You Can Dance, Joffrey Ballet, and Mia Michaels LIVE. She has been seen dancing for REEBOK’s New York Fashion Week, AUDI Global Launch Events in Shanghai, China, Musical Artists DUMBLONDE, Aubrey O’day and Shannon Bex, and Gillette Venus commercials.

Ms. Tomasetta’s performance credits include the Radio City New York Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, “Saturday Night Live”, “The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon”, “Americas Got Talent”, Mystic India: The World Tour, Kaleidoscope Dance Theatre, and iKADA Dance Company. Dee continues to share her knowledge, love, and passion for the arts teaching at various dance institutions throughout the country.