{"id":7952,"date":"2022-05-20T11:40:14","date_gmt":"2022-05-20T16:40:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin-new\/?post_type=campus_story&p=7952"},"modified":"2022-05-20T11:40:14","modified_gmt":"2022-05-20T16:40:14","slug":"a-sound-creator-justin-schmitz-is-a-fast-rising-star-in-theatrical-hotbed-of-d-c","status":"publish","type":"campus_story","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/story\/a-sound-creator-justin-schmitz-is-a-fast-rising-star-in-theatrical-hotbed-of-d-c\/","title":{"rendered":"A sound creator: Justin Schmitz is a fast-rising star in theatrical hotbed of D.C."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Justin Schmitz, \u201911, is the recipient of the 2020 Rada Distinguished Alumni Award. Schmitz has established himself as a leading innovator in theatrical sound design, particularly when it comes to deaf theater.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Editor\u2019s note: This is the second of a series of five articles introducing recipients of the UW-La Crosse Alumni Association\u2019s Distinguished Alumni Awards. <\/span><\/em>See all 2022 award recipients.<\/span><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

He\u2019s impressive with his creative, cutting-edge sound design for theater. In fact, he\u2019s so creative that he\u2019s even making waves with those who are deaf, allowing them to experience and enjoy audible theatrics in new, bold ways.<\/p>\n

Justin Schmitz, who started his early theatrical profession fine-tuning sound on the stage of UW-La Crosse\u2019s Toland Theatre, has taken his talents to Washington, D.C., the country\u2019s second largest theater city.<\/p>\n

David Kilpatrick, director of education programs and productions for D.C.\u2019s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, says Schmitz stands out for his distinction in sound design, as well as his fearless and collaborative exploration of how sound design affects audiences and storytelling. He says Schmitz\u2019s bridge-building savviness is helping him shape what\u2019s ahead for the creative theater field.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has emerged as a young leader on a national scale in theatrical sound design,\u201d notes Kilpatrick. \u201cHe is one with the right mix of professionalism and intelligence to make a difference in shaping the field\u2019s future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Schmitz is also known for his innovative and heartfelt work with the theater and dance program at Washington, D.C.\u2019s Gallaudet University.<\/p>\n

Ethan Sinnott, professor and director of the program, says Gallaudet is fortunate to have Schmitz, whom he calls a fast-rising star in the theatrical hotbed of D.C., be so supportive of its programming. He appreciates Schmitz\u2019s keen interest in developing strategies to synthesize sound design for deaf theater.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs an artistic collaborator, Mr. Schmitz has always exhibited a sensitivity to the deaf-oriented nature of Gallaudet and its community in his pursuit of the seemingly paradoxical challenge of designing sound for deaf theatre,\u201d explains Sinnott.<\/p>\n

As a freelance sound designer and composer, Schmitz has earned numerous awards. He takes his craft to numerous theater projects in many states.<\/p>\n

Rada Distinguished Alumni Award<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Recognizes alumni who have graduated within the last 20 years, achieved professional distinction and taken part in humanitarian activities. Professor emeritus Ron Rada and his wife, Jane, created the award in 2002.<\/p>\n

Justin Schmitz, \u201911<\/strong><\/p>\n