AUSTIN-Six St. Edward's University theater students were well represented at this year's Austin Critics' Table Awards, taking the Deacon Crain Award for Outstanding Theatre for the third consecutive year. The awards, which honor work produced on Austin stages, are by judged by critics from the Austin American-Statesman, The Austin Chronicle and other Austin-area newspapers.

The Deacon Crain Award for Outstanding Theatre was awarded to Cory Cruser of Rockport. This annual award, presented to an outstanding college student, has been given to St. Edward's University theater students for the third year in a row.

Numerous other students were honored with nominations, Tara Battani of Austin for "actress in a musical" in "Camelot"; Jose Marenco of New Orleans, La. for "supporting actor in comedy" in "Picasso at the Lapin Agile."

Students were also recognized for their work outside of St. Edward's University's Mary Moody Northen Theater. Jenny Larson of Rapid City, S.D., Cruser, Jerel Perez of Beeville, and Battani were all cast in the Frontera@Hyde Park Theatre production of "Polaroid Stories," which earned nominations for "best director," "best costume design" and "best set design."

Sacha Bodner of Houston and Cruser were cast in "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," which received nominations for "best direction," "choreography," "musical direction," "best actress" and "best supporting actor." They were also cast in "Fiddler on the Roof," which received nominations for "best musical," "best direction," "musical direction," "best actor," "best actress," "best supporting actress," "best set design" and "best lighting design."

St. Edward's University's theater arts program is the only undergraduate theater program in the country where students who successfully complete the requirements of the Membership Candidate Program are eligible to join the Actors' Equity Association.

St. Edward's University is an independent, Catholic liberal arts university of 3,700 students in Austin.