CSA Howard Vincent Kurtz Emerging Theatre Artist Award

The Howard Vincent Kurtz Emerging Theatre Artist Award recognizes student members and seeks to foster their development. It is given annually and provides financial assistance to a student who has been selected to present a brief overview of their research/creative work at the CSA National Symposium.


The student receives up to a $500 travel stipend and day-of-presentation registration fee; also, a two-year student membership in CSA. Funded through the CSA Endowment, the award is intended to encourage student participation in both the symposium and CSA.


The Award was established in 2021 and is named for its contributor, Howard Vincent Kurtz, who has had a diverse career as a costume designer, educator of theater costume design, and a costume curator. He is a professional costume designer who is a member of the United Scenic Artist Local 829. Howard was a patternmaker and draper of costumes on Broadway, Hollywood films, and television. He is a Professor Emeritus of Theater at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA where Howard served as Resident Costume Designer and head of the Design Tech program. During that time, Professor Kurtz also was an Associate Curator of Costumes and Textiles at Hillwood Museum and Gardens in Washington DC. A Fellow of the Costume Society of America, Howard also served on its Board of Directors, Chair of the Endowment, treasurer, and as treasurer and president of the Mid-Atlantic Region. He continues to lecture on a wide range of costume history topics for various organizations.

  • Eligibility

    Eligibility


    • Applicant must be an undergraduate or graduate student.
    • Applicant must be nominated by a current CSA member.  
    • The creative work must be completed or in process prior to submission.

    Applicants will be evaluated by:

    • Clearly articulated project description, inspiration, and challenges
    • Demonstration of mastery of skills through use of materials and techniques
    • Using creative solutions to transform a unique idea into an inspired creation
    • Quality of work presented through a unique idea and exemplary design 
    • Images give a strong visual overview of the creative work
    • Submission is complete and follows the guidelines

  • Application Procedure

    A complete application should be uploaded as one (1) pdf document under 100MB using this online form (available summer of 2025) and include the following information in listed form:


    • A cover page with applicant contact information.
    • An abstract of no more than 350 words describing the personal artistic statement of inspiration and challenges of the creative work.
    • Eight (8) clearly labeled images that give a visual overview of the creative work. An additional four (4) images may be submitted for a maximum of twelve (12) images. 
    • Current resume ( two (2) page maximum)
    • Two letters of recommendation from faculty advisors or mentors in the student’s academic program and/or professional arena. The faculty members may include a design instructor, an instructor or supervisor in a shop or studio, history professor or department chair.

    See the rubric tab for more information.

  • Rubric

    Each criterion is rated according to the following scale: 

    4 = exemplary, 3 = proficient, 2 = emerging, 1 = needs improvement

    1. Abstract: Personal artistic statement describing the inspiration and challenges
    2. Use of Materials & Techniques
    3. Creative Solutions
    4. Quality of Work
    5. Chosen Images
    6. Organization & Clarity
    7. Resume and Letters of Recommendation

  • Award Schedule

    The application deadline is December 15, 2025. Applicants will be notified of the results in mid-January 2026. The award winner will be sent a discount code for the day-of-registration fee. Following the presentation at the National Symposium, reimbursement of up to $500 of expenses to present at the symposium will be paid upon completion of travel and submission of an expense report.

Please Contact the Committee Chair

Aly Amidei, for more information.

Contact Aly Amidei

Recipients

2025

Henry Cawood

Stage West Theatre, Fort Worth, Texas


Once Upon a Mattress

2023

Mona Jahani

Michigan State University


Monsieur d’Eon is a Woman

2022

2024

Kessler Jones

Michigan State University


Clue