VPA announces Lewis Hecker New York City Drama Showcase

Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) has announced that its annual New York City showcase for Department of Drama students has been named the Syracuse University Lewis Hecker New York City Drama Showcase. The naming recognizes the late Hecker ’56, a New York City resident and theater enthusiast who made a generous bequest to VPA to support the showcase, as well as endowing a fund to provide merit-based scholarships for drama students.

The showcase, which is held annually at the end of the spring semester, features performances by acting and musical theater seniors, as well as portfolio presentations by students majoring in theater design and technology. Students are able to display their talents in front of an audience that includes industry professionals.

“Through his support of the New York City showcase and merit-based drama scholarships, Lew’s love of the theater and fondness for his alma mater will always be remembered,” says Ann Clarke, dean of VPA. “He has made a significant impact on the drama department’s ability to attract the most talented students to its quality programs and ensure that those students make an impact on the industry upon graduation.”

The 2011 Lewis Hecker New York City Drama Showcase will be held on Monday, May 9, at 2 and 6 p.m. at Peter Jay Sharp Theater, 416 West 42nd St. It will be directed by Ralph Zito, professor and chair of the Department of Drama. The showcase is free and open to the public, but patrons should RSVP to Timothy Davis-Reed at (315) 443-3111 or SyracuseShowcase11@gmail.com.

Hecker, who earned a bachelor of arts degree from SU’s College of Arts & Sciences, spent much of his career working in fashion advertising, broadcasting and marketing. He was a vice president at Ted Bates Worldwide, the third-largest advertising agency in the world, and played a prominent role at Tinker Dodge & Delano, a component of Interpublic. Upon retirement, he took a job with Fashion Institute of Technology as a career counselor and internship coordinator until 2009. He died on July 31, 2010.