The Illinois Theatre Association has awarded its 2014 Award of Excellence in College/University Theatre to Elmhurst College faculty member and Director of Theatre Janice Pohl.

The award was presented to Pohl recently as part of the Illinois Theatre Association’s 41st Annual Convention, Step Up & Stand Out: A Symposium Exploring Excellence with the ITA, held at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

“Each year the Illinois Theatre Association recognizes both individuals and organizations for their significant contributions of promoting quality theatre throughout the state of Illinois,” said Aimee-Lynn Newlan, executive director of the Illinois Theatre Association. “Janice Pohl was nominated by the Illinois theatre community, approved by ITA’s divisional representatives, and accepted by ITA’s Board of Directors. We are thrilled to provide this much-deserved recognition to her.”

Pohl is director of theatre at Elmhurst College and an associate professor in the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences. She is a director and theatre generalist whose production work also includes a focus on costume design and technology. The focus of her scholarship and pedagogy includes theatre education and the interdisciplinary role of theatre in the humanities and liberal arts. Her professional service includes production response for Illinois college/university theatre productions participating in Region III of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

Pohl also has done directing work with grassroots and community theatre companies in the Midwest and on the East Coast. She has served as a director and instructor for young people’s drama programs in Maine and the Midwest, and volunteers annually as a guest instructor in creative drama for Saint Luke Academy in Chicago.

The Illinois Theatre Association, or ITA, advocates for the art of quality theatre in Illinois. In support of theatre programs, the ITA provides numerous services throughout the state, including festivals, conferences, focus groups, professional development workshops and publications.