HUDSON's founder, leader, and chairman Neil A. Mazzella was honored by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc. (USITT), the professional association for performing arts designers and technicians, with its 2013 Distinguished Achievement Award in Technical Production. He was lauded for his “profound contribution to professional theatre by enhancing the relationship of theatre craft to theatre art.”
Photo courtesy of USITT
While building HUDSON into the industry leader of custom fabrication, scenic art, automation and lighting that it is today, Neil simultaneously served as technical supervisor for over 70 Broadway productions. He eventually created his own company, Hudson Theatrical Associates, in 2007 to specialize in production management that extends beyond Broadway to include live events and industrials.
HUDSON is thrilled to congratulate Neil on his latest award. Over the years, his contributions in varying roles as shop owner, technical director, and educator (at Yale School of Drama & Columbia University) have earned him ubiquitous respect among his colleagues, clients, and collaborators.
![[From left to right: Timothy Hartung (Architecture), Rachel Keebler (Cobalt Studios), Desmond Heeley (Costume and Scenic Design), Kevin Rigdon (moderator), Neil A. Mazzella (Technical Production), and Otts Munderloh (Sound). Courtesy of USITT]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b833f6_c71992c087f446f9ac67683b80db4675~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_900,h_600,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/b833f6_c71992c087f446f9ac67683b80db4675~mv2.jpg)
Neil shared some of the wisdom of his experiences at USITT’s 2013 Annual Conference & Stage Expo held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he accepted the award and participated in a panel discussion. Neil told the group and audience, “If you're in this business and you stick around, you've dedicated your life to risk…And that's the attraction.”
Photo courtesy of USITT