UI Theater professor nominated for five Jeff Awards
University of Idaho Theater Arts professor Matt Foss is unable to attend the 42nd annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards ceremony in Chicago, for which his adaption of Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle” was nominated in five categories.
He said he’ll be too busy in Moscow — Moscow, Russia, that is.
Foss said although he feels honored to be nominated for the awards, the ceremony collides with a planned trip to Russia, where he will aid his students in researching and studying theater.
“The Jungle” is a 1906 muckraker-era novel that follows immigrants in Chicago stockyards and ultimately exposes the horrors of the meat industry. Foss’ play earned nominations in production, ensemble, direction, new adaptation and original music in a play.
The Jeff Awards, which honor excellence in Chicago theaters, are named after famous early American actor Joseph Jefferson and are often considered Chicago’s version of the Tony Awards. Foss received his five nominations April 23. Previously, Foss received awards, including two national awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and one from The Moscow Art Theater School in Russia.
Foss’ adaption of “The Jungle” was performed at Oracle Productions, a unique Chicago “public access theater” that shows its plays for free.
Foss said he has worked with Oracle Productions before — in 2014, where he directed a production of Clifford Odet’s depression-era play “Waiting for Lefty.” Its success prompted him to be asked to return.
Foss has worked with many theaters in the past, including Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, American Blues Theater, The Jewish Ensemble Theater and Tipping Point Theater.
Foss has been teaching at UI for only a year but is already enjoying the bustling Moscow community, he said. Foss has an MFA in acting from Roosevelt University in Chicago and a Ph.D. in theater studies and directing from Wayne State University in Michigan. He previously taught at Iowa State University before coming to teach at UI.
Foss said he enjoys UI because it not only has the capacity to welcome the kind of projects he likes to do, but administrators, instructors and students encourage it.
“Folks at a lot of places try to make you distinguish between being a teaching artist and a professional artist,” Foss said. “In fact, nothing could be less helpful, as my work with and alongside students makes me a better artist.”
Foss is currently working on a few projects including an adaptation of “The Little Prince” for the Idaho Repertory Theater. He said he is especially excited to work with fellow UI Theater Arts professor David Lee Painter and university students on another project early next spring.