NATCHITOCHES – Scott Burrell, director of the Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts at Northwestern State University, will be inducted into the Catawba College Theatre Arts Department’s Blue Masque Hall of Fame at a virtual event during the College’s Homecoming Week celebration Nov. 2-8.

The Blue Masque Hall of Fame is in its 13th year and recognizes and perpetuates the noteworthy theatre tradition of Catawba College by honoring and memorializing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to this tradition. The honor acknowledges the alumni, faculty or staff who have made outstanding contributions to the world of theatre.

Burrell was named director earlier this year. Before becoming director, Burrell was the head of the NSU Theatre and Dance program for 12 years. Burrell has been a member of the theatre faculty since 1998. Under his guidance the theatre/dance program grew its enrollment by 30 percent, established a BFA in Dance, four faculty lines were created and over $300,000 in grant funds were awarded.

Burrell recently coordinated a $500,000 renovation to NSU’s A.A. Fredricks Auditorium that will enhance the facility which hosts a variety of university and community events.

NSU’s theatre and dance program has graduated a number of successful students who have moved into all areas of professional theatre and dance. Before the pandemic, there were five NSU theatre and dance alumni on Broadway. His educational background includes a B.A in Theatre from Catawba College in 1994 and an M.F.A. in Directing from Virginia Commonwealth University.

He has served in a number of leadership roles at Northwestern State including the University Registrar Search Committee chair, Grievance Committee chair, vice president of the Faculty Senate, and many other committee memberships. He was also awarded the NSU Faculty Advisor of the Year in 2017. Burrell is a member of the University of Louisiana System’s Management and Leadership Institute. Institute participants include faculty and staff members from each of the System’s nine member institutions who have exhibited upper management potential and a desire for leadership development.

Burrell holds a teacher certification in the Michael Chekhov Acting Technique.