Tony Award-Winner and UC Alumna Faith Prince to Address UC’s Commencement Ceremony
The career of the singer and actress spans stage, film and TV. She’ll address University of Cincinnati graduates on Dec. 12.
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Faith Prince, one of the UC College-Conservatory of Music’s most famous graduates, will be the featured speaker at the University of Cincinnati Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, in Fifth Third Arena at Shoemaker Center. Prince will receive an Honorary Doctor of Performing Arts. The honorary degree recognizes the attainment of extraordinary distinction. It is the highest award given by the university. | Faith Prince |
Prince graduated as “Most Talented” with her bachelor of fine arts degree from CCM’s Musical Theatre Program in 1979. She is best known for her award-winning performance as Miss Adelaide in “Guys and Dolls,” earning a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award in 1992. She was nominated for the same awards for her performance in “A Catered Affair” on Broadway in 2008.
Other award-nominated performances on Broadway include “Bells are Ringing” (2001), “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway” (1989) and “Nick and Nora” (1991). She recently played the role of Ursula in “The Little Mermaid” on Broadway.
The Lynchburg, Va., native’s film roles include “Our Very Own,” “Picture Perfect,” “Dave” and “My Father the Hero.” Her television appearances include “Spin City,” “Huff,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “House,” “Monk” and many other shows, most recently Lifetime Television’s “Drop Dead Diva.”
Musical accomplishments include “A Leap of Faith” (CD), “Moving On” (tour in Australia), and “Over the Rainbow,” a national concert tour that celebrated the centennial of composer Harold Arlen. Vocal performances have also included appearances with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the Boston Pops and the Utah Symphony.
A lifetime member of the UC Alumni Association, Prince was the featured artist at the 1998 UC Presidential Ball, which served as the kickoff for UC’s national campaign. She continues to support her alma mater and UC students pursuing careers in musical theatre. In New York last April, she took part in a musical theatre seminar for the 2009 CCM graduating class and spoke of her own experiences in the profession.
“She spoke to the students with great understanding, humanity and humility and provided insights into the most difficult of professions with humor and grace,” says Aubrey Berg, Patricia A. Corbett Distinguished Chair of Musical Theatre. “She is considered a gem by her peers in the theatre community and her every appearance is eagerly anticipated. She is known and loved for imbuing roles with an unmistakable imprimatur – the Faith Prince style,” says Berg.