Yasu Ishida, a University of Hawai‘i graduate student in children’s theater, has been awarded the American Alliance for Theatre and Education’s Doyle Fellowship. The fellowship is named in honor of Don and Elizabeth Doyle for their lifetime of creative work in theatre for youth. It is presented to an outstanding graduate-level student of demonstrated artistic ability in the area of theatre for youth. The candidate should also indicate a professional interest in pursuing career goals consistent with the legacy of the Doyles.
This is the first time a UH-Mänoa theater student was selected for the award. Ishida submitted an extensive portfolio that included videos of his performance at the 2013 and 2014 Talk Story Festivals; photos of himself in UH productions; and reviews of his work as creator and director of the storytelling troupe, Bento Rakugo.
Last December, Ishida and local storyteller Jeff Gere collaborated on a storytelling performance, “Kataributai: An Evening of Mythology & Storytelling,” which told the story of the Japanese American experience in Hawai‘i. Ishida is currently creating and co-directing Honolulu Theatre for Youth’s Christmas production, “A Yule Rakugo.” He recently participated in an internship in Florida.
