New Georgia Group Award Shines Spotlight on Original Student Work "The Art of Noticing"

UGA Theatre presents “The Art of Noticing,” an original work written by undergraduate Dyllon Glaze and directed by Olivia Vicos. Performances will be held in the Cellar Theatre of the Fine Arts Building on March 20-22 at 8 p.m. and March 23 at 2 p.m. Free Admission. Limit of two tickets per person. Tickets can be reserved at ugatheatre.com/noticing or by phone at 706-542-4400.  

“The Art of Noticing,” an original work by undergraduate theatre major Dyllon Glaze, will debut its workshop production in the New Georgia Group Award slot of UGA Theatre’s 2024-2025 season. The play follows eight interconnected characters as they navigate love, loss, and self-discovery. From ambitious students chasing their dreams to siblings clinging to one another through familial upheaval, each must learn to embrace change, take risks, and find meaning in the moments that shape their lives.

Beginning as an observational piece about the joys and challenges of the human experience, “The Art of Noticing” developed into a full-fledged script in 2024 before its submission to the department of theatre and film studies’ Honors and Awards committee for consideration. 

“The scope of the play has definitely evolved through readings, feedback sessions, and faculty input,” says playwright Dyllon Glaze (A.B. Theatre, 2027). “The faculty and staff support in developing a new work from the ground up is something that makes the New Georgia Group Award such a unique opportunity for collaboration.”

While faculty members serve as advisors throughout the development process, the bulk of the creative effort rests on the shoulders of department students with a cast, crew, and creative team comprised entirely of department of theatre and film studies undergraduates. “Directing a brand-new student work is an exciting challenge,” says director Olivia Vicos (A.B. Theatre, 2025).  “It’s rare to have the opportunity to shape a piece from the outset and I have been very lucky to have a cast and crew that trusts me, embraces the process, and joins in on the collaboration.”

“The Art of Noticing” will serve as the second instance of a New Georgia Group Award-winning script’s inclusion in UGA Theatre’s seasonal offerings. Last year’s production, “First Semester: A Musical” by undergraduate Wyn Alyse Thomas, was recently invited to the Region IV Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival where it was awarded the David Shelton Award for Excellence in Full-Length Playwrighting and earned second place nationally for both the KCACTF Student Playwrighting and Musical Theatre Awards.  

“Our students’ dedication to their craft is always the highlight of the New Georgia Group Award productions,” says department of theatre and film studies head Julie Ray. “It’s exhilarating to see their work recognized locally, regionally, and now nationally and I look forward its continued inclusion in our seasonal offerings for many years to come.”

Performance Schedule:  

• March 20-22: 8:00 p.m.  
• March 23 (Matinee): 2:00 p.m.  

For more information, visit ugatheatre.com/noticing or call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (706) 542-4400.  

CAST

Samara McKnight - “Bailey” 
Sloan Sinkule - “Jamie” 
Courtney Waybright - “Maria” 
Brantley Taylor - “Charlie” 
Mitchell King - “Eli” 
Grace Callaway - “Margaret” 
Emma Jira - “Avery” 
Abbey D’Aguillo - “Quinn” 
Anthony Gresham - “Eli/Jamie” Swing 
Bella Holliday - “Maria/Charlie” Swing 
Chris Tomlin - “Margaret/Quinn” Swing 
Zoe Davidson - “Avery/Bailey” Swing