Fourth-year student Nataly Ceniceros has been making her mark in CHASS as a double-major in theatre, film, and digital production (TFDP) and media and cultural studies (MCS). Nominated by a faculty member, Ceniceros’ work and dedication earned her the Marc Longlois Endowed Award for Leadership in Theatre in October 2023.

Ceniceros plans to continue her education in the UC community by committing to UC San Diego’s (UCSD) MFA program, specializing in sound design.

Ceniceros’ commitment to UCSD comes from her journey researching and applying to grad school back when her top choice was Carnegie Mellon University. According to Ceniceros, she had a difficult decision to make having been accepted into both schools, but ultimately decided to commit where she could explore, grow, and fail.

“Committing to UCSD has been a very rewarding decision,” Cenceros said. “I believe it is a place that will allow me to flourish as an artist.”

As the 2023 Longlois awardee, Ceniceros received financial aid assistance during her senior year at UCR. 

“The financial aid assistance was definitely a surprise, but a good one,” Ceniceros said. “The significance of the award relieved a lot of pressure when it came to bills and allowed me to focus on my art and studies.”

“It was such an honor to receive this award and be acknowledged by my respected faculty,” she said. Upon receiving the award, Ceniceros had the opportunity to learn more about the award by meeting with David Betts, a UCR alumnus who established the award in honor of the former theatre manager, and Eveleen Samayoa, Assistant Dean of CHASS Development.

According to Samayoa, the Longlois award is the only leadership award given by the TFDP department and is now in its fourth year.

“It honors the student’s achievements, their leadership and their impact on theatre arts,” Samayoa said. “Receiving this award represents a great accolade for the student and is a celebration of their leadership in theatre.”

As a double major, Ceniceros has embraced opportunities aligning her interests for her development throughout her time at UCR, earning her recognition in becoming a Longlois awardee.

According to Ceniceros, she found her fit in TFDP with sound design, along with adding MCS as a second major which she considers one the best decisions she’s made. 

“CHASS has allowed me to get a well-rounded experience and meet so many new people,” she said. “An experience that I will hold very close to my heart is starting the MCS Film Club.” By starting the MCS film club, Ceniceros was able to collaborate closely with her professors and meet new people.

Ceniceros also attributes her growth and confidence to her time at UCR.

“I have so much more confidence in the things I do,” she said. “Whether it is designing, hanging or focusing a light, reading plots, troubleshooting, etc., I’ve attained a wide range of skills that are incredibly valuable and I hope to use them in the future.”

Ceniceros is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in her passions. By integrating her MCS background into her designs, Ceniceros aims to create culturally relevant productions that resonate with audiences.

“I'm excited to grow as a designer and to continue to design shows in the future,” she said. “There are still many things to learn, so I’m just preparing myself to retain as much information these upcoming years.”

Ceniceros is especially excited to continue her education at UCSD and what awaits her in fall 2024.

“I have many interests, such as projections and video, so I hope to learn more about them while at UCSD,” she said. “I know so many great opportunities will open up, and there will always be so much room for growth.”

FEATURED PHOTO. Nataly Ceniceros / Image courtesy of Nataly Ceniceros