Two UCI Drama alums win at the Emmys!

Darcy Prevost (M.F.A. ’09) and Jeanine Ringer (M.F.A. ’09), alumni from the scenic design program in the Department of Drama, each won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Art Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design at the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) inaugural Children’s & Family Emmy Awards ceremony. This was the first win in this category at the foundational ceremony. Prevost won for her work as the production designer on Disney’s Muppets Haunted Mansion, while Ringer won as the set decorator for the same production.

“It was incredible to work on such a fun theatrical project. As far as we were concerned, getting to work with the Muppets was reward enough,” said Prevost and Ringer. “It was even more amazing to win an award for getting to do what we love.”

The gala event took place on Dec. 10 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by performer JoJo Siwa, to award the best in kid-friendly programming. The night focused on the creative arts, with trophies doled out for achievements in writing, directing, voice direction, cinematography, editing and more. The expansion of the awards was a result of recent growth in scope and reach among the programming genre.

Prevost is known for her production design work on Disney+’s Earth to Ned, Waffles + Mochi: Restaurant, and The Curious Creations of Christine McConnell. Ringer is known for her work on HBO’s Westworld and CBS’ Scorpion.

“It’s a privilege and an honor to get to do this job with someone who understands everything we’ve been through because we’ve gone through it all together: from UCI classmates, to LA roommates, to collaborators and now Emmy winners. We’ve come a long way from our Anteater days.”

Image: (From left to right) Jeanine Ringer (Set Decorator), Darcy Prevost (Production Designer) and their colleague from Muppets Haunted Mansion Kathryn Molenaar (Art Director) at the awards show. (Photo courtesy of Darcy Prevost)