The background of Brian Hemesath goes something like this: He graduated from St. Ambrose with a Theatre degree in 1994. Upon graduation, he kept busy and went on to do big things in his life that most students only dream of. Hemesath moved out to New York City for costume design and started making quite a name for himself. A few of his costume designing credits include Broadway shows, Saturday Night Live, The Today Show, and the well-known PBS children's show, Sesame Street.
On Saturday June 18, the 38th Annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards were presented. After having the honor of being nominated for an Emmy for his costume design work on Sesame Street, which includes the live actors on the show, Hemesath's family and friends anxiously awaited the day the winners were announced.
"Dianne Dye and I waited by our phones for the results," said Cory Johnson. Hemesath took home the Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design/Styling for Sesame Street on PBS! This is the first Emmy that has ever been won by an SAU graduate, and we could not be more proud. "When he texted to say he had won, we broke down in tears of joy and pride," Johnson added.
"I can honestly say that I couldn't have gotten where I am without the education I received at St. Ambrose and the support of some very dedicated professors and staff members who always encouraged me to do my best. Cory Johnson, Kris Eitrheim, Mike Kennedy and Kristin Quinn changed my world in many ways and helped me to find a career that is not only financially successful, but personally fulfilling as well," says Hemesath. "Plus they were a lot of fun to be around!"
We are absolutely thrilled to see someone who has been a part of the Ambrose Theatre Department win such a high honor. Hemesath costume designed for Ambrose not too long ago for the mainstage production of Pippin in 2008, as well as designing for "The Frog Prince," Macbeth, Tartuffe, City of Angels, and Gypsy. His ongoing success in everything he does keeps our Theatre Department proud and provides hope for current Ambrose students that they, too, can make a name for themselves doing what they love to do.
Congratulations, Brian!!
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