Three fine and performing arts alumni recognized for career accomplishments

Three alumni who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to the field were presented awards from the School of Fine and Performing Arts during a special celebration at Homecoming and Family Weekend on Nov. 2.

Ron Orbach '74 received the School of Fine and Performing Arts Distinguished Alumni Award. Orbach is a stage and screen actor, as well as an acting coach. Born in Newark, N.J, he now lives in North Hollywood, Calif. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Rider, he has gone on to perform in numerous roles in movies and television and on stage. His Broadway credits include roles in Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Chicago and Dance of the Vampires. His film credits include Clueless, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Chicanery.

William Mastrosimone '74 also received the School of Fine and Performing Arts Distinguished Alumni Award. Mastrosimone is a playwright and screenwriter originally from Trenton, N.J. He received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Rider and a Master of Fine Arts in Playwriting from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. In 1989, Rider awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Letters. His plays include The Woolgatherer, Extremities, Shivaree and Bang Bang You’re Dead. His screenwriting credits include Into the West and the adaptation of his play Extremities. In 1992, he won a Golden Globe for his miniseries Sinatra, and he won a Daytime Emmy Award for Bang, Bang You're Dead. Mastrosimone was also nominated for a Prime Time Emmy for Into the West and The Burning Season.

John Gratton '11 received the School of Fine and Performing Arts Distinguished Emerging Alumni Award. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in music from Rider, as well a certificate from The Institute for Audio Research. Gratton began his career recording local jazz groups for a small studio in Trenton, N.J. After graduating from Rider, he joined the team of The Cutting Room in New York City in 2012. As a staff engineer, he has worked with a wide range of artists, actors and engineers, including The Wu-Tang Clan, The National and Todd Barry. Gratton is also an Ableton producer who has worked with many local and indie artists.