top of page
AWARDS & REVIEWS
Receiving the 1st Place Irene Ryan National Acting Scholarship at The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C.
Gregg Henry, Artistic Director, Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, said “Our judges were looking for the complete package—a strong range, a big heart, great collaboration. Everyone at the National level had those things, but no one was surprised that Mariah won. She stood out in all areas, leading the pack in spirit as well as ability.”
In January of 2023, Mariah was Awarded Best Actress in Non-Musical through The Cleveland Critics Circle for her portrayal of Meg & Prof. Bhaer in Dobama Theatre's production of Little Women.
"Burks’ Sarah shows passion in her despair and pride."- Cool Cleveland /Laura Kennelly
(Ragtime/Cain Park Theatre)
"Burks is striking!"Sintinel Tribune (Clybourne Park)
The cast, Lavour Addison, Paul Bugallo, Mariah Burks, Kyle Cherry, Sarah Cuneo, Randy Dierkes, Peter Hargrave and Megan Medley, all of whom play dual roles, are focused and create real and believable people. They don't act, they are. Past members of the program have gone on to very successful careers in professional theatre. The members of this class should tread the same path to positive curtain calls.
(Clybourne Park )
-Roy Berko
(Member, American Theatre Critics Association, Cleveland Critics Circle)
"Mariah Burks exudes an earth mother’s healing grace as the Moon, who communes with Caroline"
-Michael Grossberg / For The Columbus Dispatch
(Caroline, or Change)
"Among its other delights: A female Banquo-a memorable Mariah Burks."
-Andre Simakis/Cleveland.com
(Macbeth)
Mariah wowed Don Carrier (Head of the CWRU/CPH MFA program) and I at her audition for the program back in the winter of 2015," [Laura] Kepley (Artistic Director of CPH) continued.
"She had everything we look for in a young artist - passion, generosity, curiosity, fierce intelligence and charisma. She came into the program with a lot of skill, particularly with musical and comic material. Her training and hard work sharpened these skills and provided her the opportunity to grow and strengthen her dramatic technique. Mariah is a powerhouse performer and we are proud to welcome her back in this once in a lifetime role. "
Mariah Burks to Lead ANTIGONE at Cleveland Play House: Broadway World CLE Article by Chloe Rabinowitz
"The performances are uniformly excellent, with Mariah Burks exerting a quiet but compelling presence as Antigone [with a ] strong gravitational pull."
-Christine Howey/Cleveland Scene
(Antigone)
"Another variable in Keating’s favor is her Antigone. As the tragic heroine, Mariah Burks is a commanding, statuesque presence, an actress clear of voice and bold in expression. She speaks volumes without saying a word, and when she does speak, pointed inflection doubles the impact. Her commitment and acceptance of the consequences are wholly believable."
-Zachary Lewis, special to Cleveland.com
(Antigone) Photo credit: Roger Mastroianni.
"Mariah Burks's Antigone was real, developing ideas and using a presentational style that was accessible, making her thoughts and feelings clear. "
-Roy Berko(Member, American Theatre Critics Association, Cleveland Critics Circle)
(Antigone)
As the sensible sister, Meg, Burks has a wonderfully calming, natural presence, until she suddenly delights us with a burst of comedy, showing off her versatility. ~Sheri Gross/Cleveland Jewish News (Little Women)
"As the oldest sister Meg, Mariah Burks is warm and brilliant ... And she has the funniest bit in the show." ~Christine Howey/
Cleveland Scene
(Little Women)
bottom of page