Kennedy Center announces American College Theater Festival awardees

Student and faculty artists nationwide are recognized for outstanding work.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts virtually hosted more than 110 outstanding theater students from colleges and universities across the nation as part of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). These student artists from across the United States have been recognized for their outstanding work from the eight regional festivals that were held January 10 through March 2, 2023.

This year, productions from institutions invited to the eight regional festivals were eligible for recognition for national awards celebrating outstanding achievement. Productions and individuals were recognized for outstanding achievement under categories including overall production, direction, choreography, design, performance, and devising.

Individual awardees and representatives from productions honored in the eight regional festivals will be celebrated by the Kennedy Center’s National Festival, beginning April 19 and continuing until the National Awards Ceremony on Friday April 22, 2023.

The productions and individual artists under consideration for these national awards have been recognized for special achievement. These awards, along with additional awards determined during the national festival process, will be presented at the awards ceremony on Friday, April 21, 2023, 7:00p.m. in the Kennedy Center Family Theater.

NATIONAL FESTIVAL FINALISTS

Award finalists are eligible in each discipline for honors, residencies, and scholarships.

The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) Student Directing Fellowship

The nine student directors-in-residence at the national festival have been awarded associate membership of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) andare nominees for this fellowship. The recipient of the National Fellowship will receive a grant of $1,000 from the SDC to offset the costs of a professional development opportunity to be arranged in consultation with the recipient. The 2023 finalists include:

Jordan E Mitchell, Salem State University
Nabeel Jan, Bucknell University
Alysa Raelyn, Illinois State University
Caiti Milligan, Middle Tennessee State University
Daniel Vazquez, Emporia State University
Amanda Baschnagel, Texas Tech University
Abigail Torres, George Fox University
Tamla Quipse, College of the Sequoias

The KCACTF Awards for Excellence in Scenic, Costume, Lighting, Projection and Sound Design

2023 Finalists for Scenic Design:
Samantha Bevers, Wellesley College
Spencer Donovan, Indiana University, Bloomington
Kian Michael DeVine, University of West Georgia
Joe Barnard, Drake University
Javier Sanchez, Texas State University
Julianne Bodner, University of Oregon
Porter Lance, Weber State University

2023 Finalists for Costume Design:
Sam Kiff, Salem State University
Nicole Hiemenz, Indiana University
Savannah Blake, College of Charleston
Lindsay Webster, University of Kansas
Angelica Hadiwibowo, Texas State University
Maddie James, Colorado State University
Maria Catarina Copelli, Los Angeles City College

2023 Finalists for the Barbizon Award for Excellence in Lighting Design:
Jaime Cochran, Siena College
Kailyn Shalosky, Muskingum University
Terry Eikleberry, Wayne State University
Stevie Bleich, University of Central Florida
Alita Robertson, University of Northwestern, Saint Paul
Rachel Aho, Texas State University
Laurel Ladzinski, Colorado State University
Marley Keith, Weber State University

2023 Finalists for Sound Design:
Ingrid Bell, Wellesley College
Tyler Parsonage, Slippery Rock University
Gabrielle Tifft, Carthage College
Erica Fox, University of Central Florida
Lindsay Kuiper, Dordt University
Jonathan Lee, Texas Tech University
Patrick Middlebrook, Colorado State University
Daniella Brown, Grand Canyon University

2023 Finalists for Projection Design:
Hagan Harkins, University of Southern Mississippi
Abbey Kuhns, Saginaw Valley State University
Genesis Nicole, University of Texas at El Paso
MycKinnon Forsyth, Santa Monica College

The Randy Lutz Allied Design and Technologies Award

This award is open to students who have completed major crafts or technology projects in areas including makeup, projection, properties, millinery, masks, tech, wigs, scenic art, draping and tailoring, technical direction, puppets, special effects, costume craft, and audio engineering. 2023 recipients include:

Isabella Perez, Salem State University
Victoria Naftal, West Chester University
Colin Franz, Oakland University
Madison Berry, College of Charleston
Ian Scheele, Concordia College, Moorhead
Ollie Payne, Texas State University
Kimberlee Kline Wilson, American River College
Hayden Lalicker, California State University, Fullerton

KCACTF Stage Management Fellowships

Selected fellows attend the national festival feedback sessions as recognition for their outstanding achievement in stage management at the regional festivals. The 2023 recipients are:

Lily Barnes, Salem State University
Melissa Garber, Adelphi University
Zach Mlekush, Illinois State University
Kaitlyn Grace, Anderson University
Emily Oldham, Iowa State University
Danielle Wooden, Stephen F. Austin State University
Avery Wisner, Western Washington University
Hannah Hensley, Grand Canyon University

ASPIRE: Arts Leadership Program

In association with the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the following students have excelled in Arts Leadership within their home regions and are recognized as National ASPIRE Arts Leadership Fellows. The program is led by Victoria Nolan (Professor Emerita, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University), Kelvin Dinkins Jr. (American Repertory Theatre), Emika Abe (Arts Consultant), Khady Kamara (the Perelman Performing Arts Center), and Curt Columbus (Trinity Rep).

Megan Cooper, Syracuse University
Analia Herédia, LaGuardia Community College
Sanhawich Meateanuwat, Illinois State University
Danai Mandebvu, Hope College
Brannon Evans, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Sean Robertson, Texas Tech University
Rachel Shipley, Texas Tech University
Leonardo Parry, Boise State University
Vanessa Beltrán, California State University, Bakersfield
Kelly Erazo, California State University, San Bernardino

The LMDA Dramaturgy Awards in Association with the Association for Theater in Higher Education

This award is the result of a unique collaboration between Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA), the Association for Theater in Higher Education (ATHE), and KCACTF. The recipients of the LMDA Dramaturgy Fellowships will receive a one-year membership in LMDA, and will be considered for residencies at the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference, the New Harmony Project, and WildWind Performance Lab. The 2023 finalists are:

Liv Lanteri, Western Connecticut State University
Arushi Grover, Pennsylvania State University
Hannah Embree, Taylor University
Nya Johnson, University of Michigan
Alma Kent, Georgia College & State University
Sierra Tumbleson, Northwestern College
Hannah Carlisle, Sam Houston State University
Genavive Anderson, Central Washington University
Lucie Higuera, Mt. San Antonio College

The Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy Fellowships

At each of the KCACTF regional festivals, students participated in the Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy. This name reflects the Kennedy Center’s interest in developing articulate, highly informed, and well-trained arts journalists who can advocate for excellence in the arts in print, web-based, or broadcast media. The program is led by Ashley Lee, The Los Angeles Times. The 2023 finalists are:

Zoe Wilson, Bucknell University
Camron Wright, Howard University
Kelsey Sivertson, Hope College
Kyra Edwards, University of the Virgin Islands
Adelaide Kuehn, Drake University
Ethan Carman, Trinity Valley Community College
Ann Marie Miller, University of Oregon

Irene Ryan National Acting Scholarships (and their Partners)

The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships provide recognition and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education and professional development.

Stephen Caliskan assisted by Anya Saben, Salem State University Sam Kang assisted by Kimmarie Lynn, Adelphi University Imani Brissett assisted by Sawyer True, Ball State University Muhammed Ali assisted by Azona Williams, Alabama State University Kylie Yeast assisted by Miriam Mattsfield, Southwest Baptist University Kiya Green assisted by Mariano Aguirre, Stephen F. Austin State University Leah Shannon assisted by Anna Olsen, Western Washington University

Frank J Ramirez assisted by Jaycob Wahinehookae, California State University, Los Angeles

The Kennedy Center Musical Theatre Fellows

Alyssa Green, Iona University
Kristina Yim, Binghamton University
Chase Grabowski, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay
Natalee Savage, Troy University
Symonne Sparks, University of Missouri
Saroa-Dwayne Sasa, Sam Houston State University
Graciella Hamilton, American River College
Makenna Ashby, Utah Valley University

Performance Fellows

The following students will be in residence at the National Festival is recognition of their achievements in productions on their home campus and at the Regional Festivals: Mariano Aguirre, Stephen F. Austin State University

Chanelle Beach, Oakland University
Sage Cantú, Sam Houston State University
Dylan Hahn, Cuesta College
Gillian Huntley, College of Charleston
Bailey Patterson, Texas Tech University

THE KENNEDY CENTER AMERICAN COLLEGE THEATER FESTIVAL NATIONAL AWARDS

The National Committee of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival celebrates these institutions, productions, and individuals for their determination, adaptability, innovation and experimentation on home campuses nationwide.

The Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Awards

The Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Awards recognize programs in higher education using theatrical production to promote long-term societal impact through an artistic lens, to encourage empathetic exploration of the complex cultural and physical world, and to advocate for justice on campus and throughout the world.

The Bible Women’s Project, Salve Regina University
Everybody, Naugatuck Valley Community College Caged, College of Wooster
Memento Mori: A Meditation, Carthage College Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University The Bus Stop, North Carolina Central University
The Adivina is Never Wrong, College of Saint Mary Wounded Healers, Minnesota State University, Mankato Keely and Du, Southeastern Oklahoma State University Rooster, University of Central Oklahoma Self-Injurious Behavior, Dallas College, Richland Campus
Always Plenty of Light at the Starlight All Night Diner, Spokane Falls Community College Marisol, Idaho State University
Everybody, Central Washington University Water by the Spoonful, Sonoma State University
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Cuesta College Demigods Anonymous, Windward Community College HO`OILINA: A Farcical Hana Keaka, University of Hawai`i at Manoa Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy

Distinguished Achievement in the Facilitation of a Brave Rehearsal Space

This new recognition celebrates teaching artists in production who create a rehearsal room community that prioritizes the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of their student artists; empowering them to safely engage with challenging theatrical stories.

Rooster, University of Central Oklahoma Self-Injurious Behavior, Dallas College, Richland Campus Keely and Du, Southeastern Oklahoma State University The Moors, Appalachian State University
Marisol, Idaho State University Everybody, Central Washington University Water by the Spoonful, Sonoma State University
Wounded Healers, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Memento Mori: A Meditation, Carthage College
Keely and Du, Southeastern Oklahoma State University

PRODUCTION AWARDS

The productions below have been recognized for their outstanding achievement.

Outstanding Production of a Musical
Violet, College of Charleston

Distinguished Production of a Musical
Carrie the Musical, Drake University
Spring Awakening, West Chester University

Distinguished Production of a Play
Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University Alabaster, North Dakota State University The Birds, Taylor University
Everybody, Central Washington University
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Cuesta College Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy

Outstanding Production of a New Work
Wounded Healers, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Distinguished Productions of a New Work
HO`OILINA: A Farcical Hana Keaka, University of Hawai`i at Manoa The Wife of Fabian Vitalik, University of Idaho

Distinguished Production of a Devised Work
The Bible Women’s Project, Salve Regina University

Distinguished Achievement in Stage Management
Ava Stipe, Self-Injurious Behavior, Dallas College, Richland Campus
Sequoia Good, Grayson Wuelfing, and Francesca Corso, Everybody, Central Washington University
Harmoni Thompson, Alyssa Higley, and Staci Allen, Marisol, Idaho State University
Maren Grant, Mylo Bissel, and Kai Williams, Carrie the Musical, Drake University
Madison DenHerder and Anna Bram, Life is a Dream, Northwestern College Brady Warlow, Gray Fandel, Harlowe Sousa, and Benjamin Perkins, The Moors, Appalachian State University
Jasmyn Harper, The Bus Stop, North Carolina Central University
Mollie Davis, Amari Woodard, and Olivia Maness, Violet, College of Charleston Jillian Fournier and Rachel Meloche, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University
Lindsay Rice and Angie DeStefano, The Birds, Taylor University
Cameron Muñoz and Allen McKeever, Civil, Southern Connecticut State University
Trista Cae Davidson, Keely and Du, Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Melanie Hatzenbuhler, Cristian Venegas, Sophia Marcos-Jeronimo, and Emma Baker, Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy
Blake Presnell, The Wife of Fabian Vitalik, University of Idaho Ally Bray, The Wife of Fabian Vitalik, University of Idaho
Blythe DeWitt and Charlie Ladd, Always Plenty of Light at the Starlight All Night Diner, Spokane Falls Community College
Distinguished Achievement in Original Music Composition
Owen McGreevy The Wife of Fabian Vitalik, University of Idaho

Innovative and Unique Theatrical Event
The Wife of Fabian Vitalik, University of Idaho

DIRECTING AWARDS

The individuals below have been recognized for their direction of plays, musicals, classic and devised works, and new plays and musicals. Additionally, the “nominees” for each category, those individual artists under consideration, have been recognized for distinguished achievement.

Distinguished Director of a Play
Jill Dion Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University Jess Jung Alabaster, North Dakota State University Tracy Manning The Birds, Taylor University
Lauren Roth Stupid F**king Bird, University of Minnesota-Duluth Emily A. Rollie Everybody, Central Washington University
Bree Valle The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Cuesta College José Luis Valenzuela Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy

Outstanding Director of a Musical
Nakeisha Daniel Violet, College of Charleston

Outstanding Director of a New Work
Timothy Berry Wounded Healers, University of Minnesota, Mankato

Distinguished Achievement in Movement Direction
Annabelle Brasch Everybody, Central Washington University
Nicole Perez Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy\

Distinguished Achievement in Musical Direction
Laura Turner Violet, College of Charleston

Outstanding Choreography
Kristin Alexander Violet, College of Charleston

Distinguished Choreography
Erin Horst Carrie: The Musical, Drake University

Distinguished Achievement in Dramaturgy
Susannah Quinn, The Birds, Taylor University
Angelique Bruner, Rooster, University of Central Oklahoma Nora Gore and Noah Anderson, Violet, College of Charleston Kiara Pipino, Nordost, SUNY Oneonta
Kaipulaumakaniolono HO`OILINA: A Farcical Hana Keaka, University of Hawai`i at Manoa

DESIGN AWARDS

The individuals and productions below have been recognized for their outstanding achievement in design.

Distinguished Production Design
Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University
Violet, College of Charleston
Alabaster, North Dakota State University
The Birds, Taylor University
Wounded Healers, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Marisol, Idaho State University
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Cuesta College Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy

Distinguished Projection Design
Jett Skrien, Life is a Dream, Northwestern College
Alex Woolum, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Cuesta College Skylar Selby-Mullins, Rooster, University of Central Oklahoma

Distinguished Scenic Design
Max Marshall, Violet, College of Charleston
Conner Reagan, The Birds, Taylor University
Michelle Ludlow, Marisol, Idaho State University

Distinguished Sound Design
Nathan A. Roberts, Civil, Southern Connecticut State University Phillip Hall, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University Mark Engle, Alabaster, North Dakota State University Steven Day, The Birds, Taylor University
Jason Tucholke, Everybody, Central Washington University
John Zalewski, Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy

Lighting Design
Nate Hart, Spring Awakening, West Chester University Eddie Frye, Violet, College of Charleston
Terry Eikleberry, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University Brian Lynch, Alabaster, North Dakota State University
Steven Smith, Wounded Healers, Minnesota State University, Mankato Matthew Pierce, The Birds, Taylor University
Christina Barrigan, Everybody, Central Washington University
John A. Garofalo, Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy

Costume Design
Rebecca Morrice, Pride and Prejudice, Slippery Rock University Zuwaib Razzaq, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University Pamela Bond, The Bus Stop, North Carolina Central University Janine McCabe, Violet, College of Charleston
Lirit Olyan, Everybody, Central Washington University
Maria Catarina Copelli, Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy

PERFORMANCE AWARDS

The individuals and productions below have been recognized for their individual performances in plays and musicals.

Distinguished Performance Ensemble
The Bible Women’s Project, Salve Regina University
Peter and the Starcatcher, West Liberty University
The Moors, Appalachian State University
Violet, College of Charleston
God of Carnage, Emporia State University
The Birds, Taylor University
Wounded, Healers Minnesota State University, Mankato
Gruesome, Playground Injuries Lone Star College Montgomery
Rooster, University of Central Oklahoma

Distinguished Performance and Production Ensemble
Pride and Prejudice, Slippery Rock
Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again,. Wayne State University
Alabaster, North Dakota State University
Stupid F**king Bird, University of Minnesota-Duluth
Everybody, Central Washington University
The Wife of Fabian Vitalik, University of Idaho
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Cuesta College
Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy
The Wife of Fabian Vitalik, University of Idaho

Outstanding Performance by an Actor
Gillian Huntley, Violet, College of Charleston
Dylan Hahn, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Cuesta College

Distinguished Performance by an Actor
Hope McGinnis, Spring Awakening, West Chester University Jessie Hazell, Spring Awakening, West Chester University Joel Nau, Peter and the Starcatcher, West Liberty University
Skylar Deming, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University Shannon Dingle, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University Sofia Kirkman, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University Ashley Poulin, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University Alexis Pratt, Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Wayne State University
Noah Harrison, These Shining Lives, University of Southern Indiana Alexa Nemitz, The Moors, Appalachian State University
Kalimah Williams, The Bus Stop, North Carolina Central University
Spencer Vinzani, Violet, College of Charleston Clyde Moser, Violet, College of Charleston
Skylar Huntley, Violet, College of Charleston
Ruby Richard, Alabaster, North Dakota State University Adrianna Kelly, Alabaster, North Dakota State University Chloe Fox, Carrie the Musical, Drake University
Laura Breyen, Carrie the Musical, Drake University Aidan Merck, The Birds, Taylor University
Sage Cantu, Airness, Sam Houston State University
Faith Abbott, Gruesome Playground Injuries, Lone Star College Montgomery Wyatt Langehennig, Gruesome Playground Injuries, Lone Star College Montgomery Dorothy Fuhr, Keely and Du, Southeastern Oklahoma State University Karlie Carr, Keely and Du, Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Harlow Winterfire, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Cuesta College Jordan Michael, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Cuesta College Arnol Zepeda, Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy Valerie Vega, Melancholia, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy

PLAYWRITING AWARDS

The Michael Kanin Playwriting Awards Program encourages and supports the development of student -written plays through a variety of honors, including fellowships at the Lark Play Development Center’s Residency at New York Stage & Film, O’Neill Playwright’s Conference, the Playwrights’ Center of Minneapolis, potential publication contracts, membership in the Dramatists Guild of America, and cash awards.

The National Student Playwriting Awards
Co-Recipients: 11:38 from Fond du Lac by Kap Taylor, UCLA and Rx Machina by Caity Shea Violette
Playwrights’ Theatre at Boston University

The National Undergraduate Playwriting Awards
what we will be by Samuel Kang, Adelphi University
The second-place recipients are The Wife of Fabian Vitalik, by Kalyssa Montoya and Grace McGreevy
Adapted from the short story by Mariah Montoya, University of Idaho

The Ken Ludwig Playwriting Scholarship

For a distinguished body of work, Isaiah Reaves, University of Iowa Playwrights Workshop

For I Shall Not Be Moved, Gwenevere, Lil G, The Living Dead, and 10/31

The Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award
Daktari of the Savannah; or Muti by Ernest Emmanuel Peeples, University of Illinois The second-place recipient is Baron of Brown Street by Eric Mansfield, Kent State University

The Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Awards
Buried in Blood by Mylan Gray, University of California San Diego
The second-place recipient is Daktari of the Savannah; or Muti by Ernest Emmanuel Peeples, University of Illinois

Distinguished Achievement:
Green Suga Bloos by Rudi Goblen, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University and Lucky by Phanésia Pharel, University of California San Diego and Vice Wheels by Malique Guinn, Carnegie Mellon University.

Honorable Mentions: Atlantic City Seagulls and Beasts by Cayenne Douglass, Playwrights’ Theatre at Boston University and Contentious Woman by Celeste Jennings, New York University and Throwback Island by Ro Reddick, Brown University and The Color Woman by Petron Brown University of Southern Mississippi

The Kennedy Center Latinx Playwriting Awards
Co-Recipients: unqle play by Jayne Deely, Indiana University and Lucky by Phanésia Pharel, University of California San Diego, and Green Suga Bloos by Rudi Goblen, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University and Color Boy by Esperanza Rosales Balcárcel, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University Distinguished Achievement: 9/10 Beds by Malena Pennycook, University of Texas at Austin, and Como Correr: A Hip-Pop Musical by Nico Raimont, New York University

The Rosa Parks Playwriting Awards
Lucky by Phanésia Pharel, University of California San Diego
The second-place recipient is Buried in Blood by Mylan Gray, University of California San Diego

Distinguished Achievement:
Daktari of the Savannah; or Muti, by Ernest Emmanuel Peeples, University of Illinois and King of Brando by J. C. Pankratz, Playwrights’ Theatre at Boston University

The Mark Twain Prizes for Comic Playwriting
Co-Recipients: Fires, Ohio by Beth Hyland, University of California San Diego and Vice Wheels by Malique Guinn, Carnegie Mellon University
The second-place recipient is King of Brando by J. C. Pankratz, Playwrights’ Theatre at Boston University

Distinguished Achievement: limp wrist on the lever by Preston Choi, University of California San Diego

The National Partners of the American Theatre Julie Jensen Playwriting Awards Sponsored by NAPAT
Co-Recipients: Perihelion by Marilyn Schotland, University of Southern California, and Neighbor Jane by Tina Esper, Playwrights’ Theatre at Boston University

The Hip Hop Theatre Creator Award
Como Correr: A Hip-Pop Musical by Nico Raimont, New York University
The second-place recipient is Green Suga Bloos, by Rudi Goblen, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University

The Paula Vogel Playwriting Awards
Fires, Ohio by Beth Hyland, University of California San Diego
The second-place recipient is Monstrous or A Short Narrative on an Extraordinary Delivery of Rabbits by Elle Thoni, Carnegie Mellon University

Distinguished Achievement: unqle play by Jayne Deely, Indiana University and King of Brando by J. C. Pankratz, Playwrights’ Theatre at Boston University and limp wrist on the lever by Preston Choi, University of California San Diego and, 9/10 Beds by Malena Pennycook, University of Texas at Austin and Daktari of the Savannah; or Muti by Ernest
Emmanuel Peeples, University of Illinois and Color Boy by Esperanza Rosales Balcárcel, David Geffen School of Drama at Yale University

The KCACTF Musical Theatre Award
The Gull by Jay Eddy, Playwrights’ Theatre at Boston University
The second-place recipient is 9/10 Beds by Malena Pennycook, University of Texas at Austin

Distinguished Achievement: Como Correr: A Hip-Pop Musical by Nico Raimont, New York University

The Paul Stephen Lim Playwriting Awards
Co-Recipients: what we will be by Samuel Kang, Adelphi University and limp wrist on the lever by Preston Choi, University of California San Diego

The Darrell Ayers National Playwriting Award
The Wife of Fabian Vitalik by Kalyssa Montoya and Grace McGreevy, adapted from the short story by Mariah Montoya, University of Idaho

The John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play
Pulling the Switch by Luke Herzog, Amherst College
The second-place recipient is VULGAR TITLE THAT DEALS WITH RACE, by Brandon Bautista, New York University

The David Mark Cohen Playwriting Award
Co-Recipients: the fog comes on little cat feet by Amanda Keating, University of Iowa Emme and the Taking of the Woods by Jef Petersen, Lewis-Clark State College

Distinguished Achievement:
Hedda on Fire by Jeanette Farr Harkins, Glendale College, produced by California State University, Stanislaus

The Gary Garrison National Ten-Minute Play Award

The Arithmetic of Memory, by Gretchen Suarez-Pena, Carnegie Mellon University The second-place recipient is Cooking with Catherine! by Natalia Bermudez, Loyola Marymount University.

ABOUT THE KENNEDY CENTER AMERICAN COLLEGE THEATER FESTIVAL

Developed in 1969 by Roger L. Stevens, the Kennedy Center’s founding Chairman, the KCACTF encourages and celebrates the finest and most diverse theatrical productions from colleges and universities nationwide. Through the regional and national festivals, the KCACTF celebrates the achievements of theater programs, individual students, and faculty of colleges and universities throughout the United States.

The eight regional festivals provide opportunities for colleges and universities to showcase their finest work to diverse audiences of theater students and faculty from their regions. In addition to the invited productions, students and faculty attend workshops, master classes, juried design expositions, seminars, summer stock and graduate school auditions, and other professional development opportunities that build bridges between higher education and the professional theater community. In July 2014, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center along with the Kennedy Center, National New Play Network, and Stage Directors & Choreographers Foundation announced the start of the National Directors Fellowship (NDF), a five-year joint initiative that will fast-track the professional development of 25 early-career stage directors, five per year. As part of this year-long fellowship, the fellows will attend the MFA Playwrights’ Workshop and Directing Intensive, led by NNPN and KCACTF.

Since its establishment 52 years ago, KCACTF has reached millions of theatergoers and made important contributions to the professional development of countless college and university theater students nationwide. This year, eight regional festivals will be hosted virtually.

EDUCATION AT THE KENNEDY CENTER

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the national champion for arts learning and creativity. Committed to increasing opportunities for all people to participate in, learn about, and understand the arts, the Center offers programs and events that strive to reflect the nation and its communities, and that are accessible and inclusive for all. From the Center’s stages to classrooms and communities across the country, to online resources accessible nearly anywhere, the Center serves the burgeoning artist, the curious explorer, the student (of any age), the teacher and teaching artist—any person interested in arts learning and utilizing the arts for positive change.

As an essential component of the living memorial to President Kennedy, the Center’s Education programs utilize the arts to embrace the ideals of service, justice, freedom, courage, and gratitude, and cultivate the Citizen Artists in all the people we serve. For more information, please visit kennedy-center.org/education/

FUNDING CREDITS

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, part of the Rubenstein Arts Access Program, is generously funded by David M. Rubenstein.

Additional support is provided by the Honorable Stuart Bernstein and Wilma E. Bernstein; the Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; and the National Committee for the Performing Arts.

For more information, please visit Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

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