Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 2, 2021
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces Award and Scholarship Recipients Of the 2021 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
Honoring Outstanding Student Achievement at
the National Festival and Celebrating More Than 90 Innovative Virtual Theater Productions
(WASHINGTON)—The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced the national awardees of the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), which was held virtually in convenings for each discipline that began on March 8, 2021 and continued through May 22, 2021.
Dozens of students received scholarships, fellowships, and cash awards in recognition of their outstanding work in a digital ceremony on May 22, 2021. These student artists from across the United States were selected from the eight virtual regional festivals that were held January 6 through February 28, 2021.
“This has been a remarkable year that forced students to adapt, and in doing so these students found new ways of working that have expanded their toolkits in ways that will make them stronger artists and change-makers in the field,” said KCACTF Artistic Director, Gregg Henry. “The students led us, making it more necessary than ever to find ways of gathering to recognize the work, champion equity on stage and in the rehearsal room, and celebrate our diversity.”
The National Festival included opportunities for students to participate in master classes and to engage with colleagues from across the nation and working artists from across the country.
Additionally, each of the eight regional festivals included a pre-conference Anti-Racist Theater Workshop with Nicole Brewer and a Critics Lab created and led by Jose Solís for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) who haven’t been welcomed into cultural criticism, whether through lack of opportunity or because they didn’t know they were allowed to see themselves as critics.
The recipients of the awards, scholarships, and fellowships announced at the National Festival are listed below. Following that are honors representing outstanding and distinguished achievement recognized by the KCACTF National Committee and the KCACTF National Office at the Kennedy Center.
THE ASPIRE ARTS LEADERSHIP FELLOWS PROGRAM
Sponsored by the League of Resident Theaters (LORT) and the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, this program is designed to cultivate a new generation of artistic and administrative leaders for the American Theater with a focus of engaging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and members of other groups that are consistently underrepresented in the field. This diverse national cohort of fellows assembled from all of KCACTF’s eight regions engaged in topics concerning equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism as well as leadership skills building, investigation of institutional challenges, and professional networking opportunities.
The following awards are given in partnership with The College of Fellows of the American Theatre,
whose primary purpose, since 1965, is to promote and encourage the highest standards of research,
writing, and creativity in educational and professional theatre through honoring distinguished
service and notable accomplishment by individuals of recognized national stature.
The Charlene Gordon Arts Impact Awards are made possible by the generosity of arts philanthropist
Charlene Gordon, the College of Fellows of the American Theatre, and the Kennedy Center. Awardees
are chosen by Fellows Cheryl Black of the University of Missouri, David Leong of Virginia
Commonwealth University, and Kathryn Ervin of California State University, San Bernardino, in
consultation with the ASPIRE Arts Leadership Faculty. The recipients, each distinguished emerging
arts leaders, advocates, and activists, will receive a $1000 award, and a trip to Washington D.C.
for participation in Arts Advocacy Day presented by Americans for the Arts in Spring 2022, or a
Kennedy Center residency in late Summer 2021, featuring mentorship by Gail Humphries Mardirosian,
Washington D.C. artistic leaders, and Senior Kennedy Center Administrative and Programming staff.
The Charlene Gordon Arts Impact Awards for 2020 are Isha Rao of Slippery Rock University and Jada
Alexia Hampton of the University of Southern Indiana.
The Charlene Gordon Arts Impact Awards for 2021 are Kelli Crump of University of Michigan- Flint
and Sierra Lancaster of Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
The College of Fellows John Cauble Emerging Leader Awards are given in memory of Fellow John
Cauble, thanks to a gift by Thomas Schumacher, President and Producer of Disney Theatrical Group,
who credits the late UCLA Professor Cauble as the mentor who led to his distinguished career as a
Producer. Two awards of $5,000 are given each year to two outstanding participants of the ASPIRE
Arts Leadership program, designed to mentor and advance the careers of young leaders of color, and
are selected by Victoria Nolan and Kelvin Dinkins Jr. of Yale School of Drama, Khady Kamara of
Second Stage Theatre, and Curt Columbus of Trinity Repertory Theatre, the four co-directors of the
program, representing of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT).
The 2020 recipients of the John Cauble Emerging Leader Award are Isha Rao of Slippery Rock
University in Pennsylvania and Jada Alexia Hampton of the University of Southern Indiana.
The 2021 recipients of the John Cauble Emerging Leader Award are Kelli Crump of University of
Michigan-Flint and Nadel D. Henville of Emmanuel College in Massachusetts.
Sierra Lancaster of Boston Conservatory at Berklee will join the team at the Eugene O’Neill Theater
Center as an Arts Administration Fellow.
THE MICHAEL KANIN PLAYWRITING AWARDS
This program encourages and supports the development of student-written plays through a variety of
honors including potential publication contracts, membership in the Dramatists Guild of America,
and cash awards. The 2021 recipients are as follows:
The Harold and Mimi Steinberg National Student Playwriting Award went to
Dream Hou$e by Eliana Pipes, Boston University.
The Hip Hop Theatre Creator Awards went to TumbleWEEDS by Anuhea Brown, NYU. Second place went to
Saturday the 13th by Isaiah Reaves, University of Iowa.
The Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Awards went to How to Bruise Gracefully by Brittany Fisher, the
Julliard School. Second place went to Good Fit by Nkenna Akunna, Brown University. Distinguished
Achievement went to Songs of a Caged Bird by Christopher Lindsay, Brown University/Trinity
Repertory and The Write Choice by Daysha Veronica, UCLA.
The Rosa Parks Playwriting Awards went to Good Fit by Nkenna Akunna, Brown University. Second place
went to How to Bruise Gracefully by Brittany Fisher, the Julliard School. Distinguished Achievement
went to The Write Choice by Daysha Veronica, UCLA, and Songs of a Caged Bird by Christopher
Lindsay, Brown University/Trinity Repertory.
The David Mark Cohen Playwriting Awards went to summertime: an interlude by Aniello Fontano,
University of New Mexico and I’m Lot Lane (a solo effort) by Keola Simpson and members of ¡好/
Peligro! (or Aloha also means goodbye), University of Hawai’i at Manoa, and How to Clean Your Room
(and remember your trauma) by J. Chavez, Western Washington University.
The KCACTF Musical Theater Award went to The Preparation to the Death of Mary Dyer by Jeremy
Geragotelis, University of Iowa.
The Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Awards went to Reap the Grove by Caity-Shea Violette, Boston
University. Second place went to The Anxiety of Laughing by Andrew Justvig, University of
California, Riverside, and Hard Places, Garrett Zuercher, Hunter College. Dave Osmundsen of Arizona
State University was recognized for Distinguished Achievement for his play Light Switch.
The Latinx Playwriting Awards went to The Jersey Devil is a Papi Chulo by Iraisa Ann Reilly, NYU,
and Temporary by Amy Toruño, University of Illinois. Distinguished
Achievement went to ¡Nails! a happy gay latina play by Eliana Pipes, Boston University and
En Las Sombras by Jordan Ramirez Puckett, Ohio University.
The Planet Earth Arts Playwriting Award went to Goods by Lauren Ferebee, University of Arkansas.
The Darrell Ayers National Playwriting Awards for outstanding play for young audiences went to En
Las Sombras by Jordan Ramirez Puckett, Ohio University. Second place went to Exotic Deadly or the
MSG Play by Keiko Green, University of California, San Diego. Distinguished Achievement went to
Good Heavens! by Daniel Repp, Western Washington University.
The Mark Twain Prizes for Comic Playwriting went to [cowboy face] by Elise Wien, Boston University.
Second place went to The Jersey Devil is a Papi Chulo by Iraisa Ann Reilly, NYU, and Long by
Charlie Oh, the Julliard School. Distinguished Achievement went to Good Heavens! by Daniel Repp,
Western Washington University, and The Migratory Patterns of the North American Monarch Butterfly
and Development of Featherless Sons or A Great Migration by Preston Choi, University of California,
San Diego.
The Paul Stephen Lim Playwriting Awards went to The Migratory Patterns of the North American
Monarch Butterfly and Development of Featherless Sons or A Great Migration by Preston Choi,
University of California, San Diego. Second place went to Jar of Fat by Seayoung Yim, Brown
University. Distinguished Achievement went to Exotic Deadly or the MSG Play and Hometown Boy by
Keiko Green, University of California, San Diego.
The Paula Vogel Playwriting Awards went to Long by Charlie Oh, the Julliard School. Second place
went to How to Bruise Gracefully by Brittany Fisher, the Julliard School.
The National Undergraduate Playwriting Awards went to Good Heavens! by Daniel Repp, Western
Washington University. Second place went to Radial Gradient by Jasmine Sharma, Northwestern
University. Distinguished Achievement went to Land of Opportunity by Jeremiah Abdullah, University
of Texas at Austin.
The John Cauble Awards for Outstanding Short Play went to Omo Mi by Sadia Alao, University of
Maryland College Park, and Outraged by Jayne Deely, Indiana University at Bloomington. This program
recognizes outstanding one-act plays and Alao and Deely each received a $500 award, and membership
in the Dramatists Guild of America and the Playwrights’ Center of Minneapolis.
The Gary Garrison Award for Outstanding Ten-Minute Play went to Bev Playing Bev in “The Money Shot”
by Amber Palmer, University of Wisconsin, Madison. This award, named after the former Director of
the Dramatists Guild Institute and Executive Director for Creative Affairs of the Dramatist Guild
of America, recognizes outstanding ten- minute plays. Palmer received a $500 award and membership
in the Dramatists Guild of America and the Playwrights’ Center of Minneapolis.
THE IRENE RYAN ACTING SCHOLARSHIPS
The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships provide recognition and financial assistance to outstanding
student performers wishing to pursue further education and professional development.
The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship for 2020 went to Rashun Carter, Illinois State University, and
the second place recipient was Destiny Mosely, Sam Houston State University, Texas. The 2021 Irene
Ryan Acting Scholarship went to Terrence Mayfield, Illinois State University, and the second place
recipient was Katarina Tyler, University of Wyoming. Carter and Mayfield received a $5,000
scholarship and Mosely and Tyler received a $2,500 scholarship.
The regional finalists and their acting partners were eligible for additional scholarships,
fellowships, and awards.
The College of Fellows Jane Alexander Emerging Artist Awards are given to an actor each year
selected from the National Finalists or Partners of the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships who, in
addition to their scholarship audition have submitted an essay reflecting on Integrity: the
Responsibility of an Emerging Theatre Artist. The $2500 award has been selected by a panel designated by the College of Fellows of the American Theatre.
The 2020 recipient of the College of Fellows Jane Alexander Emerging Artist Award was Jimmy Nguyen,
Doane University, Nebraska, and the 2021 Award went to Gerald Kitt, University of Central Florida.
The Mark Twain Scholarship for Comic Performance for 2020 went to Jimmy Nguyen, Doane University,
Nebraska, and the second place recipient was Allison Walker, Southern Oregon University. The 2021
recipient was Frank Ramirez, California State University, Los Angeles, and the second place recipient was Kirstin VanRenselaar, Alfred University, New York. Nguyen and Ramirez received $1,500
scholarships. Walker and VanRenselaar received $500 scholarships.
The recipients of the $1500 National Partners of the American Theatre Classical Acting Award was
Jimmy Haynie of California State University, Fresno for 2020. The 2021 recipient was Kirstin
VanRenselaar of Alfred University, New York. The National Partners of the American Theatre (NAPAT)
is an organization made up of former organizational leaders of KCACTF, committed to the goals and
mission of the organization to support emerging artists.
The recipient of the $500 Kingsley Colton Award for Outstanding Partner was Arium Andrews,
California State University, Fresno.
THE OPEN JAR INSTITUTE SCHOLARSHIP
The recipients of the 2020 Open Jar Institute’s Musical Theatre Scholarship was Julia Rakus of
Binghamton University, and the 2021 recipient was Hannah Verdi of the University of Idaho. New York
City’s most Broadway-integrated actor training program, the Open Jar Institute provides select
students intensive one-on-one training with some of the Broadway theatre’s most distinguished teaching artists, performers, directors, choreographers, agents and casting directors.
THE SDC NATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS
In association with the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC). SDC is the theatrical
union that unites, empowers, and protects professional Stage Directors and Choreographers
throughout the United States.
The SDC National Fellowship went to Rainah Gregory, University of Virginia.
The Theatrical Intimacy Education Professional Learning Fellowship went to Sarah Honerman,
Minnesota State University,Mankato.
The Wildwind Performance Lab Directing Fellowships went to María Amenábar Farias, Illinois State
University, and Matthew Mullin, California State University, Fullerton.
The Kennedy Center Directing Intensive Scholarships went to Sarah Curtis, University of Texas at El
Paso; Matthew Pezzulich, Adelphi University, New York; Patrick Reilly, Bates College, Maine; and
Erin Smith, Western Washington University.
THEKENNEDY CENTER AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCENIC, COSTUME, LIGHTING, SOUND DESIGN, AND STAGE MANAGEMENT
Designs of the regional finalists were displayed digitally during the National Festival and the
National Design Respondents, distinguished artists in theatrical design, have selected award
recipients in each category. First Place National Kennedy Center Design Award recipients received
$1000, Second Place recipients received $500, and Third Place, runners up, and honorable mentions
received $250.
The Kennedy Center Award for Excellence in Scenic Design went to Georgia Fried, Salisbury
University, Maryland. Honorable Mentions went to Laura Hernandez, California State University, Los
Angeles, and Brindle Brundage, University of Idaho.
The Kennedy Center Award for Excellence in Costume Design went to Brittannie McKenna Travis,
University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Second Place went to Zechariah Saenz,
Michigan State University. Third Place went to Kelsey Blotter, Texas Tech University.
The Kennedy Center Award for Excellence in Sound Design went to Anna Mitchell Johnson, Hollins
University, Virginia. Second Place went to Frank Vondra, Minnesota State University, Mankato. Third
Place went to Samantha Noto, Suffolk University, Massachusetts.
The Barbizon Award for Excellence in Lighting Design went to Kat Yo, University of Portland,
Oregon, and Clara Wiebe, Oklahoma City University. Runner-up went to Hunter Mountz, Salem State
University.
Regional finalists were also eligible for the additional design awards and fellowships. The 2020
and 2021 recipients were:
The National Partners of the American Theatre Design Award for 2020 went to Alina Cannon, Weber
State University (scenic design). The award for 2021 went to Brittannie McKenna Travis, University
of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (costume design). Cannon and Travis each received
$1,500. The National Partners of the American Theatre (NAPAT) is an organization made up of former
organizational leaders of KCACTF, committed to the goals and mission of the organization to support
emerging artists.
Julia Egizio of Lewis University in Illinois will join the team at the Eugene O’Neill Theater
Center as a Stage Management Fellow.
THE DRAMATURGY FELLOWSHIPS
In association with the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA).
The New Harmony Project Dramaturgy Residencies went to Natasha Hawkins, Salisbury University,
Maryland, and Ambree Feaster, Sam Houston State University, Texas. A new educational partner, The
New Harmony Project is an arts organization that supports and celebrates writers and their work.
For more than three decades, The New Harmony Project has lifted up optimistic, hopeful stories of
strength, courage, and the resiliency of the human spirit.
The Iris Turcott LMDA Conference and Intensive Fellowship went to Bradley Hewlett, Texas Tech
University.
The Wildwind Performance Lab Dramaturgy Residencies went to Spencer North, Earlham College,
Indiana; Kevin Harris, Western Washington University; and Ambree Feaster, Sam Houston State
University, Texas. Participants in the WildWind Performance Lab, Brian Quijada and Jim Wren
artistic directors, on the campus of Texas Tech University, are immersed in a non- traditional and
process-oriented developmental laboratory featuring Hansol Jung, Sara Porkalob, Daniel Irazarry,
and Deb O, among others, as artists-in-residence.
The Kennedy Center Dramaturgy Intensive Scholarships went to Melanie Anthony, Santa Monica College,
California; Tiffani Hagan, University of South Carolina; Emma Loney, University of Minnesota,
Duluth; and Tess Nunan, Manhattan College.
THE INSTITUTE FOR THEATRE JOURNALISM AND ADVOCACY SCHOLARSHIP TO THEO’NEILL NATIONAL CRITICS INSTITUTE
The O’Neill National Critics Institute Scholarship went to Matthew Eggers, University of Michigan.
The WildWind Performance Lab Arts Journalism Fellowship went to Charles Lin, MiraCosta College,
California.
THE KCACTF UNDERGRADUATE THEATRE SCHOLAR AWARD
“Can I Put My Hand There? Creating Solutions at a Collegiate Level to Prevent Sexual Harassment
Towards Women” by Ashleigh Owens, Bradley University, Illinois.
Honorable Mention went to “The ONNAGATA: A Reflection of Edo Period Views of Femininity” by Alea
Tran, Linfield University, Oregon.
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AT THE VANGUARD
During these unprecedented times, KCACTF celebrates these imaginative and evocative theatre- makers
and productions as being at the forefront of a revolution in artistry that ignites conversations of
national importance through innovation in process, content, form, design, technology, outreach, and
audience engagement.
CITIZEN ARTISTS 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.
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ROOM (and remember your trauma) Western Washington University
BLOOD AT THE ROOT California State University, East Bay
SWEAT California State University, Sacramento
ReUNIÓN rEVOLUCIÓN The University of Texas at El Paso and NPR’s 88.5 KTEP
SINGLE BLACK FEMALE University of New Orleans
FOR HURTING HANDS University of the Ozarks
LIVING SIX FEET APART California State University, Fullerton
CONFESSIONS OF WOMEN FROM EAST LA California State University, Dominguez Hills
ORIENTAL FADDAH AND SON Windward Community College
PIPELINE Florida International University
THE MONUMENT Northern Vermont University-Johnson
BLACK FLAG University of Minnesota, Moorhead
IN THIS TOGETHER Normandale Community College
DISCONNECT University of Alabama at Birmingham
EXPRESSIONS A NECESSARY CONVERSATION! South Georgia State College
TRIGGERED University of Central Florida TILIKUM University of Central Missouri WELL Marietta
College
WHAT TO SEND UP WHEN IT GOES DOWN Bowie State University
BALTIMORE Ramapo College of New Jersey
IN THIS MOMENT: REFLECTIONS OF OUR TIME University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
THE THANKSGIVING PLAY Hope College
20K LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA University of Toledo Black Theatre Ensemble
THE eCARPA OF LA VICTIMA LaGuardia Community College
TO GATHER APART Suffolk University
THE LARAMIE PROJECT Manhattan College
ANTIGONE ABLAZE Bridgewater State University
I’M LOT LANE (a solo effort) ¡好/ Peligro! (or Aloha also means goodbye) and University of Hawai`i at Manoa
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT: UNIQUE THEATRICAL EVENT
ReUNIÓN rEVOLUCIÓN audio plays by Georgina Hernández Escobar, Virginia Grise, Andrew Siañez De La
O, and Julia Rosa Sosa—The University of Texas at El Paso, NPR’s 88.5 KTEP, and State of the Arts,
hosted by Marina Monsisvais
I’M LOT LANE (a solo effort) ¡好/ Peligro! (or Aloha also means goodbye) and University of Hawai`i at Manoa
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN VIRTUAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
SWEAT California State University, Sacramento
THEATRE MACABRE: NETWORK Emmanuel College
THE MONUMENT Northern Vermont University – Johnson
JABBERWOCKY Northwestern College
WHAT TO SEND UP WHEN IT GOES DOWN Bowie State University
ANTIGONE ABLAZE Bridgewater State University
BLOOD AT THE ROOT California State University, East Bay
ReUNIÓN rEVOLUCIÓN The University of Texas at El Paso and NPR’s 88.5 KTEP
INNOVATIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
TILIKUM University of Central Missouri
SHE KILLS MONSTERS: VIRTUAL REALMS Riverland Community College
OF THE DEEP Iowa State University
JABBERWOCKY Northwestern College
GHOSTS IN THE MACHINE Truman State University
WHAT TO SEND UP WHEN IT GOES DOWN Bowie State University
HEAVEN ON EARTH York College of Pennsylvania
THEATRE MACABRE: NETWORK Emmanuel College
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University DESCRIBE THE NIGHT University of Southern
Mississippi TIME ZONES APART Union College
LIVING SIX FEET APART California State University, Fullerton
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ROOM (and remember your trauma) Western Washington University
THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY West Texas A&M University
MACHINAL Penn State Harrisburg
SOMNIUM Rochester Institute of Technology & National Technical Institute for the Deaf
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN OVERALL PRODUCTION DESIGN
DESCRIBE THE NIGHT University of Southern Mississippi
SHE KILLS MONSTERS: VIRTUAL REALMS Virginia Commonwealth University
THEATRE MACABRE: NETWORK Emmanuel College
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University
ANTIGONE ABLAZE Bridgewater State University
I’M LOT LANE (a solo effort)
¡好/ Peligro! (or Aloha also means goodbye) and University of Hawai`i at Manoa
BLOOD AT THE ROOT California State University, East Bay
THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY West Texas A&M University
THE EMPEROR JONES University of New Orleans
DISCONNECT University of Alabama at Birmingham
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ROOM (and remember your trauma) Western Washington University
MACHINAL Penn State Harrisburg
THE RADIUM GIRLS Western Connecticut State University
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMATURGY
LET ME DOWN EASY Sam Houston State University—Ambree Feaster
BALTIMORE Ramapo College—Daniel Ciba
ICONIC University of Central Missouri—Sabrina Ortiz
JABBERWOCKY Northwestern College—Rachel Smart
ORIENTAL FADDAH AND SON Windward Community College—Jeremy Keuma
SWEAT California State University, Sacramento—Salvador Vasquez
GARY: A SEQUEL TO TITUS ANDRONICUS Spokane Fall Community College—the Company
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN LIGHTING DESIGN
THE EMPEROR JONES University of New Orleans—Diane Baas
I’M LOT LANE (a solo effort)¡好/ Peligro! (or Aloha also means goodbye) and University of Hawai`i at
Manoa—Rachel Sorensen
STUPID FUCKING BIRD University of Wisconsin-Parkside -Jake Bray
20K LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA University of Toledo Black Theatre Ensemble—Stephen Sakowski
ANTIGONE ABLAZE Bridgewater State University—the Company
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COSTUME DESIGN
I’M LOT LANE (a solo effort) ¡好/ Peligro! (or Aloha also means goodbye) and University of Hawai`i
at Manoa —Jesse Höyhtyä
MEASURE FOR MEASURE University of South Florida—Marilyn Gaspardo Bertch
SHE KILLS MONSTERS: VIRTUAL REALMS Virginia Commonwealth University—Kirsten Katt
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University—Jane Hillier-Walkowiak
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND DESIGN
ReUNIÓN REVOLUTIÓN The University of Texas at El Paso—Ian Gilliam
LET ME DOWN EASY Sam Houston State University—Isaiah Parnell
LIVING SIX FEET APART California State University, Fullerton—Fernando Pacheco
THE MONUMENT Northern Vermont University—the Company
MACHINAL Penn State Harrisburg—Zach Snyder
STUPID FUCKING BIRD University of Wisconsin-Parkside—Kevin Gray
ANTIGONE ABLAZE Bridgewater State University—Sarah Bedard
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN PUPPET DESIGN
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ROOM (and remember your trauma) Western Washington University—Ally Kineman
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University— Jane Hillier-Walkowiak
JABBERWOCKY Northwestern College—Ethan Koerner
OF THE DEEP Iowa State University—the Company
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN SCENIC DESIGN
CONFESSIONS OF WOMEN FROM EAST LA California State University, Dominguez Hills—Amanda Stuart
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University—Michael M. Harvey
STUPID FUCKING BIRD University of Wisconsin-Parkside—Jody Sekas
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN PROJECTION DESIGN OR DIGITAL EDITING
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University—Michael M. Harvey
UNMUTE YOURSELF West Chester University—Lionel McCulloch
DESCRIBE THE NIGHT University of Southern Mississippi—Jax Wright
LIVING SIX FEET APART California State University, Fullerton—Fernando Pacheco
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN STAGE MANAGEMENT
DEAD MAN’S CELL PHONE Southern Oregon University—Finlay Kuester and Johanna Bautista
LET ME DOWN EASY Sam Houston State University—Rebecca Francis
THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY West Texas A&M—Caitlynn Sandoval
THE RADIUM GIRLS Western Connecticut State University—Becca Ferrante
SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE RADIO PLAY Central Connecticut State University—Sam Satagaj THE LONG CHRISTMAS
RIDE HOME Salem State University—Alex “Bovie” Boisvert MACHINAL Penn State Harrisburg—Alexandra
Norhold
UNMUTE YOURSELF West Chester University—Becs Smith
THE ODD GEOMETRY OF TIME Adelphi University—Carrie McElroy
BALTIMORE Ramapo College of New Jersey—Thomas J. Donohoe II
THE BALTIMORE WALTZ Salisbury University—Katie Hopwood
THE THANKSGIVING
PLAY Hope College—Lisbeth Franzon
I’M LOT LANE (a solo effort) ¡好/ Peligro! (or Aloha also means goodbye) and University of Hawai`i
at Manoa—Ethan Castillo
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN PERFORMANCE
BLOOD AT THE ROOT California State University, East Bay—Mikki Johnson BLOOD AT THE ROOT California
State University, East Bay—Connor Biondi LET ME DOWN EASY Sam Houston State University—Mason Hunter
LET ME DOWN EASY Sam Houston State University—Maya Hernández-Pearson
LET ME DOWN EASY Sam Houston State University—Bree Cloud
LET ME DOWN EASY Sam Houston State University—Kariyana Chanté
THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY West Texas A&M University—Abbi Roe
THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY West Texas A&M University—Michael Olinger
SINGLE BLACK FEMALE University of New Orleans—Alexandria Miles
SINGLE BLACK FEMALE University of New Orleans—Danielle James
FOR HURTING HANDS University of the Ozarks—Petron Brown
THE EMPEROR JONES University of New Orleans—Justin William Davis
I’M LOT LANE (a solo effort) ¡好/ Peligro! (or Aloha also means goodbye) and University of Hawai`i at Manoa—Keola Simpson
SHE KILLS MONSTERS: VIRTUAL REALMS Virginia Commonwealth University—Trinitee Pearson
THE RADIUM GIRLS Western Connecticut State University—Alexis Reda
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University—Caleb Dion
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University—Madison Gallagher
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University—Margaret Sweeney
IN THIS TOGETHER Normandale Community College—Vonnie Wilborn
TILIKUM University of Central Missouri—Danny Gage
WELL Marietta College—Gwen Sour
UNMUTE YOURSELF West Chester University—Aaron Kirk summertime: an interlude University of New Mexico—Kenneth McGlothin summertime: an interlude University of New Mexico—Danielle McPhaul TO GATHER APART Suffolk University—Anastasia Bolkwadze
TO GATHER APART Suffolk University—Vincent Douglass
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN ENSEMBLE COLLABORATION PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTION
BLOOD AT THE ROOT California State University, East Bay
SWEAT California State University, Sacramento
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ROOM (and remember your trauma) Western Washington University
REUNIÓN REVOLUTIÓN RADIO The University of Texas at El Paso
LET ME DOWN EASY Sam Houston State University
THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY West Texas A&M University
summertime: an interlude University of New Mexico
CHARLOTTE’S WEB Oklahoma State University
I’M LOT LANE (a solo effort)
¡好/ Peligro! (or Aloha also means goodbye) and University of Hawai`i at Manoa
LIVING SIX FEET APART California State University, Fullerton
CONFESSIONS OF WOMEN FROM EAST LA California State University, Dominguez Hills
DisCONNECT University of Alabama Birmingham
THE RADIUM GIRLS Western Connecticut State University
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University
IN THIS TOGETHER Normandale Community College
TILIKUM University of Central Missouri
MACHINAL Penn State Harrisburg
BALTIMORE Ramapo College of New Jersey
ANTIGONE ABLAZE Bridgewater State University
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMPANY-GENERATED WORK
LIVING SIX FEET APART California State University, Fullerton
DISCONNECT University of Alabama at Birmingham
THEATRE MACABRE: NETWORK Emmanuel College
TO GATHER APART Suffolk University
OF THE DEEP Iowa State University
UNMUTE YOURSELF West Chester University
IN THIS TOGETHER Normandale Community College
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT: OVERALL PRODUCTION
BLOOD AT THE ROOT California State University, East Bay
SWEAT California State University, Sacramento
SINGLE BLACK FEMALE University of New Orleans
THE EMPEROR JONES University of New Orleans
I’M LOT LANE (a solo effort) ¡好/ Peligro! (or Aloha also means goodbye) and University of Hawai`i at Manoa
SHE KILLS MONSTERS: VIRTUAL REALMS Virginia Commonwealth University
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University
GHOSTS IN THE MACHINE Truman State University
TILIKUM University of Central Missouri
MACHINAL Penn State Harrisburg
BALTIMORE Ramapo College of New Jersey
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ROOM (and remember your trauma) Western Washington University
THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY West Texas A&M University
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING
BLOOD AT THE ROOT California State University, East Bay—Darryl V. Jones
SWEAT California State University, Sacramento—Nicole C. Limón
THE LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME Salem State University—Peter Sampieri
ReUNIÓN rEVOLUCIÓN The University of Texas at El Paso—Rebecca Rivas
THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY West Texas A&M
University—Bradley J. Behrmann
THE EMPEROR JONES University of New Orleans—Bill Ware
CHARLOTTE’S WEB Oklahoma State University—Jenny Lamb
I’M LOT LANE (a solo effort) ¡好/ Peligro! (or Aloha also means goodbye)
and University of Hawai`i at Manoa —Christine Jamlig Chang and Catherine Ann Restivo
LIVING SIX FEET APART California State University, Fullerton—Saundra McClain and Abel Marquez DISCONNECT University of Alabama Birmingham—David H. Parker and Roy Lightner
SHE KILLS MONSTERS: VIRTUAL REALMS Virginia Commonwealth University—Faith Carlson, Dories Barton, Sharon Ott, and Wes Seals
OF THE DEEP Iowa State University—Amanda Petefish-Schrag
TILIKUM University of Central Missouri—Dreá Lewis
MACHINAL Penn State Harrisburg—Maria Enriquez
WHAT TO SEND UP WHEN IT GOES DOWN Bowie State University—Rashaud Matthews
UNMUTE YOURSELF West Chester University—Charlie DelMarcelle
HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ROOM (and remember your trauma) Western Washington University—Evan Mueller
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN CHOREOGRAPHY
CONFESSIONS OF WOMEN FROM EAST LA
California State University, Dominguez Hills—Marco A. Carreon
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSICAL DIRECTION
THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY West Texas A&M University—Bradley J. Behrmann
THE RADIUM GIRLS Western Connecticut State University—Justin Cowan
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN ORIGINAL MUSIC COMPOSITION
OF THE DEEP Iowa State University—Ben Schrag
KCACTF STUDENT NOMINEES BY DISCIPLINE ASPIRE ARTS LEADERSHIP FELLOWS
In association with LORT
Nadel D. Henville, Emmanuel College
Sierra Lancaster,Boston Conservatory at Berklee Jillian Harvey, Howard Community College Keche
Arrington, Towson University
Kelli Crump, University of Michigan-Flint Jordan Hall, Illinois College
Cheyenne Singleton, Auburn University at Montgomery Tony George, Auburn University at Montgomery
Sabrina Ortiz, University of Central Missouri
Isabelle Rivera, the University of Texas at El Paso Gwynnevere L. Cristobal, Humboldt State
University Andrea Morín Fernandez, San Diego State University
THE INSTITUTE FOR THEATER JOURNALISM AND ADVOCACY
Diana Witt, James Madison University Matthew Eggers, University of Michigan Bianca Utset, Florida
International University Meghan McGehee, Kansas State University Jamison Driskill, Texas Tech
University
Elijah Rakha-Sheketoff, Western Washington University Scott Kriloff, California State University,
Northridge Charles Lin, MiraCosta College
THE RANDY LUTZ ALLIED DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD
Jade Gordon, Middlesex Community College Brittannie McKenna Travis, University of Cincinnati
College Conservatory of Music
Colin Franz, Oakland University
Jax Wright, University of Southern Mississippi Bronwyn Reagan, Cottey College
Gillian Andersen, University of Central Oklahoma Kat Yo, University of Portland
Daria Volynska, Santa Monica College
LIGHTING DESIGN
Hunter A. Mountz, Salem State University
Christina Tyree, Muskingum University Katarina Yo, University of Portland
Jessica Baker, University of Wisconsin-Parkside Katy T Baronich, University of Southern Mississippi
Maren Taylor, Northwestern College
Clara I Wiebe, Oklahoma City University
Rachel Sorensen, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
SCENIC DESIGN
William Sexton, Bridgewater State University Georgia Fried, Salisbury University
Michael Mason, Illinois State University Paige Bergen, College of Charleston Lindsay Webster, the
University of Kansas Elizabeth Campbell, Texas Tech University Brindle Brundage, University of
Idaho
Laura Alejandra Hernandez, California State University, Los Angeles
SOUND DESIGN
Samantha Noto, Suffolk University
Jack W Purves, University of Wisconsin-Parkside Anna Mitchell Johnson, Hollins University
Frank Vondra, Minnesota State University Mankato Jonathan Lee, Texas Tech University
Andrew Yoder, University of Idaho
COSTUME DESIGN
Jade Zhang, Bates College
Brittannie McKenna Travis, University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music
Zechariah Saenz, Michigan State University
Olga Goupalova, the University of Southern Mississippi Lindsay Webster, the University of Kansas
Kelsey Blotter, Texas Tech University
Emily Feil, California State University, East Bay Jocelyn Tamayo, East Los Angeles College
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Jadzia Devis, SUNY Sullivan and SUNY New Paltz Thomas John Donohoe, Ramapo College of New Jersey
Julia Egzio, Lewis University
Gabrielle Scott, Georgia Southern University LD Dowell, University of South Dakota
Jaydn Johanson, Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi Lauren Boesch, Colorado State University
Johanna Sophia Romo, California State University, Fullerton
THE IRENE RYAN ACTING SCHOLARSHIPS
Rémani Lizana, Salem State University Kirstin VanRenselaar, Alfred University Terrence Mayfield,
Illinois State University Gerald Kitt II, University of Central Florida
Christina Short, Northwest Missouri State University Ashlyn Evans, Texas A&M University of Corpus
Christi Katarina Tyler, University of Wyoming
Frank Ramirez, California State University, Los Angeles
THE MUSICAL THEATRE FELLOWSHIPS
Olivia Amaral, Dean College Haley Franke, Adelphi University
Lexie Schultz, Saginaw Valley State University Ethan Sidney Turbyfill, Pellissippi State Community
College
Caitlin Sparks, Anoka Ramsey Community College- Coon Rapids
Samara Shavrick, Texas Tech University Hannah Verdi, University of Idaho Madeline Edwards, Mira
Costa College
THE NATIONAL FINALISTS OF THE JOHN CAUBLE AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SHORT PLAY
Omo Mi by Sadia Alao, University of Maryland College Park Outraged by Jayne Deely, Indiana
University Bloomington Theresa’s Breasts by Amber Palmer, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Spencer by Madison Miller, Texas State University
THE NATIONAL FIALISTS OF THE GARRY GARRISON NATIONAL TEN-MINUTE PLAY AWARD
Bev Playing Bev in “The Money Shot” by Amber Palmer, University of Wisconsin- Madison
Limes in Santo Domingo by Abi Mirikitani, University of Missouri
What We Will Be by Samuel Kang, Adelphi University
Into the Mystic by Kalina Gallardo, University of Texas at El Paso
THE STAGECRAFT INSTITUTE OF LAS VEGAS SCHOLARSHIPS
Gianna Agostino, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Des Aguilera, Humboldt State University
Katy Baronich, University of Southern Mississippi Hope Bellinger, George Fox University
Johnathan Billington, George Fox University Jonah Bobilin, University of Hawai’i at Manoa Claire
Brenia, University of Southern Mississippi
Lorin Brewer, Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy Anica Broekemeier, South Dakota State
University Brindle Brundage, University of Idaho
Alex Campbell, California State University, East Bay Athena Carvajalath, Maricopa College
Laura Chipman, Salem State University
Anthony DeCosmo, Colorado State University Mason Dill, Colorado State University
Lauren “LD” Dowell, South Dakota State University Jordan Draper, University of Southern Utah
Adrienne Dudley, Utah State University
Caleb Eugley, SUNY Plattsburgh Georgia Fried, Salisbury University
Desiree Galvez, California State University, East Bay Molly Garrison, Truman State University
Josh Gibson, Florida International University Issac Goldbaum, Salem State University
Jade Gordon, Middlesex Community College Elisabeth Goulding, Brigham Young University Jordan Hall,
Illinois College
Eliza Haynie, Weber State University Amanda Henney, University of Oregon
Laura Hernandez, California State University, Los Angeles Harrison Hoffert, University of Michigan
Anna Johnson, Hollins University
David Juarez, California State University, East Bay Pacifique Kabanda, San Bernardino Valley
College Jordan Kirby, California State University, Fullerton Sarah LePiere, Colorado State
University
Morgan Lessman, Colorado State University Ben Lowe, University of Central Florida
Peri Macinic, University of Michigan Michael Mason, Illinois State University Gabriel Mata, Phoenix
College
Sophia Matin, Maricopa College Carrie McElroy, Adelphi University
Brittannie McKenna Travis, University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music
Hunter Mountz, Salem State University Justin Nanzer, Michigan Tech University
Michaela Nelson, Eastern Connecticut State University Sam O’Dea, York College of Pennsylvania
Jaden O’Berry, Saginaw Valley State University Gillian Ortega, University of Oregon
Henry Pederson, University of Michigan Alexander Pikiben, University of South Dakota Jack Purves,
University of Wisconsin Parkside Tristan Robb, Michigan Technical University Carli Scolforo, Siena
College
Erin Sellers, Gonzaga University Jessica Shamble, College of Charleston
Cheyenne Singleton, Auburn University Montgomery Rachel Sorensen, University of Hawaii at Manoa
Ally Southgate, Truman State University Justin Sweeney,Truman State University JocelynTamayo, East
Los Angeles College Maren Taylor, Northwestern College
Aline Toloto, University of Southern Mississippi Joyanne Tracy, Pierce College
Erin Tsue, Gonzaga University Christina Tyree, Muskingum University Daria Volynska, Santa Monica
College
Izzy Waldie, Michigan Technical University Lindsay Webster, University of Kansas Sophie Wheeler,
Marietta College
Alex Wolf, University of Michigan
Jax Wright, University of Southern Mississippi Kat Yo, University of Portland
Joel Zishuk, University of Central Florida
THE KENNEDY CENTER AMERICAN COLLEGE THEATER FESTIVAL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT:
The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival affirms its commitment to policies and
practices of promoting inclusion and diversity in its leadership, both regional and national, as
well as in its programming. We pledge to nurture talent in all areas of the theater based solely on
merit and achievement. We encourage production respondents to avoid discriminatory comments and
embrace the variety of artistic choices generated by the diversity of perspective that exists on
college campuses across the country. We promote collegial exploration of new ideas, supported by a
clear understanding of long-held artistic practices, fully respecting the communicated intentions
of the playwright. We encourage discourse that effects positive change in the ways that
under-represented groups are portrayed onstage, and we oppose acts of cultural appropriation and
character depictions that deepen existing cultural divides. We embrace the idea that diversity in
experience and perspective makes our organization stronger and more relevant and is therefore
essential to our educational mission of training the future artistic leadership in American
theater.
ABOUT THE KENNEDY CENTER AMERICAN COLLEGE THEATER FESTIVAL
Envisioned in 1968 and launched in 1969 by Roger L. Stevens, the Kennedy Center’s founding
Chairman, KCACTF encourages and celebrates the finest and most diverse theatrical productions from
colleges and universities nationwide. Through the regional and national festivals, 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 which 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 by the following
institutions: University of Indianapolis; Indiana University of Pennsylvania; City of Des Moines,
Iowa; Western Connecticut State University; Georgia Southwestern University; Mesa Community
College; City of Spokane, Washington; and Angelo State University.
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
Support for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival 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.
Discover the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival on social media:
#KennedyCenter
# # #
PRESS CONTACT:
Brendan Padgett (202) 416-8004
bepadgett@kennedy-center.org
