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Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2016 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents The 48th Annual KENNEDY CENTER AMERICAN COLLEGE THEATER FESTIVAL National Festival Runs April 12–16, 2016 Kennedy Center hosts more than 150 outstanding theater students from across the nation (WASHINGTON)The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts more than 150 outstanding theater students from colleges and universities across the nation as part of the 48th annual Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), which runs April 12–16, 2016 in multiple locations throughout the Center. Thousands of student artists from eight regions across the country presented their work at regional festivals from January 5 through February 27, 2016 and more than 150 were selected to travel to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for an all-expenses-paid trip to participate in the national festival. The festival includes readings of short plays featuring the finalists of the Gary Garrison National TenMinute Play Award as part of the Michael Kanin Playwriting Awards showcase and the John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play; public auditions for the Irene Ryan National Acting Scholarships; the opportunity for participants to take part in master classes and engage with colleagues from across the nation and the Washington, D.C. theater community; and a closing day ceremony for awards in production, directing, choreography, acting, writing, design, stage management, dramaturgy, and theater criticism. The College of Fellows Jane Alexander Award for Acting will also be awarded and presented by Tony Award® and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan, during the scholarship and awards presentations of the Irene Ryan National Acting Scholarships held in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater on Friday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. 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. The eight regional festivals and the national festival provide an opportunity for college and university theater departments to showcase their achievements in production, celebrate their students in all disciplines of the art form, and take advantage of a wide array of professional development seminars, workshops, and master classes. Since its establishment 48 years ago, KCACTF has reached millions of theatergoers and has made important contributions to the professional development of countless college and university theater students nationwide. ~more~ EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater FREE, No Tickets Required (Millennium Stage Event) The Every 28 Hours Plays In association with The One-Minute Play Festival and Oregon Shakespeare Festival This presentation is a showcase of a wide range of plays, the creative outcome of a community outreach residency in Ferguson and St. Louis County, Missouri in the fall of 2015, written by alumni of the Michael Kanin Playwriting Awards Program, Kirsten Greenidge, Ike Holter, Dominique Morisseau, Jerome A. Parker, Aurin Squire, and Kennedy Center Playwriting Guest Artists Migdalia Cruz, Kristoffer Diaz, Idris Goodwin, Neil LaBute, Jacqueline E. Lawton, Lisa Loomer, Aaron Posner, Robert Schenkkan, Anu Yadav, and many others, including Colman Domingo, Psalmayene 24, David Henry Hwang, Tarell Alvin MacCraney, Universes, Keith Josef Adkins, Stew, Josh Wilder, and Lynn Nottage. The Every 28 Hours Plays were co-created and produced between Dominic D’Andrea of The OneMinute Play Festival (1MPF) and Claudia Alick of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF), with the participation of playwrights, guest artists, and St. Louis artists and community members. Originally created and produced in the St. Louis community, the next phase of the project will be a coordinated series of national readings and engagements all over the country in October 2016, sponsored and presented by partnering theaters. Martin Wilkins, National New Play Network Producer-in-Residence at Actors Theatre of Charlotte and O’Neill National directing Fellow, will direct the presentation with Vaughn Midder, University of Maryland Alumni, and Gus Heagerty, former Kennedy Center Kenan Fellow and assistant director at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. An acting company of 30 will present the work, drawn from students and alumni from Howard University, University of Maryland, Catholic University of America, and leading actors from the professional theater community, including Tonya Beckman, Frank Britton, J.J. Johnson, Joy Jones, Christopher Lane, Jeff Kirkman, Manu Kumasi, Fatima Quander, and Justin Weaks. THE MICHAEL KANIN PLAYWRITING AWARDS SHOWCASE Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater FREE, No Tickets Required (a Millennium Stage event) The Four Finalists of the Gary Garrison National Ten-Minute Play Award Nan by Mark Noa Gardner, Loyola Marymount University, directed by Lise Bruneau Featuring Veronica Del Cerro and Miyuki Williams On the verge of making a life-changing decision, a strong-willed matriarch is forced to tell her granddaughter the news or risk hurting the ones she loves most. The Nice View by Cynthia Veal Holm, Lesley University, directed by Martin Wilkins Featuring Maboud Ebrahimzadeh and Jenna Sokolowski Elaine, who has been struggling with PTSD, has created a self-imposed exile for herself. It takes an old friend and a strange incident to coax her back into the real world. 2 In The Direction Of The Sun by Sierra Carlson, James Madison University, directed by Martin Wilkins Two Yazidi women, a mother whose daughter was kidnapped and a medical student, have joined the Sun Brigade in their fight against Daesh. Jigsaw Cactus by Caitlin Turnage, University of Houston, directed by Lise Bruneau Featuring Amanda Forstrom and James Whalen A prodigal daughter returns home to confront her jigsaw puzzle-obsessed father. Both are forced to acknowledge that their happiness is not to be found in the things they pursue, the places they go, or the puzzles they try to fit back together. Nearly 900 submissions were received for the Gary Garrison National Ten-Minute Play Award, among which only four were chosen as finalists. A selection from each of the regional festivals is chosen as a national finalist. One national finalist playwright will receive a cash award of $500 and a professional development residency. THE JOHN CAUBLE SHORT PLAY AWARDS PROGRAM This program recognizes outstanding one-act plays. Four national finalists have been selected to showcase their work at the Kennedy Center national festival. One playwright will be awarded a $500 prize and a professional development residency. Awards will be announced on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 12 p.m. in the Kennedy Center Theater Lab. Concert readings of these plays, featuring distinguished actors from the Washington, D.C. theater community, are presented throughout the national festival and are open to the public as free events. Four 2016 national finalists will be presented over three evenings. Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 4 p.m. Kennedy Center Theater Lab FREE, No Tickets Required Boxed In by Mora V. Harris, Carnegie-Mellon University, directed by Kelsey Mesa Featuring Michael Kevin Darnall and Manu Kumasi Jerry’s been responsible for his brother since their parents died. But when Tyler announces his intention to go to mime college, instead of Greenburg Tech, Jerry is thrown for a loop. Sexuality, parenthood, and pantomime are explored in this heartfelt comedy about love and acceptance. Biodegradable Seagulls by Alexander Hehr, University of Central Florida, directed by Colin Hovde Featuring Justin Weaks and Tim Getman Don and Charlie, seagulls, are trapped on the beach with their heads stuck in plastic soda rings. Strangers from different walks of life are now strapped together and begin a new friendship. Thursday April 14, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. Kennedy Center Theater Lab FREE, No Tickets Required Fledgling by Colleen McCandless, California State University, Long Beach, directed by Shirley Serotsky Featuring Shayna Blass, Gabriela Fernandez-Coffey, Michael Kevin Darnall, Yesenia Iglesias, Erika Rose, and Justin Weaks 3 Six months after the sudden passing of his mother Wren, Bran and his family are now losing their home. Bran finds that he is changing; he knew something was different when that crow started talking to him in his front yard. Plus, a selection from the recipient of the Harold and Mimi Steinberg National Student Playwriting Award We Will Not Describe the Conversation by Eugenie Carabatsos, Carnegie-Mellon University Directed by Patrick Pearson Featuring Manu Kumasi A single sentence from Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment provided the inspiration for the play: when the protagonist’s sister and his lover discuss his crime, murdering an elderly pawnbroker with an axe—in this way, “We will not describe the conversation and the tears of the two girls, and how friendly they became.” Friday, April 15, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. Kennedy Center Theater Lab FREE, No Tickets Required Doctor Scott by Aaron Scully, University of Missouri, directed by Martin Wilkins Inspired by Plumes by Georgia Douglas Johnson, 1927 Featuring Valeka J. Holt, Manu Kumasi, Erika Rose, Michael Russotto and Michael Willis Set in 1927, Doctor Scott examines the difficulties faced by African-American doctors in the South as they struggled to care for their community, their own families, and themselves. THE IRENE RYAN NATIONAL ACTING SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS AND MUSICAL THEATER FELLOWS SHOWCASE Friday, April 15, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater, $25 The Irene Ryan National Acting Scholarships provide recognition and financial assistance to outstanding student performers to support further education and professional development. Each year, up to 250 nominees and their partners audition at each of the eight regional festivals. One performer and scene partner from each region are recognized with a $500 scholarship and are selected to attend the national festival at the Kennedy Center on an all-expenses-paid residency and the opportunity to audition for national scholarships. Following four days of workshops and master classes, the residency culminates with the national scholarship audition where a panel of artistic directors, actors, producers, and casting agents will view the six-minute audition of monologues, scenes, and songs. One $5,000 scholarship, with $1,000 going to the partner, will be awarded. A second place scholarship of $2,500, with $500 going to the partner, will also be awarded. The national finalists are also eligible for prestigious summer fellowships and professional development residencies. All of the scholarships and awards will be announced at the conclusion of the evening. The 2016 scholarship finalists are: Nellie Maple, University of Central Missouri, assisted by Daniel Parman Olivia Anderson, George Fox University, assisted by Micah Bevis Fé Torres, Lehman College, assisted by Edgard Toro Lawrence James Hickmon, Ramapo College of New Jersey, assisted by Samantha Simone Johnny Wilson, Brigham Young University, assisted by Morgan Gunter Chayning Jenkins, Alabama State University, assisted by Ladarreun Taylor Keirston Hodgens, Ball State University, assisted by Kayla Robertson 4 Calley Luman, University of Oklahoma, assisted by David Ball The Blanche and Irving Laurie Musical Theater Fellows Additionally, on Friday evening, April 15, 2016 in the Terrace Theater as part of the 7:30 p.m. Irene Ryan National Acting Scholarship Auditions and Musical Theater Fellows Showcase, performers from around the country will showcase songs from the American Musical Theatre. They will be in residence for performance master classes throughout the National Festival. Mathew Stanley, Salem State University Daniel DeCranie-Pierre, Suny Plattsburgh Cara Clase, Millersville University Emily Hadick, Oakland University Ashlyn H. Uribe, Anderson University Christian Magby, Savannah College of Art and Design Da’Merius Ford, Wichita State University Ryne Nardecchia, Texas State University Nicholas J. Main, Central Washington University Kinsey Peotter, Mesa Community College Rebekah Robles, College of the Sequoias Broadway Theatre Project Summer Institute Scholarship Broadway Theatre Project has been a longtime supporter of the Musical Theatre Initiative in KCACTF Region 1 (New England), awarding the recipient of the region’s Richard Maltby Jr. Award a full scholarship to attend the BTP Summer Institute in July. This year, Artistic Director Debra McWaters will introduce the scholarship recipient to the Kennedy Center audience on the evening of April 15 in the Terrace Theater. Students at Broadway Theatre Project attend an intense three-week training program that focuses on the basic disciplines of musical theatre including acting, dance, voice, and the many facets of each. The critical life skills necessary to prepare students to work in the professional world of the musical theater stage are also addressed. Emphasis is not only placed on each individual art form but also on the collaborative process and the collective creation of art. The Project was founded in 1991 by Tony Award®-winning dancer, director, and choreographer Ann Reinking, and her associate on many productions and projects for 15 years, President and BTP Artistic Director Debra McWaters, with the help of many other gifted teaching artists, including Jay Binder, Mandy Gonzalez, Donna McKechnie, Chazz Palminteri, Austin Pendleton, and Ben Vereen. The Open Jar Institute The Open Jar Institute has generously provided eight regional scholarships to its Summer Institute in August 2016. Each of these regional scholarship awardees will audition for a full scholarship on Friday evening, April 15, in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater by performing in the Musical Theater Fellows Showcase, the second act of the Irene Ryan National Acting Scholarship Auditions. Founded in 2003, The Open Jar Institute provides select students and professionals the most intensive one-on-one training with working Broadway professionals—including directors, choreographers, agents, casting directors, and performers. Under the artistic direction of Jeff Whiting, and with the guidance of Joanna Gleason, Susan Stroman, Lynn Ahrens, and Stephen Flaherty, every class, workshop, and masterclass is designed to challenge and push the student to prepare for a successful career in entertainment. Every teaching artist at The Open Jar Institute is a working Broadway 5 professional. They are not only the best in their field, but they are also extremely qualified and gracious teachers, who can offer the best insight and tips to finding success in the entertainment business. The College of Fellows Jane Alexander Award for Acting Award will be presented Friday evening, April 15, 2016, at 7:30 p.m. during the scholarship and awards presentations of the Irene Ryan National Acting Scholarships at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater. The College of Fellows Jane Alexander Award for Acting is designed to celebrate the next generation of theater artists through an award of $2,500 granted to foster the awardee’s career in any way deemed appropriate by the winner. The award is not tied to any institution or program and can be used for head shots, audition classes, and tickets to see theater, among other furthering career uses. Eligible for the award are actors who are either Irene Ryan Finalists or Irene Ryan Partners. Those interested in being considered will craft an essay that includes thoughts on art and the art of acting, of artistic heroes/influences, integrity as an essential responsibility for the theater artist, and a vision of the actor’s career path in relation to theater. Robert Schenkkan, Tony Award®-winner for All the Way and recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for The Kentucky Cycle, will present this award. In addition to the cash award, the recipient of the College of Fellows Jane Alexander Award for Acting will be invited to be a member of the acting company of the MFA Playwrights’ Workshop, produced by the Kennedy Center in association with the National New Play Network (NNPN), July 23 to 31, 2016. The award recipient will be part of the development of nine plays; work side-by-side with leading actors from Arena Stage, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Studio Theatre, and others; as well as connect with the artistic leadership of 12 NNPN member theaters, in addition to Actors Theatre of Louisville, and Theater Alliance. The award is named for Jane Alexander, an actress of film, television, and the stage. She has four Academy Award® nominations, two Emmy Awards, and a Tony® for her work. Ms. Alexander has appeared in 65 films for television and the big screen, including The Great White Hope, Kramer vs. Kramer, Testament, and Eleanor and Franklin. On the New York stage she is known for roles in The Lady from Dubuque, Chasing Manet, First Monday in October, and The Visit. She was Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts during the Clinton administration. The College of Fellows of the American Theatre recognizes eminent individuals whose life work constitutes a truly outstanding contribution to the profession. Fellows are elected to membership for life, come from all parts of the United States, and represent the full range of creativity and leadership in theater. MASTER CLASSES Regional nominees and award-winners in the categories of performance, directing, playwriting and dramaturgy, design, dramatic criticism, and stage management take part in master classes with artists from across the nation and the Washington, D.C. theater community. The 2016 master class and workshop leaders include: Playwriting and Dramaturgy Mark Bly, Senior Dramaturg, The Acting Company Migdalia Cruz, Playwright Fur, Salt, Satyricoño, and El Grito Del Bronx 6 Leigh Fondakowski, Tectonic Theatre Project, lead writer of The Laramie Project Gary Garrison, Executive Director for Creative Affairs, Dramatists Guild of America Martyna Majok, Playwright, Lark PONY Fellowship, Ironbound Anne Morgan, Literary Manager of the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference Drew Lichtenberg, Literary Associate and Resident Dramaturg, Shakespeare Theatre Company Karen Zacarías, Playwright, The Book Club Play, Legacy of Light, Mariela in the Desert, and Destiny of Desire Directing Will Davis, Artistic Director, American Theatre Company, Chicago Wendy Goldberg, Artistic Director, O’Neill National Playwrights Conference Moisés Kaufman, Artistic Director, Tectonic Theatre Project Lauren Keating, Associate Producer, The Guthrie Theater Portia Krieger, Associate Director, Fun Home, National Directing Fellow Laura Penn, Executive Director, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Daniella Topol, Co-Artistic Director, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater Martin Wilkins, NNPN Producer-in-Residence at Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, National Directing Fellow Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Design Debra Booth, Director of Design, Studio Theatre Tony Cisek, five-time Helen Hayes Award-winning Scenic Designer Kathleen Geldard, Costume Designer for Signature Theatre, Studio Theatre, and others Robert Kaplowitz, Tony Award®-winning Sound Designer Brian MacDevitt, Tony Award®-winning Lighting Designer G.W. Mercier, Master Teacher in Scenic and Costume Design, Juan Darién Wendy Stark Prey, Director of Costumes, Shakespeare Theatre Company Nancy Schertler, Associate Artist, Arena Stage Eric Shimelonis, Helen Hayes Award-winning Sound Designer and Composer Daniel MacLean Wagner, multiple Helen Hayes Award-winning Lighting Designer Dramatic Criticism Mark Charney, Associate Director of the O’Neill National Critics Institute, Texas Tech University Chris Jones, Director of the O’Neill National Critics Institute, Chicago Tribune Christopher Klimek, Washington City Paper Bob Mondello, NPR and Washington City Paper Nelson Pressley, Washington Post Celia Wren, Washington Post Stage Management Danisha Crosby, Associate Producer, Round House Theatre Craig Horness, Ford’s Theatre Maribeth Chaprnka, Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences National Touring Christopher Sadler, University of Oklahoma, Stage Management Program Coordinator Karen Storms, The Washington Ballet Ian Poole, General Manager, Arena Stage 7 Leadership in the Arts Alicia Adams, Vice President of Dance and International Programming, Kennedy Center Jill Anderson, General Manager, The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Curt Columbus, Artistic Director, Trinity Repertory Company, Program Coordinator Kelvin Dinkins, Diversity Committee Chairs, League of Resident Theatres Edgar Dobie, Executive Director, Arena Stage Deborah Ellinghaus, Managing Director, Olney Theatre Center Garth Ross, Vice President of Community Engagement, Kennedy Center Marie Mattson, Senior Vice President of Development, Kennedy Center Victoria Nolan, Managing Director, Yale Repertory Theatre Meghan Pressman, Managing Director, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company Deborah F. Rutter, President, Kennedy Center Robert Van Leer, Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning, Kennedy Center Musical Theater Bobby Smith, Coordinator, Multiple Helen Hayes Award-winning performer Joe Calarco, Mutliple Helen Hayes Award-winning Director and Playwright Christopher d’Amboise, Dancer and Choreographer Kelly d’Amboise, Choreographer Matthew Gardiner, Associate Artistic Director, Signature Theatre Gabriel Mangiante, Musical Director and Pianist, Signature Theatre Debra McWaters, Artistic Director, Broadway Theatre Project, Choreographer and Author Tracy Lynn Olivera, Leading Actress and Cabaret Artist, Ford’s Theatre, Signature Theatre Walter Ware III, Casting Director, Signature Theatre Jeff Whiting, Artistic Director, The Open Jar Institute, Associate Director, Big Fish, Bullets Over Broadway, and The Scottsboro Boys NATIONAL FESTIVAL FINALISTS Award finalists from the regional festivals attend the national festival to participate in the week’s master classes and activities, as well as being eligible in each discipline for awards, residencies, and scholarships. Awards will be announced at the closing day awards ceremony on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. in the Kennedy Center Theater Lab. 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) and are also 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 2016 finalists include: Matthew Lundergan, Salem State University Casey Lombardo, Adelphi University Nathaniel Thomas, Ball State University Rommel Arellan Marinas, Florida International University Ryan Fortney, University of South Dakota Carrie Winship, University of Missouri 8 Liz Fisher, Texas State University AnaSofia Villanueva, University of Idaho Kadin McGreevy, University of Idaho Nathaniel Niemi, University of Hawaii-Manoa The KCACTF Awards for Excellence in Scenic, Costume, Lighting, and Sound Design Designs of the regional finalists will be on display during the national festival and national design respondents (distinguished artists in theatrical design) will select the award recipients in each category. All KCACTF National Design Award recipients will receive an award of $500 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas for a Cirque du Soleil Design Immersion, visiting with the creative and design staffs of Kâ, Mystére and O, and seeing the productions, with the assistance and coordination by the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas. In addition, regional finalists will be eligible for design fellowships at the O’Neill Theater Center’s National Playwrights Conference, the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and the Shakespeare Theatre Company Costume Internship. 2016 finalists for Scenic Design: Corey Umlauf, Emerson College Jason Maracani, Oakland University Rebeca Lake, University of Southern Mississippi Natalie Hining, University of South Dakota Jaime Dimas, Oklahoma City University Heidi Voelker, Humboldt State University Ashley Strain, California State University-Fullerton 2016 finalists for Costume Design: Jelena Antanasijevic, University of Connecticut April Gormley, Montclair State University Albert Jones, University of Southern Indiana Jacquelyn Loy, University of Southern Mississippi Melissa Valdez, University of Nebraska at Omaha Jeannie Tyrell, Santa Rosa Junior College Emmalaine Wright, Scottsdale Community College 2016 finalists for the Barbizon Award for Excellence in Lighting Design: Christy Choi, University of Massachusetts-Boston Erica Maholmes, West Chester University Rachel Thomas, University of Southern Indiana Matthew Morris, University of Southern Mississippi Vincente Williams, University of Missouri-Columbia Justin Beets, Texas State University Sydney Theissen, George Fox University Caitlin Susen, Boise State University William Peterson, Weber State University 2016 finalists for Sound Design: Avery Orvis, Suffolk County Community College David Kunz, East Stroudsburg University Damien Figueras, Arcadia University 9 Lindsay Worthington, Kalamazoo College Alexandra Durham, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Kyle Fossé, Dordt College Jorge Rito Flores, Texas Wesleyan University Jacob Margolis, Colorado State University Lydia Oliverson, Weber State University The KCACTF 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. Each of the recipients received an all-expenses-paid five-day residency at the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT) Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah in March 2016. 2016 recipients include: Emily Allinson, Keene State College Victoria Ashmore, Lycoming College Anthony Thompson, Miami University of Ohio Lacelynn Lites, University of Southern Mississippi Paran Kashani, Normandale Community College Elise Christiansen, University of Oklahoma Mackenzie Cunningham, Colorado State University Montana Thompson, Chandler Gilbert Community College The Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas Scholarships The following students were awarded one-week or multi-week scholarships to the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas (SILV) in the summer of 2016. SILV was founded by Don and Jane Childs to offer a better, more efficient way to train practitioners in all areas of live entertainment. The Institute has become the first-of-its kind intensive training program for students from around the world to meet, learn from, and network with leaders in the field of live entertainment who are committed to sharing their experience with the next generation. SILV has evolved into a partnership with industry friends who donate their time, their gear, their studios, workshops, rehearsal spaces and arrange for students to see examples of cutting edge design and technology. Summer 2016 master classes include Rigging, Digital Drafting SFX, Automation, and “Movers, Media and Rock-n-Roll.” Jelena Antanasijevic, University of Connecticut, Costume Erica Maholmes, West Chester University, Lighting Caroline M. Trewet, Northwestern College, Production and Media Design Christy Choi, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Lighting Christine Parrella, Southern Connecticut State University, Lighting Lacelynn Lites, University of Southern Mississippi, Properties Isabel Samuel, Salem State University, Lighting Matthew Benes, University of Nebraska-Kearney, Rigging Nicholas J. Kanderis, Montclair State University, Sound Design Caroline Frias, Florida International University, Costume Wesley Tolson, Clemson University, Sound Design Alexandra Durham, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Sound Design Scott Cavallo, Suffolk County Community College, Scenery 10 Brian Burt, Gonzaga University, Scenery Monica Bowker, California State University, Chico, Lighting Jackson Bernhardt, University of West Georgia, Lighting Matthew Wilhelm, University of Oklahoma, Scenery and Lighting The National Partners of the American Theater Award for Design Excellence This award is presented to one of the Design Award finalists, and is funded by members of the National Partners, many of whom are present or former members of the KCACTF National Committee. The Design Excellence Award is co-sponsored by the Korean National University of the Arts (KNUA) and the award recipient will spend an all-expenses-paid week in Seoul, Korea visiting theater design and traditional arts classes, various design studios, and attending performances. This year’s recipient will be selected by National Partners of the American Theatre founding members Lin Conaway and Andy Gibbs. KCACTF Stage Management Fellowships These fellows attend the national festival in Washington, D.C. as recognition for their outstanding achievement in stage management at the regional festivals. The 2016 recipients are: Patrick-Anthony Surillo, Dean College Rebecca Roeber, East Stroudsburg University Rachel Kaplow, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Liana Sierra, Florida International University Shannon Rourke, St. Ambrose University Emily Burke, University of Oklahoma Emily Melgard, University of Idaho Jaclyn Drummond, Fort Lewis College The KCACTF Leadership in the Arts Fellowship The following students have excelled in Arts Leadership within their home regions and will be in residence at the National Festival, part of a pilot program in association with the League of Resident Theatres’ Diversity Initiative. They will be mentored by Curt Columbus, Artistic Director of Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island, and with the student leadership of Josiah Hernandez, Angelo State University. During their time in Washington they will meet with leading arts administrators in the community, including Edgar Dobie at Arena Stage and the President of the Kennedy Center, Deborah F. Rutter, and her senior staff. Viguens Louis, LaGuardia Community College Samantha Putko, Stonehill College Caitlin White, Western Connecticut State University Sapphire Johnson, West Chester State University Krista Grevas, College of Charleston Sarah Hinz, University of Minnesota-Duluth James Macon Grant, Texas Tech University The LMDA Dramaturgy Award 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 winner of the LMDA Dramaturgy Award will receive a one-year membership in LMDA, and will be considered for a residency at the O’Neill National Playwrights Conference, the Playwrights’ Center in 11 Minneapolis, the Kennedy Center, or the National New Play Network’s MFA Playwrights’ Workshop. The 2016 nominees are: Gemma F. De Leon, University of Oregon Lauren Chapman, James Madison University Carrie Winship, University of Missouri Ryan Connelly, Bridgewater State University Derrick Turner, Eastern Michigan University The Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy Scholarship At each of the KCACTF regional festivals, students participated in the Institute for Theater 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. Four regional finalists were selected to attend the KCACTF National Festival to participate in a series of master classes and symposia on dramaturgy and theater criticism. One national scholarship recipient will receive a full fellowship to attend the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut during its National Playwrights’ Conference in July 2016, working with leading professional newspaper and magazine critics from across the United States. The 2016 finalists are: Emily C. Schoenbeck, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University Alix Rosenfeld, Villanova University Joanna Buchholz, Linfield College Kelly Grandjean, Texas Tech University EDUCATION AT THE KENNEDY CENTER The Kennedy Center retains its commitment as the nation’s cultural center to educating and enlightening children and adults in Washington and around the country. The Center’s national education programs include: Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child, which works with 20 municipalities and their school districts around the country to develop a long-range strategic plan for arts education; ARTSEDGE, a website that offers standards-based materials for use in and out of the classroom; Partners in Education, which forges relationships between an arts organization and its neighboring school systems to build effective arts education programs for teachers and teaching artists; Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network, works with 30 state organizations on arts education policy issues; Explore the Arts, which provide insight into the cultural and historical context of the works presented on stage and sparks dialogue between audiences and the artists who have created the performances through participatory workshops, demonstrations, panels, master classes, and open rehearsals; and the Kennedy Center/Stephen Sondheim Inspirational Teacher Awards, which acknowledge teachers of grades K-12 whose efforts have made a significant impact on their students; and Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour, which brings original Kennedy Center productions for students and families into communities and performing arts centers around the country. In and around D.C., the Kennedy Center’s programs include Changing Education Through the Arts, a program that works with seven schools in the area to affect long-term change in school culture through professional learning in arts integration; Professional Development Opportunities for Teachers, which trains Washington-area educators to teach the arts or other subject areas through the arts; and Washington, D.C. Partnership Schools, where the Center provides resources and teaching artist residencies to 22 elementary, junior, and senior high schools in Washington, D.C. The Center also 12 mounts more than 100 events and performances of theater, music, dance, and opera throughout the season for more than 100,000 local school-aged children. In addition, the Center offers multiple skill development programs for young artists and professionals both locally and nationally, including the National Symphony Orchestra’s Youth Fellowship Program, Summer Music Institute, and High School Competition; Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, Opera Institute, and Kids Create Opera Partnership; the biennial New Visions/New Voices forum for development of new plays for young people; Exploring Ballet with Suzanne Farrell; Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead; VSA’s Playwright Discovery Program, Young Soloists, and Visual Arts Programs; arts administration internships; and the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival which impacts hundreds of thousands of college-aged theater students across the country and marks its 48th anniversary in 2016. FUNDING CREDITS The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, part of the Rubenstein Arts Access Program, is generously funded by David and Alice Rubenstein. Special thanks to The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust for supporting the John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts’ Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Additional support is provided by The Honorable Stuart Bernstein and Wilma E. Bernstein; the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation; the Dr. Gerald and Paula McNichols Foundation; Beatrice and Anthony Welters and the AnBryce Foundation. Kennedy Center education and related artistic programming is made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts. For more information, please visit Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Discover the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival on social media: #KCACTF16 # # # PRESS CONTACTS Brittany Laeger (202) 416-8445 [email protected] Stephanie Stohler (202) 416-8446 [email protected] 13