Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 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 National Partners of the American Theatre Playwriting Award (NAPAT) went to Be Not Forgetful by Tracy Hoida, Carnegie Mellon 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.

THE KENNEDY 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 THE O’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

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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

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PRESS CONTACT: Brendan Padgett (202) 416-8004 bepadgett@kennedy-center.org