47th Annual KCACTF National Festival Awardees Announced

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts today announced the national awardees of the 47th annual Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), which was held April 13-18, 2015.

Dozens of students received scholarships, fellowships, and cash awards in recognition of their outstanding work. These student artists presented their work at eight regional festivals in January and February and were selected to travel to Washington, D.C. for an expenses-paid trip to participate in national festival events taking place at the Kennedy Center.

The national festival included short play readings featuring the finalists of the Gary Garrison National Ten-Minute 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 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. New this year, the Jane Alexander Award for Acting, sponsored by the College of Fellows of the American Theatre, was also awarded during the scholarship and awards presentations of the Irene Ryan National Acting Scholarships.

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 national festival provide an opportunity for college and university theater departments to present their work, especially new or student-written work, and to receive outside assessment. Since its establishment 47 years ago, KCACTF has reached millions of theatergoers and made important contributions to the professional development of countless college and university theater students nationwide.

The recipients of the awards, scholarships, and fellowships announced at the national festival are listed below.

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 2015 recipients were as follows:

The Darrell Ayers Playwriting Award for the Outstanding Student-Written Play for Young Audiences went to Ready Steady Yeti Go by David Jacobi, University of California-San Diego.

The second place recipient was The Mage Knights of Eternal Light by Amanda Zeitler, Catholic University of America.

This award is sponsored by the National Committee for the Performing Arts, in honor of the Kennedy Center Vice President for Education, who is retiring in June 2015. Since 2004, he has been responsible for the overall planning, management, and supervision of the programs and operations of the Center's Education Division and Jazz Programming. He was involved with moving the sporadic lunchtime performance series in the Grand Foyer to the evening events which became the Millennium Stage; he was part of the team that created and/or expanded Partners in Education, Explore the Arts, the "Vilar" Fellowship program, New Visions, New Voices, ArtsEdge, Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child and many, many others. In his 28-year tenure at the Kennedy Center, Ayers has managed the U.S. Department of Education grants for the Center and he has worked directly on programs in the areas of teacher and artist development, internships and fellowships, adult education, and national partnerships. The impact of his work has been felt by not only millions of people within the United States, but around the world.

The John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play went to Norma's Rest by Jordan Morille, Texas State University. This program recognizes outstanding one-act plays and Morille received a $500 award.

The Gary Garrison Award for Outstanding Ten-Minute Play went to Occupy Hallmark by Cassie M. Seinuk, Lesley University. This award, named after the Co-Executive Director of the Dramatist Guild of America, recognizes outstanding ten-minute plays. Seinuk received a $500 award.

The four national finalists of the award were showcased in the Terrace Theater on Wednesday evening, April 15 as a Millennium Stage presentation. Selections of the recipient of the Harold and Mimi Steinberg National Student Playwriting Award and the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award, Corktown or Through the Valley of Dry Bones by Jeff Augustin, University of California-San Diego, produced by Western Washington University and student guest from the National Theatre School of Canada's Playwriting Conservatory in Montreal, Cliff Cardinal's solo performance, Huff were also showcased. An archive of the performance can be found here through the Millennium Stage website.

Previously announced awards include:

The Harold and Mimi Steinberg National Student Playwriting Award went to Jeff Augustin of University of California-San Diego for Corktown or Through the Valley of Dry Bones, produced by Western Washington University. The second place recipient was Kevin Talley of Texas State University for Snake Oil.

The Mark Twain Prize for Comic Playwriting went to Neal Adelman of Ohio University for Pontiacs. The second place recipient was Reina Hardy of the University of Texas at Austin for Stargazers.

The KCACTF National Undergraduate Playwriting Award went to Lindsay Carpenter of Tufts University for Borders. The second place recipient was C.L. Smet of Newman University for Fair Departure.

The Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award went to Kristin Idaszak of University of California-San Diego for Second Skin. The second-place recipient was Nate Harpél of Savannah College of Art and Design for In the Hour Before the Bars Open.

The Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award went to Jeff Augustin of the University of California-San Diego for Corktown or Through the Valley of Dry Bones, produced by Western Washington University. The second place recipient was Tearrance A. Chisholm of Catholic University of America for Hooded or Being Black for Dummies.

The Paula Vogel Award in Playwriting went to Kristin Idaszak of University of California-San Diego for Second Skin.

The Paul Stephen Lim Playwriting Award went to co-recipients Sarah Cho of University of Iowa for Family Dinner AND Livian (Li Yin) Yeh of Boston University for Nightfall.

The Rosa Parks Playwriting Award went to Desiree York of University of California-Fullerton for The Puppeteer. The second place recipient was Livian (Li Yin) Yeh of Boston University for Nightfall.

The KCACTF Hip-Hop Creator Awards went to Tearrance A. Chisholm of Catholic University of America for Hooded or Being Black for Dummies.

The KCACTF Latinidad Playwriting Award went to Raquel Almazan of Columbia University for Café. The second place recipient was Hilary Bettis of the Juilliard School for The Ghosts of Lote Bravo.

The National Partners of the American Theater Playwriting Award went to Stephanie Brownell of Boston University for She Eats Apples.

The David Mark Cohen National Playwriting Award went to Julie Jensen for Mockingbird, adapted from the book by Kathryn Erskine, produced by Weber State University. The second place recipient was Jeff Augustin of the University of California-San Diego for Corktown or Through the Valley of Dry Bones, produced by Western Washington University.

The Blanche and Irving Laurie Musical Theater Award went to Single Wide, music and lyrics by Jordan Kamalu, book and additional lyrics by George Nelson, Brigham Young University.

The National Finalists of the John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play

Dan Giles of Carnegie-Mellon University for How You Kiss Me is Not How I Like to be Kissed

Stephanie Neuerberg of Southern Oregon University for Science Night

Wendy-Marie Martin of Hollins University for Breathless

Jordan Morille of Texas State University for Norma's Rest

The National Finalists of the Gary Garrison Award for Outstanding Ten-Minute Play

Cassie M. Seinuk of Lesley University for Occupy Hallmark

Jordan Morille of Texas State University for Jars

Erik Meixelsperger of University of Minnesota Duluth for Fish Bowl

Wendy Ewan of Glendale Community College for My First Love

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. Sixteen regional finalists received a $500 scholarship. Eight of those regional finalists and their partners were selected to be in residence for week-long, expenses-paid trip to the national festival for professional development sessions and master classes, and to present their scholarship audition for a panel of artistic directors, actors, producers, and casting agents view the audition presentations of monologues, scenes, and songs.

This year, The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship went to Mariah Burks assisted by David Baker, Bowling Green State University. Burks received a $5,000 scholarship and Baker received a $1,000 scholarship.

The second place recipient was Julio Trinidad assisted by Miguel Cruz, LaGuardia Community College. Trinidad received a $2,500 scholarship and Cruz received a $500 scholarship.

The regional finalists and their acting partners were eligible for additional scholarships, fellowships, and awards. The 2015 recipients were:

The College of Fellows of the American Theatre's Jane Alexander Award for Acting went to Jayson Speters, University of Minnesota Duluth. Speters received a $2,500 cash award.

The Mark Twain Scholarship for Comic Performance went to Julio Trinidad, LaGuardia Community College. Trinidad received a $2,000 scholarship.

The Williamstown Theatre Festival Everett Cushing Scholarship went to Ladarreun Taylor, Alabama State University. Taylor will attend a ten-week acting residency at Williamstown Theatre Festival in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Scholarship includes full room, board, and travel.

The Actors Theatre of Louisville Apprentice Company Scholarship went to Jayson Speters, University of Minnesota Duluth. Speters will spend a full season in residence in the company, performing in roles and understudying throughout the season-including the internationally acclaimed Humana Festival for New American Plays.

The Society of American Fight Directors Scholarship went to Kayla Peters, partner to Jayson Speters, University of Minnesota Duluth. Peters will receive a full scholarship [travel, room and board] to attend the National Stage Combat Workshop at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for three weeks during the summer of 2015.

The VASTA [Voice and Speech Trainers Association] Award for Vocal Excellence went to Mariah Burks, Bowling Green State University. Burks received membership in VASTA and a $500 cash award.

The National New Play Network (NNPN) Award for Outstanding Performance in a Contemporary Work went to Jayson Speters, University of Minnesota Duluth. Speters received an offer to be a member of the Acting Company of the MFA Playwrights' Workshop at the Kennedy Center, produced in association with NNPN, and a $500 cash award.

The Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre Scholarship went to Kayla Peters, partner to Jayson Speters, University of Minnesota Duluth. Peters received a full scholarship [travel, housing, and meal allowance] to the Dell' Arte Summer Intensive in Blue Lake, California studying with the leading faculty of the Dell'Arte School, in an immersion in mask, clown, physical theater, and circus training.

The National Partners of the American Theatre Classical Acting Award, presented in association with the Shaw Festival, went to Kamron McClure, University of Oklahoma. McClure will study for three weeks [award includes travel, lodging, and meals] at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company Acting Fellowship went to Jayson Speters, University of Minnesota Duluth. The Fellowship includes a weekly stipend, housing, and roles in two productions with the company.

The Margolis Method Summer Intensive Fellowship went to Julio Trinidad, LaGuardia Community College. Trinidad received a full scholarship [travel, housing, and meal allowance] to attend the Margolis Method Summer Intensive in Barryville, New York.

The Kingsley Colton Award for Outstanding Partner went to William Hagee, partner to Joseph Skousen, Brigham Young University. Sponsored by Actors' Equity Association, Hagee received a $500 cash prize for his outstanding support of Mr. Skousen's Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship audition.

THE SDC NATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS

In association with the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)

The SDC National Directing Fellowships went to Hannah Grace Bellows, Western Connecticut State University AND Kadin McGreevey, University of Idaho. Bellows and McGreevey each received a $500 cash award.

The O'Neill Playwrights' Conference Directing Fellowship went to Hannah Grace Bellows, Western Connecticut State University. Bellows will be assisting one of the directors at the O'Neill Playwrights' Conference, led by artistic director Wendy Goldberg.

The Kennedy Center and National New Play Network MFA Playwrights' Workshop/Directing Intensive Fellowship went to Kadin McGreevy, University of Idaho. An additional fellowship was awarded to Maiya Corral of Diablo Valley College. McGreevy and Corral will receive a full fellowship [travel, lodging and per diem] to participate in the Kennedy Center's summer intensive program on "Developing the New Play," led by Michael Rau and recent Helen Hayes Award-winner Will Davis, and will assist one of the directors from National New Play Network member theaters-in-residence to develop one of the invited plays.

The Seven Devils Playwrights' Conference Playwriting and Directing Fellowship went to Desiree York, California State University-Fullerton. York will receive a full fellowship [travel, room and board] to assist the artistic leadership in the development of the six invited plays of the Conference, in McCall, Idaho.

THE KCACTF AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCENIC, COSTUME, LIGHTING, AND SOUND DESIGN

Designs of the regional finalists were displayed during the national festival and the National Design Respondents, distinguished artists in theatrical design, have selected award recipients in each category. All National KCACTF Design Award recipients received an honorarium of $500 and an expenses-paid two-week paid residency at the Prague Quadrennial in the Czech Republic, the leading international gathering of designers. Special thanks Barbizon, Inc. for their support of the Lighting and Sound Design Project in the Kennedy Center Theater Lab, April 14-17, 2015.

The KCACTF Award for Excellence in Scenic Design went to Kristin Sabo, Savannah College of Art and Design. Second place went to Courtney Smith, University of Idaho.

The KCACTF Award for Excellence in Costume Design went to Rosie Swanson, University of Central Missouri.

The KCACTF Award for Excellence in Sound Design went to Joseph Roderick, Williams Carey University. Second place went to Ryan Brazil, Sam Houston State University. Third place went to Anna Alex, Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The Barbizon Award for Excellence in Lighting Design went to Jacqueline Malenke, University of California-Riverside. Second place went to Joel Britt, Texas State University. Third place went to Kelly Rudolph, James Madison University.

Regional finalists were also eligible for the additional design awards and fellowships. The 2015 recipients were:

The National Partners of the American Theater Award for Design Award went to Kelly Rudolph, James Madison University. The alternate was Alyssa Couturier-Herndon, University of Florida. Rudolph will spend an expenses-paid week in Seoul, South Korea visiting theater design and traditional arts classes, various design studios, and attending performances. This award is presented to one of the Design Award finalists, and is funded by members of the National Partners. The Design Excellence Award is in association with the Korean National University of the Arts (KNUA).

The O'Neill Playwrights' and Music Theatre Conference Design Fellowships
Recipients of the O'Neill Playwright's Conference Design Fellowships have been awarded a residency in their respective design field at the O'Neill National Playwrights' Conference in Waterford, Connecticut.

The Fellowship for scenic design went to Kristin Sabo, Savannah College of Art and Design.

The Fellowship for lighting design went to Joel Britt, Texas State University.

The Fellowship for sound design went to Joseph Roderick, William Carey University.

The Fellowship for stage management went to Molly Burch, Columbus State University.

THE DRAMATURGY FELLOWSHIPS

In association with the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) and the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas (LMDA)

Bryan Howard of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will attend the O'Neill National Playwrights' Conference as a member of the literary staff.

Teundras Oaks of Georgia Southern University will attend the New Play Dramaturgy Intensive and National New Play Network MFA Playwrights' Workshop at the Kennedy Center.

THE INSTITUTE FOR THEATRE JOURNALISM AND ADVOCACY SCHOLARSHIP TO THE O'NEILL NATIONAL CRITICS INSTITUTE

Calan Welder of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi received a full scholarship [travel, lodging, and meals] to attend the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center's National Critics' Institute during its National Playwrights' Conference in July 2015, working with leading professional newspaper and magazine critics from across the United States.

THE ARTISTS STRIVING AGAINIST POVERTY SCHOLARSHIPS

Artists Striving to End Poverty (ASTEP) is a New York-based non-profit organization that connects performing and visual artists with underserved youth in the U.S. and around the world to awaken their imaginations, foster critical thinking, and help them break the cycle of poverty. ASTEP believes that the arts are essential to children's academic and social success. One of ASTEP's long-standing partners is the Shanti Bhavan Children's project, an exceptional residential school for children in the lowest caste in South India. ASTEP provides year-round arts programming for these young, enthusiastic learners who are the future leaders of their communities and of their country. With the support and in partnership with the Kennedy Center, this year ASTEP awards a $1,000 scholarship to an outstanding student to come work with ASTEP for the month of September 2015 in South India with the children of Shanti Bhavan. The 2015 scholarship went to:

Teundras Oaks, Georgia Southern University

"The Artist-As-Citizen" Conference Scholarships

In partnership with the Kennedy Center, ASTEP awards the following students with scholarships to the Artist-As-Citizen Conference this June 2015:

Maiya Corral, Diablo Valley College

Nicole Mageros, Montclair State University

And from the Regional Festivals:

Eve Weston, University of Idaho

Jonathan Kilom, Adelphi University

Alecia Martinez, University of Sioux Falls

Ahsan Ali, LaGuardia Community College

Evangel McVicker, College of Idaho

The mission of ASTEP's "The Artist-As-Citizen" Conference is to celebrate, connect, and develop young leaders in the arts by providing them with a transformative artistic and educational experience in the heart of New York City. The scholarship includes all conference activities, including keynote speeches, discussions, interactive workshops, and tickets for evening performances around New York, and full room and board at the Juilliard School for five nights and six days.

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 14 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, which works with 33 state organizations on arts education policy issues; Explore the Arts, which provides 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.

In and around D.C., the Kennedy Center's programs include Changing Education Through the Arts, a program that works with 15 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 20 elementary, junior, and senior high schools in Washington, D.C. The Center also 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 at American University, 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 directly impacts thousands of university and college theater students and faculty.

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

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!