OBU Theatre Featured at Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival

March 9, 2018

Students from Oklahoma Baptist University’s theatre department were recently featured at the Region VI Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in San Angelo, Texas. The KCACTF is a national theatre program dedicated to the improvement of collegiate theatre in the United States. Focused on the celebration of diverse and exciting theatre, KCACTF involves students from more than 600 colleges and universities throughout the United States.

OBU faculty David Kenworthy, assistant professor of theatre and design technician, and Matthew Caron, assistant professor of theatre, led a group of 20 OBU students to the festival, which was held at Angelo State University Feb. 28 – March 3.

McKenzie Reece, junior, and Caleb Schantz, senior, were both nominated to compete in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition for their roles in the university’s recent production of “The Addams Family.” Caron also served as an Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship respondent.

Additionally, Grace Wohlschlegel, senior, competed in the design/technology/management competition with her wing design from “Eleemosynary.” Scott Roberts, junior, won the Region VI Award for Excellence in Non-Realized Scenic Design and the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas Award for Excellence in Technology and Design for his design of a Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.

Elizabeth Grimes, senior, and Kendra Johnson, sophomore, participated in the Institute of Theatre Journalism and Advocacy competition.

Brenna Bergeron, senior; McKenzie Reece, junior; and Tori Smith, senior, were Musical Theatre Initiative Dance Finalists, which provided them with the opportunity to work with Bradley Zarr, a renowned Broadway choreographer.

Costumes from the university’s production of “The Addams Family” were featured during the regional costume parade. The costumes, designed by Alyssa Couturier, were modeled by Bergeron, Smith and freshman Hunter Vicars. Rachel Stine, junior theatre major, served as the costume coordinator for the Addams Family cast.

Most notably, 11 students from OBU were asked by KCACTF to reprise a scene from “The Addams Family.” Their performance of “Tango de Amor,” choreographed by Jessica Fullerton with music direction by Dr. Louima Lilite, associate professor of music, was showcased for its outstanding performances and extraordinary choreography. OBU is one of only 13 schools invited to perform a scene at the festival.

OBU’s theatre department falls into Region VI, which includes universities and colleges in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. This year marked the 50th anniversary of the historic festival.