OBU Theatre Earns Recognition at Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival

March 19, 2019

Students from OBU's theatre department were recently featured at the Region VI Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Abilene, 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.

Matthew Caron, assistant professor of theatre and director of theatre, and Jake Yenish, assistant professor of theatre and design technician, led a group of eight OBU students to the festival which was held Feb. 24-Mar. 1, 2019.

Chase Hendrickson, senior, and scene partner Caleb Frank, junior, were nominated to compete in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition for their roles in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Grant McGee, junior, and scene partner Anna Tyler, senior, were likewise nominated for their roles in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” McGee and Tyler advanced to the semifinal round. 

Additionally, Emili Ramos, sophomore, competed in the stage management competition with her work from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Emma Greathouse, freshman, received recognition for her service to the festival as part of the honor crew.

Kendra Johnson, junior, was awarded the top prize in the region for the Institute of Theatre Journalism and Advocacy. She now advances to the next phase of selection where she could earn a trip to the National Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Four students auditioned for the Musical Theatre Initiative for a chance to win a scholarship to the Open Jar Institute in New York City. The students included Frank, Hendrickson, Tyler and Brianna Lincoln, senior. Frank was awarded second runner up in the region.

Caron also participated as an Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship respondent and served on the Region VI planning committee as vice chair of Oklahoma.

OBU Theatre’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was honored with five meritorious achievement awards in directing (Caron), stage management (Ramos), lighting design (Yenish), costume design (Alyssa Couturier) and scenic design (Scott Roberts, class of 2018).

For more information about OBU Theatre, visit www.okbu.edu/catalog/programs/theatre.