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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

OBU Theatre Wins Three National Awards at Kennedy Center Festival

May 20, 2025

OBU Theatre has earned national recognition from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), taking home three prestigious awards in 2025 for the original student-created musical “Dreamers, A Depression Era Musical Fairytale.”

The production, written by OBU student Elena Streett, a creative writing major and theatre minor, was honored with national commendations for Distinguished Achievement in Writing for Musical Theatre, Distinguished Achievement in Ongoing Program Support of a New Work and Distinguished Achievement in Production of a New Work.

The awards were presented by the national KCACTF board, which selects 60 to 70 winners annually from more than 1,000 productions nationwide. Each honor requires approval from committee members representing all eight KCACTF regions and a panel of national and regional respondents.

“I am beyond proud of the achievement of our students, alumni and theatre program on this project,” said John R. Dement, OBU director of theatre. “It is wonderful that their work is being recognized on the national stage.”

“Dreamers” reflects the program’s growing emphasis on developing and showcasing new theatrical works. Streett’s recognition for writing adds to the university’s growing reputation for cultivating original voices in musical theatre.

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival is a national program involving 18,000 students from colleges and universities across the country, offering recognition and awards for excellence in college theatre.