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K-State Today

February 13, 2018

Theatre students recognized at American College Theatre Festival

Submitted by Julie Lea

Morgan Sterrett, senior in theatre, Overland Park

Students from K-State Theatre attended the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for Region 5 in Des Moines, Iowa, in late January.

The students participated in a variety of activities at the festival, including professional auditions, faculty and professional-led workshops, and competitions in all areas of theatre.

"The festival also gives K-State students the opportunity to present their theatre history research, musical compositions, scenes and monologues for their peers, professional practitioners and academics," said Shannon Skelton, faculty member in the K-State theatre program. This is a unique event in our discipline that allows our students to grow as learners and practitioners, while also contributing to the research and creative endeavors currently being done on the university level."

A number of K-State students were recognized for their achievements during the festival.

Morgan Sterrett, senior in theatre, Overland Park, was recognized for her performance in Musical Theatre Intensive Showcase and as a soloist. She will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in April for the weeklong National Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Sterrett, who also was a nominee for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, will represent Region 5 in the National Musical Theatre Intensive Fellowship and audition for a full scholarship to the Open Jar Institute, New York City's most Broadway-integrated actor training program. The institute provides select students intensive one-on-one training with Broadway performers, directors, choreographers, agents and casting directors.

Also earning recognitions were the following students:

From Kansas City: Chelsea Turner, junior in American ethnic studies, was a nominee for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship; and Donovan Watts, junior in theatre, received honorable mention in dramaturgy and performed in the 10-minute protest play "Ignorant Silence."

Michael Duncan, sophomore in theatre, Manhattan, performed in the 10-minute play "The Volcano Play" and was a nominee for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship. 

Sterling Oliver, junior in theatre and applied music, Marysville, participated in the music composition intensive and was a nominee for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship. 

Hunter Nelson, senior in English and theatre, Topeka, received honorable mention in the dramaturgy category. 

Ceslie Parker-Waller, junior in theatre, Wichita, performed in the 10-minute play "Colored Water."

The following students also represented K-State at the festival:

Brooke Merriam, senior in theatre, Derby; Aaron Rojas, senior in theatre, Manhattan; Lauren Taylor, sophomore in applied music, Olathe; Gage Stielau, senior in theatre, Syracuse; Drew George, senior in theatre, Uniontown; Shiana Tyler, senior in theatre, Phenix City, Alabama; and Khalil Odums, freshman in political science and theatre, Kansas City, Missouri. 

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