Theatre and Dance Shines at Kennedy Center Festival
From Céline Perron, Theatre and Dance:
The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival: Region I was January 29–February 2, and Keene State came back with lots of recognition.
Dan Patterson was given a plaque honoring his work as the Critics Chair for the last 15 years.
The _Dracula _Production Team (Director Dan Patterson, Costume Designer Mary Robarge, Scenic Designer Tiffany Dalian, Lighting Designer Jeremy Robarge, Special Effects and Projections Jeremy Robarge assisted by Michael Portrie, and Technical Director Craig Lindsay) received a Merit Award for Excellence in Technical Production.Gary Beisaw, Jr. received a Merit Award to for Excellence as Fight Captain in Rashomon, directed by PeggyRae Johnson.
Nominated Irene Ryan scholarship candidate Katherine Wadleigh, who was partnered with Jon Adams, was one of 16 finalists. The competition included over 250 participants presenting scenework.
Ben Montmagny received a National Award for Excellence in Sound Design Honorable Mention for his work on Rashomon.
Will Adam received a National Award for Excellence in Sound Design Honorable Mention for his work on Dracula.
Michael Portrie received a National Award for Excellence in Sound Design Honorable Mention for his work on Private Lives, directed by Ronald Spangler.
Elizabeth Streeter received a Regional Award for Excellence in Costume Design First Place for her work on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her work came out of TAD 361 Costume design taught by Professor Elisabeth Roos.
Michael Portrie received a Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas Award for Excellence in Design-Technology, Meyer Sound Award for Sound for his work on Private Lives. This award includes a scholarship for a one-week intensive training program in sound in Las Vegas.
Funded by the Equinox, Journalism students Jake Williams and Sam Norton accompanied the Theatre and Dance students to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Sam Norton was nominated as the first alternate for the Critics award from the Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy under the chairmanship of Professor Dan Patterson.
Nineteen students presented their work in the areas of acting, design, stage management, and theatre criticism. Students participated in workshops, attended performances, performed in stage reading of new plays, interned in the technology program, stage managed productions and festival events. During the festival, Adjunct Professor in acting Kim Dupuis and Design Professor Céline Perron mentored the students. Prior to the Festival, Professor Dan Patterson, Assistant professor Ron Spangler, Adjunct professor PeggyRae Johnson, Adjunct Professor Doug Wilcox helped the 14 Irene Ryan candidates and partners prepare their scene work. Professor Elisabeth Roos, Craig Lindsay, and Professor Céline Perron reviewed the design student’s presentations.
The Kennedy Center American College Festival Region I represents the best of what New England has to offer and our students have distinguished themselves amongst this elite crowd.
