MESA, Ariz. -- Oct. 9, 2017 – Mesa Community College Theatre and Film Arts students earned the college recognition as the most awarded two-year or four-year institution during the 27th annual ariZoni Awards held Sept. 25 at the Tempe Center for the Arts.
The ariZoni awards promote the visibility, cooperation and growth of theatre in the Valley and are dedicated to recognizing excellence in theatrical performances, as well as individuals who produce exceptional work in all aspects of theatre.
“Recognition for excellence by peers is a very high honor,” said Kevin Dressler, MCC director of Theatre Arts. “A well-rounded theatrical experience, including participation in award competitions such as the ariZoni Theatre Awards, helps students develop confidence and propels them from competence to excellence in whatever profession they choose to pursue.”
The top honor was the Best Overall Play for MCC’s presentation of Good ‘n’ Plenty. Entirely designed and performed by MCC Theatre & Film Arts students, the show netted multiple honors for students. Zach Fagan and Tom J. McCoy both won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role for their ensemble performances. Elana Shearer and Cheyenne Vande Krol won the Best Costume Design for their team design. Good ‘n’ Plenty was guest-directed by professional Valley favorite, Ron May, of Stray Cat Theatre, who won Best Direction for this production.
Thirteen other high-caliber MCC Theater & Film Arts students were recognized through nominations for azriZoni Awards of Theatre Excellence in multiple categories.
Four student’s talents were recognized with nominations for MCC’s production of All in the Timing:
- Brando Caraco for Best Actor in a Major Role
- Zach Fagan for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
- Ryan Marcham for Best Sound Design
- Dolores Mendoza for Best Property Design (also recognized for her talents in MCC’s Of Mice and Men)
Nominations were received in two categories for MCC’s version of Of Mice and Men:
- Jared Kitch for Best Actor in a Major Role
- Dolores Mendoza for Best Property Design (also for Of Mice and Men, see above)
In addition to receiving the top honor, Good ‘n’ Plenty garnered nominations for the following MCC students:
- Brittney Watson, Dolores Mendoza and Samantha Hanna for the Best Actress in a Supporting Role
- Anthony Muldrow and Steven May for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
- Gina Hoyt and Dillon Wright for Best Scenic Design
- Dolores Mendoza and Laurence Lilagan for Best Hair & Makeup
- Harrison Hayes for Best Property Design
MCC students were coached the entire MCC Theatre & Film Arts Department faculty: Kara Thomson, Design Faculty; Kevin Dressler, Director of Theatre; Adriana Diaz, Costume Shop Supervisor & Adjunct Faculty; Chris Tubilewicz, Technical Director/Production Manager; Stephanie Salem, Assistant Technical Director/Scene Shop Supervisor; and Jeff Parulski, Lighting and Sound Supervisor.
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Contact Dawn Zimmer, (480) 461-7892, Dawn.Zimmer@mesacc.edu
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for service-learning, career and technical programs, civic engagement and innovative approaches to education. The college serves as a resource for career readiness, transfer education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to 30,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCC is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with a diverse student body that enriches the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC, located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.
Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA) http://www.ncahlc.org
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.