MESA, Ariz. -- Mesa Community College students from the disciplines of design, dance and performance both non-musical and musical performing arts competed in the 2023 Region VIII Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Las Vegas, Nevada this spring.
The annual KCACTF recognizes and celebrates the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theatre, dance, and musical theatre programs. During the festivals, students showcase their talents in a vast array of theatre specialties and earn recognition with students from other community colleges, four-year institutions and graduate programs. Nationally, 550 colleges compete in KCACTF, with 71 competing in Region VIII. Approximately 45 of the colleges in Region VIII are four-year schools with the remaining being two-year institutions.
The following MCC students received honors and awards at the Region VIII KCACTF.
Jose Andres Uribe Garza: Regional Winner for the Musical Theatre Initiative (Dance), received a $1000 scholarship to The Open Jar Institute in New York and will participate in a national competition and Musical Theatre Initiative Finalist (Singing)
Halle Glazebrook Porter: Second Place for the Regional Musical Theatre Initiative (Dance), received a $500 scholarship to The Open Jar Institute in New York.
Rodrigo Sandoval and Cid Alford: The Rising Sun: Cirque du Soleil Choice Award
Cid Alford, Rodrigo Sandoval, Bo Stass, Neeki Roshan and Teagan Saunders: Heart of the Art Award for their Costumes, Sound, Make-up, Hair, Lighting, and Props design for Lady Demands Satisfaction. Rodrigo Sandoval was also the Sound Design Regional first Alternate for sound design for Lady Demands Satisfaction.
Meghan Perales and scene partner Mia Lucas: semi-finalists, Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship
Maggie Ogelsby and scene partner Andy Gongora: semi-finalists, Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship
Rio Chavez: honorable Mention for Musical Theatre Initiative (singing)
Suzy Olson: Musical Theatre Initiative Finalist (Singing/ Dance)
Halle Glazebrook Porter: Musical Theatre Initiative Finalist (Singing)
Competing students are coached by MCC faculty and staff who specialize in their field: Mace Archer, Performance Faculty; Kara Thomson ADG, Design Faculty; Jennifer Seigle, Dance Faculty, Dr. Leia Wasbotten, Musical Theatre Performance Faculty; Adriana Diaz USA, Adjunct Costume Faculty; Chris Tubilewicz, Performing Arts Facilities Director; Anthony Januzzi, Adjunct Lighting Faculty and Jessie Soper Adjunct Properties Faculty.
Visit mesacc.edu/arts/about to learn more about the arts programs at MCC and the schedule of upcoming performances.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892
The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) is a year-round program in eight geographic regions in the United States. Regional activities are coordinated through eight KCACTF regional chairs and eight KCACTF playwriting awards chairs. With funding and administrative support from the Kennedy Center, the regional chair coordinates with the Co-Managers of KCACTF all aspects of productions on the local and regional level and supervises regional-level KCACTF award competitions. In January and February of each year, regional festivals showcase the finest of each region’s entered productions and offer a variety of activities, including workshops, symposia, and regional-level award programs. Since its inception, KCACTF has given more than 400,000 college theater students the opportunity to have their work critiqued, improve their dramatic skills and receive national recognition for excellence. More than 16 million theatergoers have attended approximately 10,000 festival productions nationwide. For more Information, visit kcactf.org
An education in Theatre & Film Arts at MCC provides a valuable base from which to launch careers in film, television, stage, management, marketing, advertising, law, politics, theology, social work, or therapeutic fields. Students are provided opportunities to work with industry professionals from across the country and be successful at national competitions such as the national Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and the AriZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence. Experience ranges from acting, design, writing, directing and serving as a crew member in a variety of productions. Learn more about the program and upcoming performances at mesacc.edu/arts.
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.