Ten Indiana Wesleyan University theatre students recently attended The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Madison, Wisconsin, where they were able to experience a weeklong festival filled with workshops, networking opportunities and nightly performances.
Of the ten students that attended, five competed for the Irene Ryan Scholarship for which they were nominated based on their performances in IWU’s 2018 theatre season. Nominated students were Aaron Buddee ‘22, Blake Churchill ‘20, Austin Hendricks ‘19, Eily Hite ’20 and Kristen Lintvedt ‘21. Each student had the opportunity to perform a monologue and a duet scene with an acting partner.
“It’s an honor to be nominated to go to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival,” said Dr. Katie Wampler, associate professor or theatre. “We send students there as an opportunity for people to see their work and to meet with other college students.”
The experience resonated with the students as well.
“I had an amazing week in Madison at KCACTF,” said Hite. “I was so moved after my week at KCACTF to become a better supporter of my brothers and sisters in the arts. I felt the strong spirit of community as I worked among hundreds of college students who are also pursuing careers in the theatre. I am so thankful for the opportunity to compete and learn at KCACTF.”
“Above everything, going to KCACTF is one of the best opportunities for theatre majors—whether technical or performance-based—to learn about their craft,” said Bailey Hunt ‘20. “You get to meet so many different people from different schools with different perspectives, so networking is big. Between competing, seeing other universities’ shows and sitting in on workshops, it’s just a really incredible experience!”
For more information on IWU’s theatre program, click here.