OBU Students Compete at Kennedy Center Theatre Festival
March 21, 2017
Oklahoma Baptist University Theatre recently returned from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region Six festival. David Kenworthy, assistant professor of theatre and design technician, and Matthew Caron, assistant professor of theatre, led a group of 15 OBU students to the festival, held at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, March 1-4.
Two OBU students competed in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition. A total of 145 student actors competed for the chance to represent their school and region six at the national festival in April. Although the students did not advance to the next round, they performed well and represented OBU beautifully. Elizabeth Grimes, a junior theatre major, was nominated for her role as Penny Sycamore in “You Can’t Take It With You.” She performed with scene partner Taylor Lasseigne, a senior theatre major. Kymber Sage, senior theatre major, was nominated for her role as Essie Carmichael in “You Can’t Take It With You.” She performed with scene partner Brenna Bergeron, junior theatre major.
In addition to the acting competition, OBU made an impact in other festival areas. Senior theatre major Conner Gilbert competed in the design/technology/management competition with his lighting designs from “Oedipus the King” and “You Can’t Take It With You.” Samantha Faye King, senior theatre major, competed in the Institute of Theatre Journalism and Advocacy competition. Jennifer Ezell, adjunct professor in theatre, presented a workshop titled, “Creative Auditioning: How to Hold Auditions without Monologues.” She was assisted by Gilbert and senior theatre major Nina Longhofer. Additionally, Matthew Martin, senior sociology major, participated in the on-site Devised Theatre Initiative.
Two OBU students received awards during the competition. Martin received a commendation for his contribution to the Festival Developed Devised Performance and Sage was recognized as a finalist in the Musical Theatre Initiative Dance competition. She was one of only 15 student dancers selected to perform at the awards ceremony.
