The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF)

The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) is a prestigious national festival that celebrates the artistic achievements of college theatre students. The festival is held annually, and it provides a platform for students to demonstrate their skills and compete with peers from other colleges and universities. The KCACTF is a significant event in the college theatre community, and it offers a unique opportunity for students to gain recognition, build their confidence, and develop their craft.

The Region II Festival

This year, ten Lycoming College theatre majors and minors participated in the Region II KCACTF. The festival took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and it featured a diverse range of productions, including plays, musicals, and dance performances. The students from Lycoming College were part of a larger group of students from colleges and universities across the region, and they had the opportunity to showcase their talents alongside their peers.

The Festival Experience

The students from Lycoming College had a fantastic experience at the festival.

The Journey to National Recognition

Hunter Marusko’s journey to national recognition in stage management began with her early involvement in the performing arts. Growing up in a family of artists, she was exposed to the world of theater from a young age. Her parents, both artists themselves, encouraged her to explore her creative side and participate in various extracurricular activities.

Early Influences and Training

  • Hunter’s early influences came from her parents, who were both artists and theater enthusiasts. She began taking acting classes at the age of 5 and later transitioned to stage management. Her parents supported her decision to pursue stage management, recognizing its value in the performing arts industry. As she grew older, Hunter’s passion for stage management only intensified. She began to take on more responsibilities in school plays and community theater productions, honing her skills and learning from experienced professionals. Her dedication and hard work eventually caught the attention of local theater companies, which offered her opportunities to work on professional productions. ### Breaking into the Industry*

    • Breaking into the Industry

  • Hunter’s first professional experience was as a stage manager for a local theater company. She worked on several productions, including a regional premiere of a new play. Her experience and skills earned her recognition within the industry, leading to more opportunities and collaborations. Hunter’s journey to national recognition was not without its challenges. She faced setbacks and rejections, but her perseverance and determination kept her focused on her goals.

    Five students are selected to attend a prestigious musical theatre program at the University of Michigan.

    The five students were invited to attend the MTI Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, for a week-long intensive program.

    The Audition Process

    The audition process for the Musical Theatre Intensive (MTI) Program scholarships was a rigorous and competitive one. Students were required to submit an application, which included a written essay, a headshot, and a video showcasing their singing and acting abilities. The application was reviewed by a panel of judges, who selected the top candidates to move on to the next round. The semi-finalists were invited to attend an in-person audition, where they would perform a song and a monologue in front of the judges. The students were also required to participate in a series of interviews, which helped the judges to get to know them better and assess their personalities and communication skills.*

    The Semi-Finalists’ Experience

    The five semi-finalists – DiFraia, Fugon, Martin, Hill, and Wesneski – were thrilled to have made it to the next round. They spent the next few days preparing for the in-person audition, rehearsing their songs and monologues, and perfecting their performances. The students were also given the opportunity to meet with the program’s faculty and staff, who provided them with valuable insights and advice on how to succeed in the program. The semi-finalists were also required to participate in a series of workshops and masterclasses, where they could learn from industry professionals and get feedback on their performances.*

    The Invitation to Ann Arbor

    After the in-person audition, the judges selected the five semi-finalists to attend the MTI Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

    “It’s a testament to their hard work and perseverance in pursuing their passion for theatre.”

    The Awards Ceremony

    The awards ceremony took place on a crisp autumn evening, with the Lycoming College theatre students gathered in the auditorium. The event was a celebration of their achievements, and the students were visibly excited to receive their awards. The ceremony was attended by faculty members, family, and friends of the students, all of whom were eager to see the students receive their hard-earned recognition.

    The Awards

    The awards were presented in various categories, including acting, directing, playwriting, and technical theatre.

    Celebrating Excellence in University and College Theatre Across the Nation.

    The KCACTF Program: A National Initiative for Excellence in Theatre

    The KCACTF program is a national initiative that brings together students from colleges and universities across the country to celebrate excellence in university and college theatre. With a network of over 700 academic institutions supporting it, this program fosters a community of excellence that recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements and diverse productions.

    The Scope of the Program

    The KCACTF program encompasses a wide range of activities, including:

  • National Student Theatre Festival: A biennial festival that showcases the best of university and college theatre, featuring productions from over 100 institutions. Regional Student Theatre Festivals: Quarterly festivals that take place in different regions across the country, providing opportunities for students to participate and showcase their work. College and University Theatre Awards: Annual awards that recognize outstanding achievements in university and college theatre, including productions, performances, and technical aspects.