GC theatre students receive Kennedy Center awards

Grayson College | January 11, 2015

Six Grayson College students were recognized by the Kennedy

Grayson College

Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) for their performance and behind-the-scenes roles in the college’s recent production of “Art.” The festival attracts theater departments from community colleges and four-year institutions across Texas and the United States.

After presenting the show to appreciative audiences Nov. 21-23 in the Black Box Theatre on GC’s main campus, the cast and crew heard from two KCACTF respondents (judges/critics). Fabrice Conte of the University of Oklahoma and Pia Wyatt of Northwestern State University in Louisiana presented the awards and gave their critique following the final performance.

 “Our students learned a lot from these two theatre artists, and the GC Theatre Department appreciates their time and comments about the show,” said Robin Robinson, GC theatre director. “It was an educational event, which is part of the mission of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.”

“Art” was nominated by the respondents to be considered to perform at the KCACTF Region 6 Competition at Angelo State University in San Angelo Feb. 23-28. However, the show will not advance because it was not selected by the regional committee.

 “No two-year programs were invited to perform this year, but it is a huge honor for Grayson to be considered alongside universities and other two-year programs,” Robinson said. “The respondents were very complimentary regarding our show.”

Three students were acknowledged with the prestigious Meritorious Achievement Award for their participation. Denison sophomore Dakkota Foster received the award in acting for his role as Marc. Sadler sophomore Chris Hendrik composed original music for the production and received the award for sound composition and design. Bryce Dansby, Denison freshman, received the award for lighting design. He created the look of the show, using lighting to differentiate the setting of three different apartments on one stage. The design students will compete as individuals at the festival’s next phase (the Region 6 competition) along with Denison freshman A.J. Johnston as stage manager.

“Representing an artist who has gone beyond the call of duty and achieved excellence, the Meritorious Achievement Award is frequently given to only one individual – occasionally, two – from a specific production,” Robinson said. “It is a tremendous honor to have three of our students acknowledged this way.”

Foster, Bonham sophomore Gabe Parker who played Serge, and Denison freshman Holden Webster who played Yvan were awarded the Irene Ryan Nomination for Excellence in Acting. They will compete with acting partners during the Region 6 competition as well.