Mesa Community College students shine at American College Theatre Festival

Forty-eight students from Mesa Community College’s Theatre and Musical Theatre programs earned top honors at the 58th annual Region VIII American College Theatre Festival.

Formerly known as the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, ACTF is a nationally recognized celebration of collegiate performance and production excellence. The event was held Feb. 10-14 at Glendale (California) Community College, according to a release.

MCC students were recognized for excellence in performance, design, innovation, technical theatre and collaborative production.

MCC students honored at the conference include:

Theatre: Design and acting

• Peter Valentin: ASPIRE Arts Leadership National Fellowship Award
• Teddy Burke, Elijah Cox, Emilio Herrera, Gabrielle Monroe, Sarah Salmi and Brianna Smith — Don Childs DTM Cross Collaborative Award for “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar”
• Jennipher Rodowca: Kryolan Theatrical Makeup Award for “The Explorer’s Club”
• Elijah Cox: National ACTF Award for Theatrical Design Excellence in Sound Design for “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar”

• Emilio Herrera: Student Choice Award in Costume Design for “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar”
• Teddy Burke: Society of Properties Managers Award for “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar”
• Sarah Salmi: Regional Honorable Mention in Scenic Design; Student Choice Award in Scenic Design for “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” and Outstanding Ensemble Performance
• Logan Beers: Outstanding Performance in a 10-Minute Play Award
• Lydia Kirby: Devised Performance Most Inspiring Award
• Elise Migacz: ITJA Region 8 National Fellow
• Rose Steel: Rising Journalist Stage Raw Award
• Madison Escarcega: Region 8 Honorable Mention: Stage Management Fellowship Excellence for “Explorers’ Club”
• Madison Flynn: Regional Honorable Mention in Lighting Design

Music theatre initiative

• Madison Farnsworth: Musical Theatre Initiative: Singing — Most Vulnerable Performance
• Porter Molinar: Musical Theatre Initiative: Singing — Most Comedic Performance
• Daphne Mizquez: Second Alternate for Musical Theatre Initiative, Singing
• Dancer Finalists: Camren Martinez, Eva Bush, Ivan Fimbres, Jenna Officer, Porter Molinar, Espie Owens, Sydnie Navaho, Thea Moore and Vee Alexander
• Singer Finalists: Camren Martinez, Daphne Mizquez, Nikki Reeves, Maddie Farnsworth, Porter Molinar and Thea Moore
• Singer Semi-Finalists: Camren Martinez, Daphne Mizquez, Jenna Officer, Maddie Farnsworth, Nikki Reeves, Porter Molinar, Alonzo Regalado, Sydnie Navaho and Thea Moore

“The artistry our students demonstrated at this year’s competition is a true reflection of their passion, discipline and resilience,” Puvana Ganesan, chair of MCC’s communication, theatre and film arts department, said in the release. “Sharing the stage with some of the region’s most accomplished collegiate artists, they met the moment with confidence and represented Mesa Community College with tremendous pride. I extend my sincere congratulations to our outstanding theatre and film arts and music theatre faculty and the performing arts facilities team for their unwavering support and the inspiring work they do on behalf of our students.”

Faculty members Kara Thomson, Adriana Diaz, Leia Wasbotten and Kevin Dressler praised the students’ dedication and ensemble-driven approach, citing months of preparation behind their success.

“To all the incredible students who participated in the American College Theater Festival, your dedication, creativity and passion for the performing arts truly shined,” Darin Shryock, chair of MCC’s music and dance department, said in the release. “Your success reflects countless hours of rehearsal, collaboration and commitment to excellence. You represented MCC with professionalism, artistry and heart. Whether performing, designing, stage managing, or presenting original work, each of you contributed to a powerful showcase of emerging talent in collegiate theatre. We are immensely proud of your accomplishments and excited to see how you continue to grow as artists and leaders in the theatre community.”

For information about MCC’s arts programs and a schedule of upcoming performances, go to https://www.mesacc.edu/arts.