Mesa Community College students from the disciplines of design, dance and performance — both non-musical and musical performing arts — competed in the 2023 Region VIII Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Las Vegas this spring.

The annual KCACTF recognizes and celebrates the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theatre, dance, and musical theatre programs, according to a release.

During the festivals, students showcased their talents in a vast array of theatre specialties and earn recognition with students from other community colleges, four-year institutions and graduate programs. Nationally, 550 colleges compete in KCACTF, with 71 competing in Region VIII. Approximately 45 of the colleges in Region VIII are four-year schools with the remaining being two-year institutions.

The following MCC students received honors and awards at the Region VIII KCACTF.

• Jose Andres Uribe Garza: Regional Winner for the Musical Theatre Initiative (Dance), received a $1000 scholarship to The Open Jar Institute in New York and will participate in a national competition and Musical Theatre Initiative Finalist (Singing)
• Halle Glazebrook Porter: Second Place for the Regional Musical Theatre Initiative (Dance), received a $500 scholarship to The Open Jar Institute in New York.
• Rodrigo Sandoval and Cid Alford: The Rising Sun: Cirque du Soleil Choice Award
• Cid Alford, Rodrigo Sandoval, Bo Stass, Neeki Roshan and Teagan Saunders: Heart of the Art Award for their Costumes, Sound, Make-up, Hair, Lighting, and Props design for Lady Demands Satisfaction. Rodrigo Sandoval was also the Sound Design Regional first Alternate for sound design for Lady Demands Satisfaction.
• Meghan Perales and scene partner Mia Lucas: semi-finalists, Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship
• Maggie Ogelsby and scene partner Andy Gongora: semi-finalists, Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship
• Rio Chavez: honorable Mention for Musical Theatre Initiative (singing)
• Suzy Olson: Musical Theatre Initiative Finalist (Singing/ Dance)
• Halle Glazebrook Porter: Musical Theatre Initiative Finalist (Singing)

Competing students are coached by MCC faculty and staff who specialize in their field: Mace Archer, Performance Faculty; Kara Thomson ADG, Design Faculty; Jennifer Seigle, Dance Faculty, Dr. Leia Wasbotten, Musical Theatre Performance Faculty; Adriana Diaz USA, Adjunct Costume Faculty; Chris Tubilewicz, Performing Arts Facilities Director; Anthony Januzzi, Adjunct Lighting Faculty and Jessie Soper Adjunct Properties Faculty.

Go to mesacc.edu/arts/about to learn more about the arts programs at MCC and the schedule of upcoming performances.

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. Go to mesacc.edu to learn more.