USM Theatre Students Receive Accolades at 2024 KCACTF

Wed, 03/06/2024 - 01:49pm | By: Ivonne Kawas

Students from The University of Southern Mississippi (USM)’s School of Performing and Visual Arts received accolades after competing with other nominees from throughout the Southeast region at the 2024 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival - Region IV (KCACTF) held this month at the campus of Albany State University in Albany, Ga.

“The regional KCACTF festival provides our students with numerous opportunities to showcase their craft and hone their leadership skills as they network with other collegiate and professional artists, attend workshops, and experience a range of theatrical productions,” said Dr. David Coley, assistant professor of theatre. “Being recognized by industry professionals for their talent and dedication not only serves as a source of encouragement but also establishes a standard of excellence for our program.”

Natalie Bowers, a native of Tupelo, Miss., pursuing a BA in English and BFA in Theatre (design and tech) was recognized with the LMDA Early Career Dramaturgy Award, designed to recognize student dramaturgs who show promise as participants in the diverse landscape of professional dramaturgy.

“My time in USM's theatre program has been filled with learning opportunities and growth,” said Bowers. “Amidst a vibrant atmosphere, I've had the privilege to collaborate with inspiring artists, gaining invaluable insights. As a dramaturg, I've delved into the art of research and presentation, developing skills that have enriched my creative journey.”

Hailing from a small town, Chalmette, La., Chance Beck is pursuing a BFA in Theatre (Design and Technology). He garnered recognition by winning the SETC/David Weiss Regional 1st Place in Sound Design for his work on Doctor Faustus. Beck views this honor as a testament to the boundless possibilities for success, regardless of one's background.

“As someone who comes from a small town, this regional recognition from the prestigious Kennedy Center is not just an honor but a testament to the boundless possibilities for success, regardless of one's background,” said Beck. “Additionally, this is a field that often appears as a labor of love, so all the hard work done behind the scenes can go unnoticed, making this acknowledgment all the more motivating.”

Working on implementing the sound designs for Doctor Faustus in USM’s Tatum Theatre was a journey of growth for Beck, showcasing the power of creativity when faced with challenges.

"Working on this production presented a significant challenge for me, as it unfolded in the Tatum Theatre,” said Beck. “It posed a challenge to handle the technical demands of such a production in a larger space than I had experienced before, so I had to get creative. I seized the opportunity to implement our distinctive wall-wrap speaker system to enable spatial audio, creating an immersive experience where sounds could organically traverse throughout the space.”

The KCACTF boasts contestants from a diverse range of fields in theatre and puts students in a competition that celebrates the highest caliber of work produced in university and college theatre programs. In addition to performances showcasing the outstanding work of the region, each Regional Festival features a wide range of professional development opportunities in all areas of theater that our students were able to participate in.

“I was able to connect with collaborators who are at a similar level to discuss their experiences in theatre, learning some of the techniques they use,” said Beck. “Furthermore, observing the projects undertaken by other universities instilled confidence in our work at USM while providing insights into potential areas for growth and improvement within our program that we can actively pursue.”

The USM students who received awards for their work in performances from last season, include:

Natalie Bowers from Tupelo, Miss.

BA in English and BFA in Theatre (Design and Technology)

LMDA Early Career Dramaturgy Award

 

Petron Brown from The Bahamas

MFA in Theatre (Performance)

David Shelton First Runner Up in Full-Length Playwriting

 

Chance Beck from Chalmette, La.

BFA Theatre (Design and Technology)

SETC/David Weiss Regional 1st Place in Sound Design

 

Shelby Burgess from Savannah, Ga.

MFA in Theatre (Scenic Design)

SETC/David Weiss Regional 1st Place in Scenic Design

 

Hagan Harkins from Slidell, La.

BA Theatre

SETC/David Weiss Regional 2nd Place in Costume Design

 

Mia Taylor from Atlanta, Ga.

MFA in Theatre (Directing)

KCACTF Region 4 Ten-Minute Play Director (Honorable Mention)

Doctor Faustus Design Team

Don Childs DTM Cross Collaboration Award

 

Learn more about the Theatre program at USM.