From January 28 through February 1, 2025, some of our very own Merrimack College Theater students (Lilia Hessasta, Jonathan Rutkowski, Frankie Sheffield, Caylee Colbert, Angelina Medici, Mira de Jesus Israel, Audrey McGill, Ariana White, Sullivan Corcoran, Xioely Sanchez, Meghan Tully, and Grace Ganim) had the amazing opportunity to attend the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region 1 Competition at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT.
They were invited by Associate Professor, Dr. Kathleen Sills, as well as Assistant Professor of Practice, Dr. James Petty, for their commitment and passion for theatre. Angelina Medici ‘26 expressed how she felt this opportunity, and experience, impacted her learning: “Going to this festival gave me a lot of confidence; not just as an actor but as a person.” She also expressed why it was important for Merrimack College students to attend the Kennedy Center American College Theater festival. “We seem relatively small and I think it’s important to show the talent that is fostered here.”
While at KCACTF, students got to compete for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship. In addition, they also attended many workshops, saw different productions including Alice by Heart performed by Middlesex Community College, and were able to see the musical theatre scholarship nominees perform multiple times. Medici spoke about how they were nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting scholarship, “Getting nominated for an Irene Ryan Acting scholarship blew me away. I couldn’t believe that someone thought I was that good to nominate me. Although I did not win that scholarship, in the end it was still an honor to be nominated. I did come back with an award though for Outstanding Performance in an NPP Reading. I just remember freezing in my seat because I was so shocked. Afterwards I just turned around to Professor Kathleen Sills and said thank you.”
While at KCACTF, many of our Merrimack College students were recognized for their hard work and accomplishments, while also making many industry connections.
Award recipients were:
- Caylee Colbert won the Region 1 Award for ITJA (International Theatre Journalism Association) and will have the opportunity to submit her work and possibly go to the National Festival at the Kennedy Center in April, 2025.
- Angelina Medici performed in the New Plays Program 10-Minute Play Festival and won the award for Best Performance in the New 10-Minute Plays. She also competed in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition Program.
- Frankie Sheffield got to participate in the Design Storm at the KCACTF festival this year. The Design Storm is an event where participants from all areas have the opportunity to approach a classic or contemporary text in a way that is unlike all previous productions. His team won the Design Storm Award at the closing ceremony. In addition, he served as a scene-partner for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition Program.
Additionally, students were recognized at KCACTF for their hard work, while participating in programs, competitions, performances, projects and classes.
- Lilia Hessasta presented her Stage Manager’s book in the Design Technology Management Area. She received feedback from professional stage managers. She also made important industry connections, including meeting and making a good impression on Joe Fanning, who is the Production Manager at the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) in Boston.
- Jonathan Rutkowski completed the technical internship program at the KCACTF festival and made many industry connections.
- Mira de Jesus Israel performed in the New Plays Program 10-Minute Play Festival. In addition, she also served as a scene-partner for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition Program.
- Audrey McGill and Ariana White participated in Playwriting workshops as part of the New Plays Program, as well as many other classes and workshops. Arianna White won our internal award for most classes/workshops.
- Sullivan Corcoran, Xioely Sanchez, and Meghan Tully had the opportunity to compete in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition Program, in addition to attending many classes and workshops.
- Grace Ganim competed in the Musical Theatre Scholarship Audition Program, in addition to attending many classes and workshops.
Dr. Sills has had a long relationship with KCACTF Region One. This year, she was part of its Leadership Team and was the Festival Travel Coordinator. She also served as Directing Mentor for two student directors who were part of the New Plays Program 10-Minute Play Initiative. Dr. Petty attended for two days and represented Merrimack College at the “Next Steps Program” of the conference where students at 2 year colleges explored transfer opportunities. Sills expressed her experience while attending the KCACTF, with gratitude and appreciation. She was able to build connections, network, and mentor, “I had a rich and rewarding experience this year at the Region 1 conference. I was able to mentor two undergraduate students from other colleges as they worked on new 10-minute plays that were presented as concert readings. This was in conjunction with two playwrights from the Lesley University Playwriting Program. In addition, I got to attend productions, workshops, and connect with colleagues from all over the region. Many college theatre programs are facing budget cuts and/or elimination. The faculty at KCACTF worked together to brainstorm solutions that will help us all move forward in uncertain times. Overall, it was a time of connection and inspiration as I got to see what other folks are doing to promote different kinds of theatre-making at their colleges and universities.”
Medici sums up the experience by encouraging future students to attend KCACTF, by sharing “The best experience for me during the theater festival was getting to see so many talented and like minded people…If you get the chance to go, take it. Do not squander this chance. It is a great opportunity and you will have a lot of fun.”
To learn more about the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region 1 Competition, please visit their website.
