Theatre Department Work Earns Recognition at Regional Conference

The festival serves as an opportunity for college students to present their work with fellow students and respondents. Brad M. Carlson, associate professor of theatre at Truman, welcomed the whole festival as the regional chair.

Four video auditions submitted by Truman students were announced as semi-finalists for Irene Ryan Scholarships: Lauren Cavanah with partner Morgan Youngstrom; Jack Danter with partner Aubrey Gogel; Gogel with partner Danter; and Shashyana Rodrigo with partner Logan Honerkamp.

Three achievements were awarded at the closing ceremony for the festival. Danter was recognized for Outstanding Direction of a Stage Reading for a 10-Minute Play, “Kristallglas.” Two students also received recognition for their work on Truman’s production of “12 Angry Jurors.” Kayla Cotter received Meritorious Achievement in First Time Stage Management, and Alex Crawford received recognition for her Digital Lobby Display.

The Theatre Department also gained several Certificates of Merit for productions performed in 2023. For “Mousetrap,” Truman was awarded two certificates. Taylor Baldwin was recognized for Costume Design, and Danter was awarded for Stage Management and Stepping Into a Lead Role at the Last Minute. Carlson received a certificate for Puppet Design, and for the Voice and Manipulation of the puppet Audrey II in “Little Shop of Horrors.” Ryan Zickel, Natalie Sampson and Emma Lewis each acquired a certificate. Savannah Carmichael was recognized for her Musical Direction and Conducting. Tristin Baro gained a certificate for Costume and Wigs, and Cat Gleason, assistant professor, received a certificate for Directorial Concept. Finally, the entire crew was recognized for Creatives, Cast, Musicians, and Crew Collaboration and Fostering Inclusivity and Community.

For “12 Angry Jurors,” three certificates were awarded. Carlson received a certificate for Scenic Design, Crawford received one for Dramaturgy, and the entire cast were recognized with an Ensemble Performance certificate.

Several more Certificates of Merit were awarded for “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.” Danter was honored for Direction and Choreography. Gael Jenks received a certificate for Fight Choreography. Two professors received certificates for their designs, Carlson for Scenic and Projection Design, and Anna Pikiben for Costume, Hair and Makeup Design. Pikiben was also invited to be a part of the Costume Parade at the festival for their “Percy Jackson” design work. The two dramaturgs, Jonah Husgen and Parker Shinn, were awarded a certificate for their work. Lydia Lamb and Danter both received certificates for Costume Crafts, and Kayla Cotter obtained merit for Stage Management.

Information about upcoming Theatre Department productions can be found online here.