Minnesota State Mankato Theatre & Dance Department Receives Region Honors
Honors Awarded at Region V Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival 54
Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Theatre and Dance News Release
MANKATO- The Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Theatre and Dance is excited to announce the award recipients from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region V. The 54th annual festival was held virtually Jan. 16-22.
Region V represents Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, and its regional festival is the largest of the eight in the country. The productions that are included in consideration for awards were performed in the 2021 calendar year, and includes productions from spring 2021, summer 2021, and fall 2021.
Certificates of Merit
Certificates of Merit are awarded by individual KCACTF representatives who come to campus and respond to a production. This award represents a noteworthy achievement by an individual or group on that particular production.
Jason Wagaman was recognized for his stage management for “Sense and Sensibility.”
For the original production of “Atreus,” Yaureybo Jordán was recognized for his direction and playwriting. Jameson Bernhagen was recognized for his lighting design. Reina M. Beisell was recognized for her stage management. Wagaman was recognized for his sound design. The cast was recognized for their ensemble performance.
For the production of “Good for Otto,” Beisell was recognized for her stage management. Frank Vondra was recognized for his sound design. Wagaman was recognized for his scenic design.
For the production of “Hay Fever,” Aria Smith was recognized for her stage management. Lainey Gregerson was recognized for her work as properties master.
The Expo
The Expo showcases work from around the region in design, technology and management, with awards and commendations given in various areas.
Frank Vondra received a national honorable mention for his work in “Desdemona.” Wagaman received a regional honorable mention for his technical direction for “Some Enchanted Evening.” Christian Tesch received regional honorable mention for poster design/publicity for his work on production trailers.
Irene Ryan Semifinalists
The Irene Ryan Foundation awards eight regional scholarships and one national scholarship annually through a competitive round of acting auditions.
Allyson Bryson (partnered by Miles Cowan) was an Irene Ryan Finalist. The following students advanced to the semifinalist round of the Irene Ryan Acting award: Parker Adams, Allyson Bryson, Bella Fox, Grey Robertson, Tesch and Joaquin Warren.
Spring 2021 National Festival
Two students received awards at the Spring 2021 National Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Ryan Hedman received distinguished achievement in lighting design for his work on “Silent Sky.” Ty Hudson received distinguished achievement in performance for “Silent Sky.”
