WNCC Theatre Students, Faculty Shine at KCACTF 2025

SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Western Nebraska Community College proudly celebrates its outstanding participation and achievements at the 2025 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 5. This prestigious festival, which brings together theatre students and educators from across the nation, recognizes excellence in performance, design, and production while providing unparalleled learning and networking opportunities.

The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival is a national program involving 18,000 students annually. It aims to encourage, recognize, and celebrate the finest and most diverse work in university and college theatre programs.

"KCACTF was an amazing opportunity to make professional connections and learn from industry experts," Inez Flores said. "It truly opens doors for aspiring theatre artists."

Several WNCC students received recognition for their exceptional work:

• Riley Shaver – Stage Management for Dr. Faustus
• Lola Sabala – Lighting Design for Be More Chill
• Chris Reisig – Projection Design for Dr. Faustus, Dramaturgy for Wolfchild: The Correction of Joseph, and Playwriting: Outstanding Writing for Maid of Honor (10-minute play)
• Ty Corr – Acting for Be More Chill
• Hanna Vath – Outstanding Performance in an Ensemble and Set Dressing for Dr. Faustus
• Ensemble & Stage Crew – Recognized for Set Transition Efficiency in Dr. Faustus

In addition, three students were nominated for the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship: Inez Flores (Be More Chill), Kai Miller (Be More Chill), and Grant Pinet (Dr. Faustus).

Several WNCC faculty members played integral roles in the festival:

• Violette Briggs, Theatre Faculty
• Served as a judge for the preliminary rounds of the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions and Musical Theatre Intensive Singing Auditions.
• Led two workshops: Building Ensemble Through Devising and Emotional Intimacy.
• Performed in the Faculty Showcase.
• Dr. Patrick Newell, Vocal Music Faculty
• Conducted three workshops, including Don’t Make Me Turn This Bus Around: Touring with Students Nationally and Internationally and The Principles of Belt Singing.

John Plasencio, a 2024 graduate of WNCC was also honored as a finalist for the Irene Ryan scholarship, was named as an MTI singing finalist, and a Regional Finalist for the John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play (The Devil Came to Arkansas)

The festival gave the students the opportunity to attend many productions - from musicals to one-acts, design expositions, a college fair, and a variety of workshops in all areas of theatre.

“The festival provided a space to collaborate with peers from across the region and gain invaluable feedback from professionals,” Chris Reisig said.