Recent Festival Awards

Festival 55
2023

Festival 55 – 2023

The Citizen Artist Awards

The Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Awards recognize programs in higher education using theatrical production to promote long-term societal impact through an artistic lens, to encourage empathetic exploration of the complex cultural and physical world, and to advocate for justice on campus and throughout the world.

• Always Plenty of Light at the Starlight All Night Diner Spokane Falls Community College
• Marisol Idaho State University
• Everybody Central Washington University
• Water by the Spoonful Sonoma State University

Distinguished Achievement in the Facilitation of a Brave Rehearsal Space

This new recognition celebrates teaching artists who create a rehearsal room community that prioritizes the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of their student artists; empowering them to safely engage with challenging theatrical stories.

Marisol Idaho State University
Everybody Central Washington University
Water by the Spoonful Sonoma State University

Distinguished Achievement in Stage Management

• Shauna Llamas, Lindsay Hayes, and Sayde Mendell Everybody Central Washington University
• Harmoni Thompson, Alyssa Higley, and Staci Allen Marisol Idaho State University
• Blake Presnell, Ally Bray The Wife of Fabian Vitalik University of Idaho
• Blythe DeWitt and Charlie Ladd Always Plenty of Light at the Starlight All Night Diner Spokane Falls Community College

Distinguished Achievement in Projection Design

Marisol Idaho State University

Distinguished Achievement in Scenic Design

• Michelle Ludlow and Claire Chrzan Marisol Idaho State University

Distinguished Achievement in Sound Design

• Syd Mauro Everybody Central Washington University

Distinguished Achievement in Lighting Design

• Jonathan Curns Everybody Central Washington University

Distinguished Achievement in Costume Design

• Lisa Bebey Everybody Central Washington University

Distinguished Performance and Production Ensemble

Everybody Central Washington University
The Wife of Fabian Vitalik University of Idaho

Distinguished Production of a Play

Everybody Central Washington University

Outstanding Production of a New Work

The Wife of Fabian Vitalik University of Idaho

Innovative and Unique Theatrical Event

The Wife of Fabian Vitalik University of Idaho

Distinguished Director of a Play

• Emily Rollie Everybody Central Washington University

Distinguished Achievement in Movement Direction

• Annabelle Brasch Everybody Central Washington University

Distinguished Achievement in Original Music Composition

• Owen McGreevy The Wife of Fabian Vitalik University of Idaho

National Playwriting Awards

The national committee has announced awards and we have included the full list with this newsletter but, similar to the national awards we have highlighted the Region 7 folks for you below. Congratulations to everyone on this list and representing Region 7 so well.

THE MICHAEL KANIN PLAYWRITING AWARDS

For Festival Year 2022
To be presented in the Kennedy Center Family Theater on April 21, 2023
New Play Exchange or personal website link on first mention, if available

The National Undergraduate Playwriting Awards

Second Place

The Wife of Fabian Vitalik
By Kalyssa Montoya and Grace McGreevy
Adapted from the short story by Mariah Montoya
University of Idaho
Kalyssa Rose Montoya | New Play Exchange

The Darrell Ayers National Playwriting Award

The Wife of Fabian Vitalik
By Kalyssa Montoya and Grace McGreevy
Adapted from the short story by Mariah Montoya
University of Idaho

The David Mark Cohen Playwriting Award

Co-Recipients

the fog comes on little cat feet
by Amanda Keating
University of Iowa Playwrights Workshop
Amanda Keating | New Play Exchange

and

Emme and the Taking of the Woods
By Jef Petersen
Lewis-Clark State College
Jef Petersen | New Play Exchange

DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY & MANAGEMENT

The National Sound Design Award

Second Place
Patrick Middlebrook (Spring Awakening), Colorado State University

The National Scenic Design Awards

Honorable Mention
Julianne Bodner (Personal History), University of Oregon

The National Costume Design Awards

Third Place
Maddie James (Spring Awakening), Colorado State University

The Broadway Stage Management Symposium Scholarships

Partial Scholarship
Avery Wisner, Western Washington University

ASPIRE ARTS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

The Charlene Gordon Arts Impact Awards

Leonardo Parry, Boise State University

SDC STUDENT DIRECTING FELLOWSHIPS

WildWind Performances Lab Directing Fellowships

Abigail Torres, George Fox University

PERFORMANCE AWARDS

The Kennedy Center Musical Theatre Scholarships

Graciella Hamilton, American River College

The Performing Arts Project Scholarships

Leah Shannon, Western Washington University

Festival 54 – 2022

Kennedy Center Gold Medallion

Patrick Dizney                               

Horace Robinson/Jack Watson Award

Natashia Lindsey, Central Washington University

Participating Productions

She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms by Qui Nguyen
Presented by Sacramento City College

Songs in a Time of Pandemic by Marc Jacobs and Cast
Presented by California State University, East Bay

FireDance by Chiori Miyagawa
Presented by Spokane Falls Community College

Oedipus Tremendous by Sophocles, adapted by Gordon Reinhart
Presented by Boise State University

These Seven Sicknesses (Oedipus, Electra, Antigone) by Sean Graney
Presented by Colorado State University

Midsummer v.20.20 by Terry Maloney Haley
Presented by American River College

ASPIRE

Regional Finalist
Katherine Benitez
California State University, Sacramento

ATHE/KCACTF Prize for Innovative Teaching

Dr. Ashley DeMoville
Spokane Falls Community College

DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY & MANAGEMENT

The DTM Jane Childs Legacy Award

Blake Presnell, University of Idaho

Honorable Mention
Marley Ross, George Fox University
Melina Ramirez, California State University, East Bay
Emmy Harmon, Sacrament City College

The Vectorworks Award

Julianne Bodner, University of Oregon

Society of Properties Artisan Managers Award

Kimberlee Wilson, American River College

The DTM Don Childs Cross-Discipline Collaboration Award

Cheer! Story of A Dreamer
California State University, East Bay
Lucy Brindle (Scenery)
Melina Ramirez (Sound)
Mikeila Montemayor (Props)
Gregor Tuffy (Costumes)

Heart of the Art Award

Sidney Morrow, Columbia Basin College

Region 7 Award for Achievement

Stage Management | Sophie Ventresco, Boise State University
Scenery | Johnathan Billington, George Fox University
Costume | Gregor Tuffy, California State University, East Bay
Lighting | Madelyn Southard, University of Portland
Sound | Alea Tran, Linfield University
Allied | Mikeila Montemayor, California State University, East Bay

Region 7 1st Place Award for Excellence

Stage Management | Ellie Barbuto, George Fox University
Scenery | Brindle Brundage, University of Idaho
Costume | James Fagan, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Lighting | Natalie Doocy, Colorado State University, Fort Collins
Sound | Abbie Northrop, Linfield University

Randy Lutz Allied Design & Technology Award    

Emily Feil, California State University, East Bay

DRAMATURGY

LMDA/KCACTF Student Dramaturgy Award

Avery Flasher-Duzgunes, Sonoma State University
Blake Watson, University of Wyoming

Distinguished Achievement       

Rachael Fornarotto, University of Idaho

THE INSTITUTE FOR THEATRE JOURNALISM AND ADVOCACY

ITJA Fellow | Elijah Rakha-Shaketoff, Western Washington University              
ITJA Fellow | Lexi Warden, Dartmouth College 

IRENE RYAN ACTING SCHOLARSHIP AUDITIONS

Irene Ryan Award | Doshima Iyorlu, American River College
Irene Ryan Alternate | Angel Kalasz, University of Idaho
Best Partner Award | Alexandria Wilson, American River College

MUSICAL THEATER INITATIVE

MTI Award | Doshima Iyorlu, American River College
MTI Alternate | Sophie Kashman, Western Washington University
Honorable Mention | Nathan Templeton, Idaho State University

NATIONAL PLAYWRITING PROGRAM

John Cauble One-Act Play Honoree        

Hasti Jafari Jozani, San Francisco State University
Aster Knudson, Central Washington University

Gary Garrison 10-Min Play Honoree      

Joe Moore, Western Washington University
Art Por Diaz, San Francisco State University

NAPAT Region 7 Honoree           

Jessica Moreland, Western Washington University

KCACTF Region 7 By Trans for Trans Playwriting Honoree            

Barnett Marcus Western Washington University

KCACTF Region 7 Middle Eastern-American Playwriting Honoree            

Hasti Jafari Jozani, San Francisco State University

KCACTF Region 7 Latinx Playwriting Honoree                    

Art Por Diaz, San Francisco State University

SCHOLARLY PAPERS

Undergraduate Student Winner

“The Essex Rebellion: The Myths We Tell About Essex, Shakespeare, and Richard II.”
Blake Watson, University of Wyoming

Undergraduate Student Winner

“Examining Ibsen’s Critique of Gender Expectations in A Doll House.”
Alea Tran, Linfield University

Undergraduate Honorable Mention

“Jewish American Theatre: A Call to Action for Authenticity.”
Danni Horwitz, University of Wyoming

SDC DIRECTING INITIATIVE

Fellowship Finalist | Katie Ginther, Western Washington University
Meritorious Achievement | Elijah Rakha-Sheketoff, Western Washington University

Festival 53 – 2021

Festival award winners
Past winners
EVENT NAME SCHOOL TITLE
Horace Robinson/Jack Watson Award Joe Jacoby North Idaho College  
Gold Medallion Ed Trujillo Retired, Diablo Valley College   
PARTICIPATING PRODUCTIONS      
Participating Production   Southern Oregon University Dead Man’s Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl
Participating Production   Western Washington University how to clean your room (and remember all your trauma) by J. Chavez
Participating Production   Sacramento State University Sweat by Lynn Nottage
Participating Production   Spokane Falls Community College Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus by Taylor Mac
Participating Production   University of Colorado, Boulder She Kills Monsters: Virtual Realms by Qui Nguyen
Participating Production   California State University East Bay Blood at the Root by Dominique Morisseau
Showcase Production Kevin Neighbors   Versatile
CSU SUMMER ARTS       
Scholarship Bailey Patterson University of Wyoming  
Scholarship Elyse Bradford George Fox University  
Scholarship Kaitlyn Richards CSU Sacramento  
Scholarship Megan Jones Spokane Falls Community College  
Scholarship Khari Haynes Sacramento State University  
Scholarship Sammi Pietranza Humboldt State University  
Scholarship Miles Meckling CSU Sacramento  
Scholarship Michael Galvin Central Washington University  
DTM STAGE MANAGEMENT      
Honorable Mention Katie Kinslow Colorado State University Boy Gets Girl
Honorable Mention Tiffany May  West Valley College Into the Woods
Regional Award for Achievement Ryan Singh Boise State University Christmas Carol
KCACTF National Award for Excellence in Stage Management Loren Boesch Colorado State University How I Learned to Drive
Masterclass Award Finlay Kuester,
Aimee’ Le Roi,
Michael Montanus,
Maren Bowie
   
GEORGE R CALDWELL SCHOLARLY PAPER      
Undergraduate Scholarly Paper Meritorious Achievement David Fisher North Idaho College “Local Theatre in Northern Idaho: Hate Has No Role in Our Community”
Undergraduate Scholarly Paper Meritorious Achievement Dee Miller University of Wyoming “African Theatrical Tradition and History”
Undergraduate Scholarly Paper Award Alen Tran Linfield University “The Onnagata: A Reflection of Edo Period Views of Femininity”
Graduate Scholarly Paper Award Keenan Shionalyn Central Washington University “Subversion and Reification of Mixed Race and Queer Tropes: The Triumphs and Downfalls of Lovecraft Country”
LMDA/KCACTF STUDENT DRAMATURGY      
LMDA/KCACTF Student Dramaturgy Award: Kevin Harris Western Washington University  
KCACTF/LORT ASPIRE LEADERSHIP FELLOWS      
Meritorious Achievement Alexis Elisa Macedo CSU Fresno  
Leadership Fellows Alternate Esteban Richter UC Santa Cruz  
Leadership Fellows Finalist Gwynnevere Cristobal Humboldt State University  
NATIONAL PLAYWRITING PROGRAM (NPP)      
Region 7 John Cauble One-Act Play Honoree:  W. Barnett Marcus Western Washington University “Gimme a Sign”
Region 7 John Cauble One-Act Play Honoree Hope Winsor  Western Washington University “First Step: An Ode to Wham!”
Region 7 Gary Garrison:  Kevin Harris Western Washington University “Spiked”
Region 7 Gary Garrison 10-Min Play Honoree Jessica Moreland Western Washington University “Tidal Lock”
Region VII National Partners of the American Theatre Playwriting Award Honoree:  Daniel Repp  Western Washington University “Good Heavens!”
STAGECRAFT INSTITUTE OF LAS VEGAS      
1 Week Internship Kat Yo University of Portland  
1 Week Internship Des Aguilera Humboldt State University  
1 Week Internship Erin Sellers Gonzaga University  
1 Week Internship Brindlge Brundage University of Idaho  
1 Week Internship Gillian Ortega University of Oregon  
1 Week Internship Amanda Henney University of Oregon  
1 Week Internship Hope Bellinger George Fox University  
1 Week Internship Erin Tsue Gonzaga University  
1 Week Internship Johnathan Billington George Fox University  
1 Week Internship Mason Dill Colorado State University  
1 Week Internship David Juarez CSU East Bay  
1 Week Internship Alex Campbell CSU East Bay  
1 Week Internship Desiree Galvez CSU East Bay  
1 Week Internship Sarah LePiere Colorado State University  
1 Week Internship Morgan Lessman Colorado State University  
 1 Week Internship Anthony DeCosmo Colorado State University  
Don Childs Cross-Discipline Collaboration Award David Juarez,
Alex Campbell,
Desiree Galvez
CSU East Bay Blood At the Root
Don Childs Cross-Discipline Collaboration Award Sarah LePierre,
Morgan Lessman,
Anthony DeCosmo
Colorado State University Concord Floral
THEATRE DESIGN TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT (DTM)      
Legacy Award for Excellence: 1st Time Presenter Rachel Gulotta Lewis Clark State College  
SPAM: “Society of Properities Artisan Managers” Award for Excellence in Properties Design Rachael Fry Boise State University A Christmas Carol
Vectorworks Award for Design, Technology, and Management Johnathan Billington George Fox University  
*Allied Design Honorable Mention – Puppet Design  Kimberlee Wilson American River College Lysistrata
Allied Design Honorable Mention- Unapologetic Theatre: Found Object Crafting – Honorable Mention Bob Tait Boise State University A Christmas Carol
Allied Design – Regional Award for Achievement Kat Yo University of Portland The Imoogi Myth
Randy Lutz Allied Design & Technology Award (formerly the National Award for Excellence in Allied Crafts) Brindle Brundage University of Idaho The Moors
Innovation in Digital Theatre Production                         Sara LePiere Colorado State University Concord Floral
Innovation in Design for Community Engagement and Social Justice Kat Yo University of Portland Where is Home
MUSICAL THEATRE AUDITION SCHOLARSHIP (MTSA)      
Open Jar Scholarship Recipient Hannah Verdi     University of Idaho  
Meritorious Achievement:   Alisa Muench      Central Washington University  
Musical Theatre Scholarship Finalist Hannah Verdi     University of Idaho  
NATIONAL DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY (SDC)      
Meritorious Achievement:  Katie Ginther Western Washington University  
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Directing Fellowship Erin Smith Western Washington University  
INSTITUTE FOR THEATRE JOURNALISM AND ADVOCACY (ITJA)      
Meritorious Achievement Katie Schreiber Western Washington University  
Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy Award Elijah Rakha-Sheketoff  Western Washington University  
NATIONAL PLAYWRITING PROGRAM (NPP)      
Scenic Design – Honorable Mention Xander Claypool Gonzaga University Antigone
Future Promise in Scenic Design – Honorable Mention  Amanda Henney Univeristy of Oregon The Rocky Horror Show
Future Promise in Scenic Design – Honorable Mention  Gillian Ortega Univeristy of Oregon Hedda Gabler
Scenic Design – Regional Award for Achievement Maxi Muessig University of Oregon Sons of the Profits
Scenic Design – Barbizon National Award for Excellence in Scenic Design Brindle Brundage University of Idaho The Revolutionists
Costume Design – Honorable Mention Erin Sellers Gonzaga University Saints at the Rave
Costume Design – Honorable Mention Amber MacLean Santa Rosa Junior College Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
Costume Design – Regional Award for Achievement Alexa Schluchter George Fox University Passage by Christopher Chen
Costume Design – Barbizon National Award for Excellence in Costume Design Emily Feil CSU East Bay Pericles, Prince of Tyre
Lighting Design – Honorable Mention Johnathan Billington George Fox University Silent Sky
Lighting Design – Honorable Mention Erin Tsue Gonzaga University Divine Fallacy
Lighting Design – Regional Award for Achievement Desiree Galvez CSU East Bay Blood at the Root
Lighting Design – Barbizon National Award for Excellence in Lighting Design Kat Yo University of Portland The Dragon
Sound Design – Honorable Mention Kira Dean Gonzaga University Saints at the Rave
Sound Design – Regional Award for Achievement Hope Bellinger George Fox University The Passage
Sound Design – KCACTF National Award for Excellence in Sound Design Andrew Yoder University of Idaho The Moors
IREEN RYAN SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION      
Irene Ryan VASTA Gillian Rains  Sacramento City College  
Irene Ryan Alternate Bailey Patterson University of Wyoming  
Irene Ryan Award Katarina Tyler University of Wyoming #NAME?