Performing against intense competition, attending valuable workshops and building professional connections are some of the things Baker University students experienced at the Region V American College Theater Festival Jan. 20-25 in Lincoln, Neb.
Senior Patrick King, junior Abby Jones, sophomore Jillian Miller and freshman Jesse Miller were nominated for the Irene Ryan Foundation Scholarship and were able to attend the conference for their performances in Baker’s fall productions.
The students were recommended by a representative from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and from the director of the show. Each student who is nominated then brings two scenes they have either performed before or are familiar with to perform in front of judges.
“There is a large pool we go up against at the conference,” Jillian said. “We went up against around 300 shows that were presented for our region and even though we didn’t advance onto the next level, I was very proud of us.”
After attending the conference during her freshman and sophomore years at Baker, Jillian believes attending the workshops and watching other performances has been beneficial.
“I have learned a lot from the workshops to gaining more insight of what it will be like to be a professional in the career of theatre,” Jillian said. “It is a stressful career, but the skills I am learning will hopefully help me in the future.”
Sophomore Cheyenne Queen was also nominated for her outstanding stage management by the National Stage Management Fellowship Competition for the American College Theater Festival.
“I had to direct multiple scenes for my portion of the competition,” Queen said. “I was very nervous at first, but got more comfortable in the end. Even though I didn’t advance on, it was great experience and I received a lot of feedback from my coordinators, really getting my name out there; even gaining a reference to use.”
Production Manager Patti Heiman was also recongized for her outstanding stage management in Baker’s production of “Robin Hood.”
“This is my second time receiving this honor and I really appreciate the recognition for all my hard work,” Heiman said. “I would like more for my students to get honored and grow more, advancing on to the next level in the competition like we have in the past.”
The theatre department is already underway for a second semester and getting ready to for their next production, “1940s Radio Hour.”
