Register here for Festival 52 at Madison College in Madison, Wisconsin
January 7 - 12, 2020
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Truax Campus
The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival showcases the finest in university theatre across the nation. Through eight regional festivals plus the national festival in Washington, D.C., the festival celebrates artistic excellence and offers students individual recognition through awards and scholarships in playwriting, acting, dramatic criticism, theatre management, directing, and design.
KCACTF renews commitment to Representation, Equity and Diversity (RED).
Check in at the Ryan Registration table (this is DIFFERENT than the FESTIVAL Registration table) on the 2nd floor at the Madison Concourse Hotel, at least 30-45 minutes prior to your audition HOUR. Be sure to note in which ROOM your audition is scheduled.
Immediately after each round, nominees & partners will be brought to a response room to receive immediate feedback from 2 KCACTF Region 3 faculty members. These feedback sessions are for Ryan nominees & their partners only.
Expand the conventional understanding of puppetry, puppet theatre, and performing objects by exploring the function of puppets and POs throughout history. (Does not repeat.)
Check in at the Ryan Registration table (this is DIFFERENT than the FESTIVAL Registration table) on the 2nd floor at the Madison Concourse Hotel, at least 30-45 minutes prior to your audition HOUR. Be sure to note in which ROOM your audition is scheduled.
This workshop teaches you how to make a positive, maybe even lasting, impression as someone with whom directors want to work. Students need to have two short audition pieces memorized and ready to audition. (Also Thur @ 2:00, Sat @ 10:00)
We will share what we wish we knew starting in technical direction and open discussion for you to share as well! Please bring questions and stories about what you wish you knew when starting in technical direction. (Also Sat @ 10:00 AM)
A Magic Sheet is a graphical cheat-sheet that Lighting Designers use to quicken cueing in Tech. This workshop demonstrates both paper-based magic sheets as well as interactive electronic magic sheets on ETC Eos-based consoles. (Also today @ 1:00 PM)
Immediately after each round, nominees & partners will be brought to a response room to receive immediate feedback from 2 KCACTF Region 3 faculty members. These feedback sessions are for Ryan nominees & their partners only.
A Magic Sheet is a graphical cheat-sheet that Lighting Designers use to quicken the pace of cueing in Tech. This workshop will demonstrate both paper-based magic sheets as well as interactive electronic magic sheets on ETC Eos-based consoles.
Participants will explore aspects of the aesthetic including: the African concept of Asé (truth in the present moment), process over product, simultaneity, collaboration, and audience engagement. (Does not repeat.)
This workshop will explore different techniques of how-to layout a painted drop or large scale painted images. Students will have the opportunity to try scaled versions of the techniques addressed in this workshop. (Does not repeat.)
Calling all actors! This is your chance to engage in a dynamic collaboration with fellow artists in the NPP Ten Minute Play Festival, or an NPP Rehearsed Play Reading.
Come take a tour of the ETC facility, just 25 minutes away from Madison College. Sign up at the DTM registration table. 50 people maximum, first come first serve. Bus transportation provided to and from Madison College.
Professional theatre workers are represented by a variety of unions and guilds. Come learn why they exist, how they work together, which ones represent which career paths, and how to join. (Also Sat @ 2:00 PM)
Why do we need intimacy directors and what do they do? How does creating a safe space make for better art? Why do we need to change the culture of theater to prevent abuse? Find out in this introduction to a quickly growing field. (Does not repeat.)
This a private dinner provided for festival guests and area coordinators held in the Gourmet Dining Room on first floor of the Truax building at Madison College near the Design Expo. Room 1285.
Attend BLACK BOOK as an alternate production viewing for one of the three reviews that will be written should a participant have a conflict for one of the required productions or has a special need for additional writing time.
Ryan Semi-Finalists will be announced after the opening night event in Mitby Theatre (& posted on the KCACTF Region 3 FB page). Semi-finalists: check-in with Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson immediately after the announcement to confirm audition time-slot.
Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy (ITJA) Orientation and Seminar #1
Accepted participants. Logistics for ITJA festival experience and discussions about theatre criticism in our changing world. Guest Critic, Amanda Finn, ITJA Coordinator, Jane Purse-Wiedenhoeft and Incoming Coordinator as of 2021, Philip Effiong .
Irene Ryan Semi-Finalists can begin checking in (2nd floor, Madison Councourse Hotel) at 9:30am. The Ryan Semi Final rounds will be at 10:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:15pm.
This workshop will explore digital tools to arrange and share imagery between designers, directors, and other members of a production team. (Does not repeat.)
A roundtable discussion on topics concerning equity, diversity, and inclusion, leadership skills building, institutional challenges, and professional networking opportunities. Open to the public for observation only. Limited seating.
Bodies in motion, in mask, clowning around with biting social commentary. What's it all about and how does commedia-based training help all actors? Come put on a few masks and participate with us! (Also Friday @ 10:00)
By understanding how the face is perceived, designers and actors can decide how best to use the face as a visual tool for expressing character and influencing the experience of the audience. (Does not repeat.)
Learn how to utilize BASECAMP for production management and call-boards. See how this digital tool can benefit your productions and workflow. (Does not repeat.)
We will create a new verse based work and converse on the difference between stage hip hop text and screen hip hop text. (Also today @ 12:00 and 3:00 PM)
Deepen your understanding of Shakespeare's language! Using sonnets and speeches from Shakespeare, we will activate and embody Shakespeare's language, while honoring the poetry structure. No experience necessary. (Does not Repeat)
Some Ideas On Effectively Spiking Scenery and Performers! We will test colored spike tape under various lighting conditions and consider mechanical ways of hitting the mark every time. (Also Fri @ 11:00 AM)
In light of the George Zimmerman verdict, The New Black Fest commissioned six very diverse playwrights to write 10-minute plays on the topic of Trayvon Martin, race and/or privilege. (Does not repeat.)
This workshop is to hone your cover letter and resume skills for technical theatre students. Get some great ideas, tips, and advice on how to create a successful cover letter and resume to get that summer gig and beyond. (Does not repeat.)
Introduce yourself to the themes, politics and cultural influences that have shaped the theatre of famous Irish playwrights such as Samuel Beckett, Sean O'Casey & Brian Friel. (Does not repeat.)
Join this improvisational workshop and have a great time recapturing the essence of “play”. This is a good opportunity to position yourself for scholarship assistance to CSU Summer Arts in the coveted workshop: Chicago Style Comedy. (Also Sat @ 1:00 PM)
This workshop will provide playwrights of all levels--even those who have not written a play before--with exercises, tactics and thoughts to start and/or end their play. (Does not repeat.)
Aspire participants will take on the role of the artistic, managing or executive director of a new theatre company and pitch their vision for their new institution to a mock panel of investors (our guest respondents). Open to the public.
This workshop teaches you how to make a positive, maybe even lasting, impression as someone with whom directors want to work. Students need to have two short audition pieces memorized and ready to audition. (Also Sat @ 10:00 AM)
Are you trying to figure out how to launch your career as a professional artist? The Emerging Professional Residency at Milwaukee Repertory Theater may be for you. (Also today at 3:00 PM)
Discuss the issues and needs important to you with your peers--no faculty allowed. Join cast members of Facing Our Truth and ASPIRE participants for multiple informal sessions throughout the week. (Also Fri @ 11:00 and 2:00 and Sat @ 2:00)
This workshop, led by NPP special guest Sherrine Azab is a combination of discussion, writing prompts, and performance generating tasks to investigate and challenge the notion of power in the field, on our lives, and in the world. (Does not repeat.)
Want to get more comfortable making interesting vocal choices with Shakespeare's language? Then take this workshop with Karla Kash. We will do vocal and physical warmups, "the Shakespeare dance," and I will coach actors on monologues. (Does not repeat.)
Whether it’s learning about music of a past time period, distant locale, or just of a genre that you know nothing about, discover tips, tricks, and tools for exploring the world of music (recorded and otherwise).
A play exploring the often overlooked history of early African Muslims forced into American slavery and the influence they had on what would become the American music genre known as the blues. (Also Friday at 12:30 p.m.)
This workshop is not a lecture or presentation but an interactive, intersectional progression of exercises and discussions that may alter the way you see the world and your place in it. (Also Sat @ 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM)
Are you trying to figure out how to launch your career as a professional artist? The Emerging Professional Residency at Milwaukee Repertory Theater may be for you.
All are welcome- don't need to preregister!! This class focuses on the technique it takes to make it on Broadway. Come prepared to act/dance and learn from the top talent in the industry.
This a private dinner provided for festival guests and area coordinators held in the Gourmet Dining Room on first floor of the Truax building at Madison College near the Design Expo. Room 1285.
This special event is the "first act" of a double-bill that features a perform of WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND: ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH DANCE--from Northern Michigan University. IRENE RYAN Finalist announced at intermission.
Announcement of Ryan Finalists will be made immediately following the Celebration of Associate Productions/Costume Parade in Mitby Theatre. Finalists MUST go to D2610 in Truax Ctr immediately after announcement for order selection & feedback.
Irene Ryan FINALISTS will receive feedback from selectors. Please meet Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson & Heidi Vogel in Madison College D2610 immediately after the announcement of finalists.
Irene Ryan FINALISTS must check-in at the Madison College New Music Room (A1033, near Mitby Theatre) between 8:30am & 9:30am. Rehearsal rooms are available at Madison College Truax Center: A1025 & A1027.
This where you pick-up your registration packets, festival day-passes and receive general information about the festival. Thursday - Saturday, the desk is in the Gateway lobby of the Truax building at Madison College.
This workshop explores the relationship between acoustics, how humans perceive sound, the artistic aims of music/theatre/film/immersive audio/etc, and how we build sound systems. (Does not repeat.)
Distressing costumes can either relieve stress or cause it, it all comes down to practice and what you know. Come learn some tips and tricks to keep it both fun and visually effective. Dress for minimal mess and maximum fun! (Does not Repeat)
Interactive auditions turn an actor’s nightmare into sweet dreams by reducing anxiety, increasing confidence, and enlisting everyone in support of finding the best actors available. (Does not repeat)
Bodies in motion, in mask, clowning around with biting social commentary. What's it all about and how does commedia-based training help all actors? Come put on a few masks and participate with us!
Professionals will be doing one-on-one reviews of portfolios and resumes during this time. Get help putting your best foot forward in your job search. Time slots can be reserved by signing up at the DTM registration desk.
Following the pitch round, the guest respondents will deliberate and choose students to invite to the final interview round. This is a closed event for finalists and respondents only.
Discuss the issues and needs important to you with your peers--no faculty allowed. Join cast members of Facing Our Truth and ASPIRE participants for multiple informal sessions throughout the week. (Also today @ 2:00 and Sat @ 2:00)
Some Ideas On Effectively Spiking Scenery and Performers! We will test colored spike tape under various lighting conditions and consider mechanical ways of hitting the mark every time.
This FREE program is your chance to make a first impression and pave the way for connections that could lead to internships, apprenticeships and summer opportunities with professional companies.
Super Hero costumes are a fun way to explore the Elements of Design and communicating simple, direct ideas about who a character is and what they can do. (Also Sat @ 12:00 PM)
Using the pillars of Knight-Thompson Speechwork—people, posture, pronunciation, and prosody—participants will engage in exercises that playfully explore tools for accent work. (Does not repeat.)
A play exploring the often overlooked history of early African Muslims forced into American slavery and the influence they had on what would become the American music genre known as the blues.
This workshop is designed to give you tools for scene development. It focuses on relationship, emotional response, and environment in two-person scenes.
Discuss the issues and needs important to you with your peers--no faculty allowed. Join cast members of Facing Our Truth and ASPIRE participants for multiple informal sessions throughout the week. (Also Sat @ 2:00)
Moment work is a process of theatrical creation utilized by the Tectonic Theatre Project (creators of The Laramie Project). This workshop will serve as an introduction to moment work as a process for devising and creation. (Does not repeat.)
This workshop will explore techniques for analyzing and physicalizing the text, including rhythm, sound, punctuation, and use of you and thou in short scenes and monologues. (Does not repeat.)
Public presentation of Dramaturgical work from student dramaturges from across the midwest. Presentations take place in the lobby/hallway OUTSIDE room C2447.
Participants will read a never-produced early play by Tennessee Williams written when he was a student in St Louis in a time of political upheaval, exploring performance and design possibilities for the work. (Does not repeat.)
For budding Artistic Directors who are interested in running their own theatre company or for those who are simply intrigued by the process, this workshop will offer artistic and business insight into season planning. (Also Sat @ 10:00 AM)
This workshop is designed to give you tools for scene development. It focuses on relationship, emotional response, and environment in two-person scenes. (Also Sat @ 3:00 PM)
This workshop will explore physical alignment, breath, and voice, and offer tools for preparing yourself physically and vocally for rehearsal or performance. (Does not repeat.)
Callback information will be posted near the check-in table at the end of every hour during auditions. Once callback lists are posted, participants are responsible for signing up for their own callback slot.
All are welcome- don't need to preregister!! This class focuses on the technique it takes to make it on Broadway. Come prepared to dance and learn from the top talent in the industry.
Join colleagues from across the region for dinner and a celebration of achievements of faculty from across Region 3 in the beautiful Gateway Lobby of the Truax building at Madison College.
This where you pick-up your registration packets, festival day-passes and receive general information about the festival. Thursday - Saturday, the desk is in the Gateway lobby of the Truax building at Madison College.
This workshop teaches you how to make a positive, maybe even lasting, impression as someone with whom directors want to work. Students need to have two short audition pieces memorized and ready to audition.
This workshop will provide an inside view on how large events are put-together and run including projects by Disney, Universal Studios, Nickelodeon, various cruise ships, and large scale musicals. (Does not repeat.)
This workshop will teach you the ins-and-outs of auditioning and major do's and do nots. We'll cover how to submit for roles and how you get an agent if you want one. (Also today at 2:00 PM)
We will share what we wish we knew starting in technical direction and open discussion for you to share as well! Please bring questions and stories about what you wish you knew when starting in technical direction.
For budding Artistic Directors who are interested in running their own theatre company or for those who are simply intrigued by the process, this workshop will offer artistic and business insight into season planning.
This workshop will explore the establishment of consent and boundaries in partnered work then move into developing both physical and emotional connection through comforting, silent communication. (Does not repeat)
Want to get better at auditioning for Musical Theatre? Karla Kash will share the latest trends, coach you on songs, slates, talking to an accompanist, what to wear, etc. (Does not repeat.)
Thinking about being an actor in LA? Before you take the leap, here's an opportunity to learn what every serious actor should know before making the big move. (Does not repeat.)
This workshop is not a lecture or presentation but an interactive, intersectional progression of exercises and discussions that may alter the way you see the world and your place in it. (Also Sat @ 2:00 PM)
This will be an open forum for you to ask your questions about how the business of on-camera acting works for television, feature films and commercials. (Also today at 1:00 PM)
An invited production from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. There will be a talk-back immediately following the performance. (Also Saturday at 2:00 p.m.)
Super Hero costumes are a fun way to explore the Elements of Design and communicating simple, direct ideas about who a character is and what they can do.
Want to improve your skills at dance calls? Then take is MT Dance Call Workshop with Karla. Learn what professional choreographers are looking for and how to put your best self forward, no matter your level of dance. (Does not repeat.)
You are your best advocate! Your resume is just a presentation of you on paper! A hands-on, work-in-progress conversation about alternative viewpoints so your resume to take you where you want to go. (Does not repeat.)
This will be an open forum for you to ask your questions about how the business of on-camera acting works for television, feature films and commercials.
Join this improvisational workshop and have a great time recapturing the essence of “play”. This is a good opportunity to position yourself for scholarship assistance to CSU Summer Arts in the coveted workshop: Chicago Style Comedy.
Professional theatre workers are represented by a variety of unions and guilds. Come learn why they exist, how they work together, which ones represent which career paths, and how to join.
This workshop is not a lecture or presentation but an interactive, intersectional progression of exercises and discussions that may alter the way you see the world and your place in it.
Discuss the issues and needs important to you with your peers--no faculty allowed. Join cast members of Facing Our Truth and ASPIRE participants for multiple informal sessions throughout the week.
How do you incorporate projections into your production? How do you use it to tell a story? And what tools do you need to begin your projection odyssey? We look at projection design from design meetings to final product. (Does not repeat.)
This workshop will teach you the ins-and-outs of auditioning and major do's and do nots. We'll cover how to submit for roles and how you get an agent if you want one.
Join us for this dynamic and explosive investigation of the actor-creator from the perspectives of Dell'Arte International School of Physical Theatre. (Does not repeat.)
Learn the basics of Playback Theatre, “an original form of theatrical improvisation in which people tell real events from their lives [and] watch them enacted on the spot..." (Does not repeat)
This is a private dinner celebrating this year's Gold Medallion recipients--Jennifer Blackmer, Ball State University and Bill Kincaid, Western Illinois University. Admission is by invitation only.
Lauren O'Toole holds a degree in English and History and a Masters in Drama and Performance Studies from University College Dublin and is currently working as Head of Marketing at the Gaiety School of Acting, where she also works as a drama tutor.
Assistant Professor of Theatre at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. Here he serves also as Production Designer and Technical Director for the University’s Philip Lynch Theatre.
Resident Costume/Hair/Make-up Designer and Assistant Professor of Costume Design, Department of Communication and Dramatic Arts at Central Michigan University
Professor Cohen teaches Directing for the Stage, Theater History, and leads the BSE-Theater Education track at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater.
Elaine teaches at Central Michigan University and has studied intimacy choreography with Theatrical Intimacy Education and Intimacy Directors International.
Jennifer is the past chair of the KCACTF Region 3 National Playwrighting Program. She is the Executive Director for Immersive Learning and Virginia Ball Center, and Professor of Theatre.
Karla Kash is a professional actor (AEA), director/choreographer (SDC), and fight choreographer (SAFD). She is a faculty member in the Department of Theatre at Saginaw Valley State University. Karla has worked all over the U.S., China, and Italy.
Kelli Crump - MFA (Acting) National Theatre Conservatory and studied Shakespeare at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. A KCACTF Region III Irene Ryan winner, recipient of the NAPAT Classical Acting Award and the VASTA Vocal Excellence Award.
Kelly McBane is a faculty member at The University of Toledo where she teaches costumes. Experience includes theatre to Vegas night life to horror themed art installations in Europe and believes passionately in finding the fun in every project.
Kerro is the resident designer for several companies: Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Patterson Rhythm Pace and Take Root. He teaches design at Oakland University and studied at Yale with Jennifer Tipton.
Justina Vickerman graduated from UW-Whitewater with a degree in theater. She stage managed for 10 years for CTM, and has been a 20 year member of IATSE. The last 7 years as their Call Steward assigning work.
Paul is a member of the Theatre faculty at CMU from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Paul is a scenic and lighting designer for theatre, musical theatre, dance and opera.
Lauren O'Toole holds a degree in English and History and a Masters in Drama and Performance Studies from University College Dublin and is currently working as Head of Marketing at the Gaiety School of Acting, where she also works as a drama tutor.
Assistant Professor of Theatre at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. Here he serves also as Production Designer and Technical Director for the University’s Philip Lynch Theatre.
Resident Costume/Hair/Make-up Designer and Assistant Professor of Costume Design, Department of Communication and Dramatic Arts at Central Michigan University
Professor Cohen teaches Directing for the Stage, Theater History, and leads the BSE-Theater Education track at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater.
Elaine teaches at Central Michigan University and has studied intimacy choreography with Theatrical Intimacy Education and Intimacy Directors International.
Jennifer is the past chair of the KCACTF Region 3 National Playwrighting Program. She is the Executive Director for Immersive Learning and Virginia Ball Center, and Professor of Theatre.
Karla Kash is a professional actor (AEA), director/choreographer (SDC), and fight choreographer (SAFD). She is a faculty member in the Department of Theatre at Saginaw Valley State University. Karla has worked all over the U.S., China, and Italy.
Kelli Crump - MFA (Acting) National Theatre Conservatory and studied Shakespeare at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. A KCACTF Region III Irene Ryan winner, recipient of the NAPAT Classical Acting Award and the VASTA Vocal Excellence Award.
Kelly McBane is a faculty member at The University of Toledo where she teaches costumes. Experience includes theatre to Vegas night life to horror themed art installations in Europe and believes passionately in finding the fun in every project.
Kerro is the resident designer for several companies: Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Patterson Rhythm Pace and Take Root. He teaches design at Oakland University and studied at Yale with Jennifer Tipton.
Justina Vickerman graduated from UW-Whitewater with a degree in theater. She stage managed for 10 years for CTM, and has been a 20 year member of IATSE. The last 7 years as their Call Steward assigning work.
Paul is a member of the Theatre faculty at CMU from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. Paul is a scenic and lighting designer for theatre, musical theatre, dance and opera.
