Thirty-seven Oakland University theatre majors recently returned from the Region 3 American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Madison, Wisc., earning numerous awards, finalist recognitions and honors that highlight the strength and depth of OU's Department of Theatre.

Student participation in the festival was supported by a generous endowment established by Nancy and Jamieson Valassis, whose ongoing commitment continues to provide Oakland University students with access to high-level professional and educational opportunities.

The annual Region 3 festival brings together students and faculty from colleges and universities across the Midwest to celebrate excellence in acting, musical theatre, design, technology and theatre education. Oakland University students were well represented across all major competitive categories.

"To all who attended the conference, thank you for being such excellent representatives for Oakland University," said Associate Professor of Theatre and Department Chair Jeremy Barnett. "And to event semi-finalists, finalists and winners: congratulations on your excellent work. Thank you for making us all so proud to have you as the core of the OU Theatre Community."

Acting and Musical Theatre Excellence

Eight Oakland University students were selected to compete in the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Competition: Pietro Cataldo (partner Jacob Gonzales), Ian Finfrock (partner Oden Berthelsen), Rose Gutierrez (partner Anna Kaplan), Cali Hill (partner Deagan Krohn), Deagan Krohn (partner Cali Hill), Molly Gamber (partner Isabeli Buendia), Isabeli Buendia (partner Molly Gamber), and Tanea Harris (partner DeNetria Gibson).

DeNetria Gibson received the Irene Ryan Selectors Partner Award. Isabeli Buendia (with partner Molly Gamber) and Tanea Harris (with partner DeNetria Gibson) were named finalists.

Nine OU students also participated in the Musical Theatre Intensive: Oden Berthelsen, Molly Gamber, Cali Hill, Anna Kaplan, Deagan Krohn, Amandine Mouche, Ava Ward, Rose Gutierrez and Isabeli Buendia. Berthelsen advanced as a finalist, while Ava Ward, Anna Kaplan, Rose Gutierrez, Isabeli Buendia, Deagan Krohn and Cali Hill were named semi-finalists.

Design, Technology and Management Achievements

Oakland University was represented by 11 student designers and technicians across 13 competitive entries in theatrical design, production and management. OU student Ash Ritter received the ACTF Award for Theatrical Design Excellence in Scenic Design for The Wild Party, and the production itself earned the Don Childs DTM Cross-Discipline Collaboration Award.

Additional honors went to Crystal Orser for costume design (A Year With Frog and Toad), Zena Kissinger for production dramaturgy (A Year With Frog and Toad), Donovan Sharpe for lighting design (The Bacchae and Top Girls), and Bex Papazian for costume design (The Bacchae). Finalist recognitions were earned by Cadence Potts (make-up design, Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play), Sara Czerniawski (scenic charge, The Wild Party), and Jaci Taylor for both costume design (Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play) and make-up design (Young Frankenstein).

Costumes designed by Bex Papazian for The Wild Party were also featured in the festival's Celebration of Associate Productions and Costume Parade.

Faculty Recognition

Distinguished Professor Emerita of Theatre Karen Sheridan was honored at the festival's annual Gold Medallion Dinner, one of the most prestigious regional awards presented by KCACTF. The Gold Medallion recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to theatre education and who have demonstrated sustained commitment to mentorship, artistry and excellence.

"Congratulations to all of you on an extraordinary showing at the Region 3 American College Theatre Festival!" said Kristin Landis-Piwowar, vice provost for academic affairs at OU. "The breadth of participation, the number of recognitions, and the honor bestowed on Professor Emerita Karen Sheridan reflect the exceptional talent, dedication and mentorship that define this community. You represented Oakland University beautifully in Madison, and I'm so proud of what you've accomplished."