Theatre @ UAFS performs "CORRIGENDA" during the festival. |
The theatre program at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith notched eight awards from the state’s Kennedy College American Theater Festival hosted on UAFS campus Oct. 27-30.
For its performance of the original production “CORRIGENDA,” Theatre @ UAFS was recognized for Meritorious Achievements in three areas: stage combat choreography, overseen by alumnus Ian Miller of Fort Smith and Bob Stevenson, Theatre @ UAFS director; lighting design, overseen by student Mykaela Sparks of Fort Smith; and stage management, overseen by student Averie Warren of Poteau, Okla.
Additionally, three students received Irene Ryan Acting Awards: Sara Kincannon and Ron Nguyen, both of Fort Smith, and Kyle White of Alma. The cast and crew also earned an ensemble performance award recognizing the group’s performance as a whole.
“CORRIGENDA,” which tells the story of a woman fighting against the oppression of an authoritarian government, shared the Respondent’s Choice Award with the University of the Ozarks, who was recognized for their performance of “True West.” For winning the award, both productions will be considered for the regional festival in February.
The festival was another strong showing for the UAFS theatre program, according to Stevenson.
“This is the sixth time in seven years we’ve won the choice of the festival and been considered for regionals,” he said. “No other school in Arkansas has had that record of success in that time, and it proves once again that we are preparing our students well for the challenges of professional careers in theatre and the dramatic arts.”
Additionally, six students earned Honor Crew designations, recognizing their work in setting up productions throughout the week. Students receiving the Honor Crew recognition were Kendra Carter of Fort Smith, Tony Corbell of Alma, Tricia Peters of Muldrow, Okla., Jacob Price of Lavaca, Alex Sanders of North Little Rock, Sparks and White.
Students serving as cast and crew in “CORRIGENDA” were:
Alma: Tony Corbell, Kaylee Gembica, Sean Howard, Molly Tennison and Kyle White.
Cecil: Ashley Eatman.
Charleston: Kaitlin McKellip and Zeke Sidwell.
Clarksville: Joby Vire.
Fort Smith: Margie Barcagan, Matthew Bowers, Kendra Carter, Thomas Dudley, Jamie Gilliam, Sara Kincannon, Patricia Lopez, Ron Nguyen, Nayely Palafox, Devin Phongsavanh, John Smith, Mykaela Sparks, Kyyah Thompson, Rachel Townsend and Sasha Yedrysek.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Tea Le.
Huntington: Katelynn Walker.
Lavaca: Savannah Orrison, Jacob Price and Jackalynn Self.
Magazine: Colton Siddons.
Mena: Naomi Ponthieux.
Muldrow, Okla.: Tricia Peters.
North Little Rock: Alex Sanders.
Oark: Colton Humble.
Ozark: Matt Vigil.
Paris: Sara Koch and Alec Pennington.
Perry: Cory Wray.
Poteau, Okla.: Mikalyn Reif and Averie Warren.
Sallisaw, Okla.: Andrew Duch.
Spiro, Okla.: Breanna Carter.
Witcherville: Taylor Martin.
For more information about the theatre program at UAFS, contact Stevenson at 479-788-7303 or bob.stevenson@uafs.edu. For more information about educational opportunities at UAFS, visit www.uafs.edu or call 479-788-7000.
About the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is the premiere regional institution of Western Arkansas, connecting education with careers and serving as a driver of economic development and quality of place in the greater Fort Smith region. Through a small campus, dedicated professors, and the university’s unique bond with its community, students at UAFS are able to do more in the areas they are passionate about, both on- and off-campus, in a way that prepares them for post-graduate success. To find out how you can do more at UAFS, visit www.uafs.edu.