The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for Region 5 was a time of celebration for the Sterling College theatre program, yielding seven awards among the professors and students. Assistant Professors of Theatre Arts Aaron and Samantha Kennedy, senior Bryce Bassett and junior Dani Goldberg were all recognized for their work.

“KCACTF is a national theatre education program aimed at promoting quality and recognizing achievements in college theatre programs. Region 5 is made up of seven states in the midwest from North Dakota to Iowa with over 100 colleges represented. Theatre professionals in the region select student and faculty work for recognition. (At the festival) our students had the opportunity to experience a variety of theatre and network with diverse students involved in theatre in our region while at the conference. Participation in the festival occurs year-round, however, as visiting professionals see all Sterling College productions and respond to the students afterward. These responses are always open to the public,” said Samantha Kennedy.  

Aaron Kennedy, who is in his fifth year as faculty at Sterling College, was awarded a Certificate of Achievement in Scenic Design for “Hedda Gabler” and a Certificate of Achievement for Scenic and Projection Design for “Chess.”

Samantha Kennedy was awarded a Certificate of Achievement in Costume Design for “Hedda Gabler.” She joined the full-time faculty at Sterling College in fall 2015.

Bassett of Cassoday, Kansas, has been working on the crew for the theatre department for five years. His work was recognized at KCACTF, winning first place in Regional Lighting Design for “Chess.” He was also given two Certificates of Achievements for Lighting Design –  one for “Chess” and one for “Oklahoma!”

Goldberg of Corona, California, has helped choreograph musicals for the theatre program two years. Her choreography for “Oklahoma!” was recognized as outstanding by the KCACTF and she was given a Certificate of Achievement.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.