KCACTF Region 5 Festival 57: Full Schedule

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7:00am CST

Irene Ryan Headquarters

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

Headquarters for Irene Ryans

Festival Leadership

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Cara is a queer director, educator, and writer based in Saint Paul, MN and Lamoni, IA. She recently directed the world premiere musical, THROUGH THE SUNKEN LANDS, by Avi Amon and Tim J. Lord for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Cara's national work includes credits with... Read More →

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, Irene Ryans

Audience Everyone
Area Acting and Directing

7:30am CST

Irene Ryan Prelim Selector Meeting

Monday January 20, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

Irene Ryan Prelim Selector Orientation (closed meeting)

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

Audience Participants Only

8:00am CST

Power of the People: Mastering Ensemble Performance

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

How do you know the actor who walked onstage is a Queen? How do you know that Hamlet's response to his mother's wedding is not just impolite but dangerous? It's the ensemble. The whole room shifts when it happens. In this workshop, we will use Russian Ensemble exercises to practice stage awareness, understanding circumstances, and creating impactful events. We'll play ensemble games and create short etude performances to test and practice the skills.

Presenters

Kassy Skoretz

Anoka Ramsey Community College

Kassy Skoretz is a faculty member at Anoka Ramsey Community College. Their PhD as a scholar-director is from Wayne State University and they have been directing and performing in the twin cities for 8 years. They trained with the Moscow Art Theatre and East West Players; their doctoral... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:15am CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing

8:00am CST

Drag Intensive

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor)

Participants must have access to the event, but others may observe. If observing please be respectful of the work.

Guest Artists

Karma Kills

The Blazing Saddle

Karma has been doing drag for 13 years and been a show cast member at The Blazing Saddle where she regularly hosts shows as well as produces the Noche Latina show. Karma also serves as show director and host for Serv’d Events hosting events all around Iowa. Karma was also voted... Read More →

Robin Graves

Drag Artist

Starting off her career she began at the lively and popular Legendary Blazing Saddle, serenading crowds with her take on new classics; bringing a fresh and unseen vibe to the iconic East Village. In her junior year of drag she made a switch to the well-known bar, The Garden Nightclub... Read More →

Festival Leadership

Casey Paradies

Drag Show Coord, South Dakota State University

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, Drag

8:00am CST

Sensory Space

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Windows Room (1st Floor)

The Sensory Space offers a peaceful environment to recover from overstimulation. It features comfortable seating, ambient music, and subdued lighting.

Festival Leadership

Laura Chaney

RED Vice Chair, Cottey College

Laura Chaney serves as the Vice Chair of RED and is a theatre generalist at Cottey College. She earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. At Cottey, Laura works as a director, designer, and technical director, and she is currently the... Read More →

Marc Vital

RED Chair, University of Missouri

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Windows Room (1st Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Everyone

8:00am CST

Irene Ryan Prelims Group A

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor)

Irene Ryan Scholarship Audition Preliminary Round one monologue and one scene will be presented in 4 minutes. Schedule is posted on the Festival Announcements website. Audition sessions are open to viewers as space permits. You may only enter the room at the top of the hour and must stay through the entire hour-long session.

Content Disclosure:

Because theatre reflects the human experience, some scripts and performances may raise issues, portray situations, use actions or language which you may find disturbing or offensive. You should understand that, in the spirit of free artistic expression, KCACTF does not censor dramatic works performed as part of the Irene Ryan Scholarship Auditions. If you fear that you may be unduly offended or disturbed by materials presented in performance, please use your best discretion before watching the performances.

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, Irene Ryans

8:00am CST

Irene Ryan Prelims Group B

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor)

Content Disclosure:

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, Irene Ryans

8:00am CST

Irene Ryan Prelims Group C

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor)

Content Disclosure:

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, Irene Ryans

8:00am CST

Irene Ryan Prelim Response Group A

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 6:00pm CST

Marriott Salon F (2nd Floor)

Irene Ryan Prelim Round Response Sessions - immediately following prelim performance

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 6:00pm CST
Marriott Salon F (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Response, Irene Ryans

8:00am CST

Irene Ryan Prelim Response Group B

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 6:00pm CST

Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor)

Irene Ryan Prelim Round Response Sessions - immediately following prelim performance

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 6:00pm CST
Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Response, Irene Ryans

8:00am CST

Irene Ryan Prelim Response Group C

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 6:00pm CST

Marriott Salon H (2nd Floor)

Irene Ryan Prelim Round Response Sessions - immediately following prelim performance

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 8:00am - 6:00pm CST
Marriott Salon H (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Response, Irene Ryans

9:00am CST

Costume Runway Set Up

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CST

Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Costume Runway set up

Festival Leadership

Cassie Kay Hoppas

U of Central Missouri

Cassie Kay Hoppas is the Assistant Professor of Costumes for the Division of Theatre and Dance at University of Central Missouri. Originally from Erie, Ks, Cassie completed her BFA of Theatre from Emporia State University and her MFA in Costume Design and Production from the University... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CST
Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Orientation/Meeting, Costume Runway Intensive

9:00am CST

Region 5 Faculty Reception

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

Join to meet and connect with peers across the region. Coffee and refreshments served

Festival Leadership

Haidee Heaton

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Culver-Stockton College

Haidee Heaton is a Professor of Theatre at Culver-Stockton College where she serves as Associate Division Chair of Fine, Applied, and Literary Arts and Director of the Honors Scholars Program. Haidee teaches performance, directing, critical theory, and voice. Recent directing credits... Read More →

Deidre Mattox

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Hutchinson Community College

Deidre is the current Co-Vice-Chair of Region 5, having previously served as the Region 5 National Playwriting Programs Vice-Chair, Coordinator of the Institute for Theatre Journalism and Advocacy, and Co-Coordinator of Dramaturgy. Deidre is also a recipient of the Region 5 Road Warrior... Read More →

Emily Cherry Oliver

Region 5 Co-Chair, University of North Dakota

Emily Cherry Oliver is the Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of North Dakota, as well as the Co-Director of the UND AI and Human Innovation Initiative. She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre and an MFA in Directing, seamlessly integrating both disciplines... Read More →

Lindsey Duoos Williams

Region 5 Co-Chair, Rochester Civic Theatre

Lindsey Duoos Williams is the Artistic Director at Rochester Civic Theatre in Rochester, Minnesota. For thirteen years, she served as the Theatre Director at Riverland Community College in Austin, Minnesota, where she created the state’s only AFA in Musical Theatre degree program... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Faculty

Audience Faculty Only

9:00am CST

Collaborative Theatre Challenge Meeting

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

Initial meeting for all participants of the Collaborative Theatre Challenge.

Participants must have access to the event, but others may observe. If observing please be respectful of the work.

Guest Artists

Miguel Torres Cruz

R8 NPP Chair, CSU Fullerton

Miguel Torres Cruz is an actor, director, producer, and educator. He trained at the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA), CSU Bakersfield (BA Theatre Arts), and CSU FULLERTON (MFA in Acting). He is a faculty member at CSU Fullerton, Chair of National Playwriting Program for the Kennedy... Read More →

Festival Leadership

Cat Gleason

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Truman State University

Cat Gleason teaches acting, directing, and stage movement, as well as theatre history and criticism. An award-winning teacher, she has received the Road Warrior and Innovative Teaching honors from The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival KCACTF5 as well as being honored... Read More →

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

Laura Gold (she/her) is the Associate Professor of Theatre at Peru State College. Recent Peru Theatre Company directing credits include Orphans, Love Song, Proof, and Everybody. She is especially proud of PTC's annual production The Disco Citizens—30 plays in 60 minutes, or your... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, Collaborative Theatre Challenge

9:00am CST

Information & Registration

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CST

Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Jonathan Wehmeyer

Associate Registrar, Truman State University

Jim Wood

KCACTF National Committee Member at Large, South Dakota State University

Jim Wood currently serves on the KCACTF National Executive Committee as Member-at-Large. He also serves Region 5 as the Registrar and is a former Regional Chair. Jim is a Professor and the Artistic Director of Theatre & Dance at South Dakota State University. An actor, director, designer... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 4:00pm CST
Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Information & Registration

9:00am CST

Coats for Loan

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor)

Operation Warmth is brought to you be the RED committee. We want to “Coat you in Warmth”. Coats may be checked out for the week on an honor system. You can come by the DTM Expo area and sign out a coat if you need one. Coats are available in L and 2 XL in order to accommodate as many bodies as possible.

Festival Leadership

Laura Chaney

RED Vice Chair, Cottey College

Marc Vital

RED Chair, University of Missouri

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

9:00am CST

American Girl(s) Load In

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

Presenters

Spencer Musser

Assoc Workshop Coord, U of Central Missouri

Spencer Musser is the assistant professor of scene design and technical direction at the University of Central Missouri. He is a graduate of UMKC graduate theatre program and the Kansas City Art Institute. Since graduation he has worked and taught around the United States including... Read More →

Brad Reissig

University of North Dakota

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Originally from northwest ND, Noah J. Files has worked in the theatre on both coasts and throughout the Midwest. He earned his MFA in Scenic Design from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a BA in Theatre Arts from Minot State University in Minot, ND. A former Region V student... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Invited Production

9:00am CST

Design Expo Check In

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor)

Design Expo check in and set up for all participating

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Emily Ganfield

DTM Chair, Coe College

Kate Kanne

EXPO Coord, Central College

AP Pikiben

Cost. Parade Coordinator, Truman State University

AP is a professor at Truman State University. This is their second year as the Co-Coordinator for the Expo and first year as Costume Parade Coordinator. AP is excited for another year at their favorite festival!

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Expo

9:30am CST

Acting in Masks

Monday January 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

The workshop will help students awaken their imagination and liberate themselves from physical and psychological inhibitions.
Playing with Character Masks grants students the freedom to explore different personas and express their inner thoughts and emotions, and guides students toward making bold physical and vocal choices on stage.
The workshop includes:
Physical and vocal warm-up.
Learning basic principles of working with masks.
Improvisations.

Presenters

Vladimir Rovinsky

Minnesota State U Mankato

Vladimir Rovinsky received an MFA in directing from the St. Petersburg Academy of Theatre Arts, Russia. Before coming to America in 2000 he was working as a professional theatre director in Russia. He has been teaching acting since 1996 and has worked as a director, actor, and teacher... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Area Acting and Directing, Faculty Development, Stage Movement and Combat

9:30am CST

TAI CHI FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Monday January 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Participants will learn the fundamentals of Tai Chi (moving meditation) and how to apply the basic principles in the classroom and rehearsal hall to enhance focus and relaxation. We will practice and learn the I Chi King and 5 Moving Elements.

Presenters

Mark Kelty

Central Methodist University

Mark Kelty is the Director and Professor of Theatre at Central Methodist University.

Monday January 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Stage Movement and Combat

9:30am CST

The Disco Citizens Present: WRITE NOW!

Monday January 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor)

Wanna act, direct, and/or write plays? Don't wait to be cast in someone else's project, get your friends together and do it yourself! This workshop kicks you into high gear towards creating your own fast paced, short form, home-grown show. Together we’ll select a theme, do some flash writing exercises, and get you started on your path to production. No need to wait for someone else to give you permission, you have all the tools you need!

Presenters

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

Monday January 20, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Playwriting, Acting and Directing, Faculty Development

9:30am CST

Costume Runway Intensive

Monday January 20, 2025 9:30am - 12:30pm CST

Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

In this intensive students will randomly pull a character that they must design with a given concept. Students will create a pin drape on provided dress forms, using stock fabrics, that will then be displayed at the entrance of the Design/ Tech Expo for the rest of the conference. If able, students are asked to bring 2 yards of fabric to contribute to the stock fabric used in the intensive.

Festival Leadership

Cassie Kay Hoppas

U of Central Missouri

Monday January 20, 2025 9:30am - 12:30pm CST
Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Workshops, DTM Expo

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management

11:00am CST

Faculty Track: Promotion & Tenure

Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

Faculty Professional Development Track: Discuss best practices for preparing and representing yourself for promotion and tenure, especially for outside stakeholders.

Festival Leadership

Emily Cherry Oliver

Region 5 Co-Chair, University of North Dakota

Jim Wood

KCACTF National Committee Member at Large, South Dakota State University

Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Faculty, Faculty Professional Development

Audience Faculty Only
Area Faculty Development

11:00am CST

Costume Crafts Show and Share

Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor)

As costume artisans and theatre practitioners we have lots of different talents and interests. Sometimes they are seen on stage and sometimes they are for our own enjoyment and for those we love. This session is simply a show and share of all the other things you may be working on that are NOT related to a production. Are you a quilter? Knitter? Do you love to crochet? Is workworking or nalbinding a hobby? Come and show and share and chat about the other crafty hobbies that fill your elusive free time. No pressure! No judging! Just a chat...

Presenters

Sheila Tabaka

Southwest Minnesota State U

Sheila Tabaka is a theatrical director and costume designer, teaching at Southwest Minnesota State University. She attended the kilt making apprenticeship at the Kiltmakery in Edinburgh, Scotland and is now the owner of Caledonia Kilts. Tabaka is a past chair of KCACTF Region 5 Design... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Design Technology & Management

11:00am CST

Hand to Hand Combat: The basics of fighting on stage

Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

This workshop will provide an introduction and exploration of the technical and aesthetic aspects of stage combat. Goals include developing the ability to safely portray violence onstage within the context of a play. Students will learn awareness of space, strikes, pushes and falls.

Presenters

Iris D. Dodge

U of Northwestern St Paul

IRIS DODGE received her Theatrical training from University of Wisconsin River Falls and holds an MFA in Theatre-Stage Management from Yale University. As an Equity Stage Manager she has spent most of her theatrical career on the east coast working in Broadway and Off-Broadway Theatre... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Stage Movement and Combat

11:00am CST

The Introduction to Meyerhold's Biomechanics

Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

A practical workshop in the physical actor training method created by legendary Russian director Vsevolod Meyerhold. The technique was created as an alternative to Stanislavsky’s system and utilized grotesque and decidedly non-realistic artistic approaches. Biomechanics is a wonderful tool for practical understanding of theatricality in the moving body, use of the body for storytelling, and expansion of physical expressiveness and thus is useful to an actor preparing for work in any theatrical language.

Presenters

Vladimir Rovinsky

Minnesota State U Mankato

Monday January 20, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Area Acting and Directing, Faculty Development, Stage Movement and Combat

12:30pm CST

How to be a Respondent for Region 5

Monday January 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

New to Region 5 or need a refresher on responding. Join the Region 5 leadership to learn best practices of responding. You will learn how to respond to regional productions and get to see some amazing student work!

Festival Leadership

Laura Chaney

RED Vice Chair, Cottey College

Haidee Heaton

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Culver-Stockton College

Deidre Mattox

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Hutchinson Community College

Monday January 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops, Faculty

Audience Faculty Only
Area Talking about Theatre

12:30pm CST

Stage Management Documentation

Monday January 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

One of the most important parts of the Stage Manager's role is documentation - the forms and the information included on those forms. This workshop will discuss different templates and what information can and should be included so that everyone working on the show has what they need to be successful in their individual contributions.

Presenters

Erin Urick

Temporary Full-time Faculty - Theatre, Butler Community College

Erin Urick (they/them) is an award-winning performer and director, with an MFA in Stage Management from the University of Idaho and over 200 hours of experience as an Intimacy Director. They currently hold a faculty position at Butler Community College in El Dorado, KS.

Monday January 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management

12:30pm CST

The Wall-E Factor: Your Body as Narrative Tool

Monday January 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

This workshop uses Stanislavski's method of Etudes for actor training to practice building a character, a story, and an event onstage. You will sharpen your understanding and confidence in your body in space, your effect on the audience, and your own ability to structure a moment. The etude has been developed as a tool at the Moscow Art Theatre through Anatoly Efros, Maria Knebel, and other contemporary actors and directors.

Presenters

Kassy Skoretz

Anoka Ramsey Community College

Monday January 20, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Stage Movement and Combat

1:00pm CST

10 Minute Play Auditions

Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Auditions for the 10 Minute Plays. Auditions will be cold readings from a supplied text. Add the event to your schedule to sign up. This event has limited capacity. When open add this event to your schedule to reserve your spot. If you no longer will attend please remove it from your schedule to allow those on the waitlist to join.

This event will open Sunday, 1/19 at 11:00 pm

Festival Leadership

Cat Gleason

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Truman State University

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

Aaron Scully

NPP Chair, U of Central Missouri

Aaron Scully, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Central Missouri. His plays have been produced around the country including Atlanta, Des Moines, Washington D.C., Seattle and Pittsburgh, PA. Most recently a production of his play "The Disappointments" toured... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, 10 Minute Plays

2:00pm CST

10 Minute Play Auditions

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Cat Gleason

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Truman State University

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

Aaron Scully

NPP Chair, U of Central Missouri

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, 10 Minute Plays

2:00pm CST

Faculty Track: Publicity and Promotion

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

Faculty Professional Development Track: Learn best practices for publicizing and promoting your production season and shows.

Festival Leadership

Emily Cherry Oliver

Region 5 Co-Chair, University of North Dakota

Billy Wilburn

Prof. Audition/Interview Coord., South Dakota State University

Billy is an Associate Professor of Theatre at South Dakota State University. He is also the Artistic Director of Prairie Repertory Theatre in Brookings, South Dakota, and serves as coordinator of Professional Auditions and Technical Interviews KCACTF 5. He earned his B.A. in Theatre... Read More →

Jim Wood

KCACTF National Committee Member at Large, South Dakota State University

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Faculty, Faculty Professional Development

2:00pm CST

ITJA Session 1

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

Participants must have access to the event, but others may observe. If observing please be respectful of the work.

Guest Artists

Michael Morain

dsm magazine

Michael Morain is the editor-in-chief of dsm magazine, which covers arts and culture in Des Moines. He reviewed theater for a decade for the Des Moines Register, co-founded the Cloris Awards for local theater, and is a two-time fellow of the National Endowment for the Arts Institute... Read More →

Festival Leadership

Susan Hansen

ITJA Coordinator, Riverland Community College

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, ITJA

Audience Participants Only
Area ITJA

2:00pm CST

The Professional - Introduction to Knife Fighting on Stage

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

An introductory look at one of the fastest growing weapon styles for the stage -- the knife. How to take a simple 3 tor 4 inch piece of metal and make a convincing narrative using acting, psychological gesture, body mechanics, and discipline. No previous experience is necessary, and it is the hope that everyone from the experienced to the amateur will walk out of the workshop looking like a professional fighter.

Presenters

Joseph Urick

PA/TI Assoc Coord, Wichita State University

JOSEPH URICK is an award-winning actor based in Wichita, Kansas. He has performed Off-Broadway, nationally, and internationally at such theatres as the ZACH Scott, Texas Light Opera, and Theatre Soutwest in Texas; the Hippodrome and Florida Shakespeare; and the Papagaou Theatre and... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Area Acting and Directing, Stage Movement and Combat

2:00pm CST

Invited Scene Rehearsal

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Temple Theater

Rehearsal in the space for Invited Scenes.

Festival Leadership

Matthew Caron

Invited Scenes Assoc Coord, Minnesota State U Mankato

Matthew Caron serves as Managing Director of the Theatre Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato. In addition to teaching courses in theatre speech, dialects, management, history and directing, he directs productions for the department as well. Prior to his current position... Read More →

Rusty W Ruth

Inv. Scene/Stdnt Choice Coord, Wayne State College

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, Invited Scenes

2:00pm CST

Stage Crew Olympics Intensive

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

An intensive workshop to teach participants the basics of scene shifts, costume quick changes, and other skills that will be used at the final event. During the intensive, each student will be assigned to a team. The teams will have opportunities to practice their skills and teamwork.

Festival Leadership

George Grubb

Technical Director/Sound Designer/Chair, Minnesota State U Mankato

Things I like: knot tying, teaching, building stuff, creating soundscapes, the outdoors, automation, rigging, drafting, cooking, eating, sleeping, being neurodivergent.

Natalie Hining

Stage Crew Olympics Coord, Simpson College

Monday January 20, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Festival Events, Stage Crew Olympics

3:00pm CST

10 Minute Play Auditions

Monday January 20, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Cat Gleason

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Truman State University

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

Aaron Scully

NPP Chair, U of Central Missouri

Monday January 20, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, 10 Minute Plays

3:30pm CST

Acting Shakespeare: the basics

Monday January 20, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

How do you use iambic pentameter and not let it use you? Why is Shakespeare so confusing? Is there a secret code to understanding Shakespeare? In this workshop we will unlock the basics of acting Shakespeare so you can perform The Bard's work with confidence. Bring a Shakespeare monologue to work on, or use the one provided.

Presenters

Molly Wiebe Faber

Northwestern College

Molly Wiebe Faber is an assistant professor of theatre at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA, where she teaches acting and directing courses. Molly graduated with her MFA in Acting from East 15 Acting School in England, and with a BA in Theatre and Psychology from Tabor College... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing

3:30pm CST

Elements of Behavior: Bridging Acting & Playwriting

Monday January 20, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

A look at two of Stanislavski's elements of acting (event and appraisal) and how they can serve a playwright in story telling.

Presenters

Miguel Torres Cruz

R8 NPP Chair, CSU Fullerton

Monday January 20, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Playwriting

3:30pm CST

Launch. Relaunch. Quarantine. Zoom. Re-Re-Launch. Hiatus. Fly. Starting a theatre in the time of the plague

Monday January 20, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

TheatreMidwest, a professional non-profit theatre, was founded in 2018. After a brief anecdotal run-down of how the process has brought us to 2025, please bring your questions for some discussion. We can talk about starting a theatre 'in general' or focus on specific strategies gleaned through the last 5ish seasons...benefits, pitfalls, all the stuff you are eager to talk about.

Presenters

Tom Woldt

TheatreMidwest

TOM WOLDT is Founding Artistic Director of TheatreMidwest (2018.) As a Theatre Educator, he was Professor and Chair at Doane College, Simpson College, and University of South Dakota, and had other part-time/guest-artist activities. For KCACTF, Tom is a former Region 5 Chair, National... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Faculty Development, Talking about Theatre, Representation Equity and Diversity

5:00pm CST

Irene Ryan Selector Deliberations

Monday January 20, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

Irene Ryan Prelim Selector Deliberations (Closed Session)

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

7:00pm CST

Invited Production: American Girl(s)

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00pm - 7:30pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

This event has limited capacity. When open add this event to your schedule to reserve your spot. If you no longer will attend please remove it from your schedule to allow those on the waitlist to join.

This event will open Sunday, 1/19 at 11:00 pm

American Girl(s) by University of Missouri alumna Abby Uphoff is a KCACTF award-winning one-act play that zooms in on a moment in time at Camp Rainbow Bridge, a grief camp. The story follows MJ, a jaded young woman with existential tendencies who grapples with the loss of her beloved Aunt Kay. MJ is tasked with writing a letter to the object she brought to camp connected to her loss, a Molly American Girl Doll. With disdain for Camp Rainbow Bridge and its festive 4th of July celebration that reminds MJ of the deceptions of the “American Dream,” MJ writes and then throws her letter in the fire. In a seemingly magical turn of events, MJ is subsequently greeted by a real live version of Molly. While deeply skeptical of this “camp exercise” at first, together Molly and MJ grieve, heal, scream, sing, and question what it means to grow up as an American Girl.

Content Disclosure: discussions of grief, addiction, death, death of a family member, familial trauma, medical trauma, financial trauma, and war.

MU Theatre American Girls program pdf

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00pm - 7:30pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Invited Production

7:00pm CST

10 Minute Play Casting

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Casting for the 10 Minute Plays (Closed Session)

Festival Leadership

Cat Gleason

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Truman State University

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

Aaron Scully

NPP Chair, U of Central Missouri

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, 10 Minute Plays

7:00pm CST

Invited Scene Showcase

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CST

Temple Theater

Festival Leadership

Matthew Caron

Invited Scenes Assoc Coord, Minnesota State U Mankato

Rusty W Ruth

Inv. Scene/Stdnt Choice Coord, Wayne State College

Invited Scenes program pdf

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Invited Scenes

7:00pm CST

DTM Expo Material Review Session

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00pm - 10:00pm CST

Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor)

Respondents Only (closed session)

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Emily Ganfield

DTM Chair, Coe College

Kate Kanne

EXPO Coord, Central College

AP Pikiben

Cost. Parade Coordinator, Truman State University

Monday January 20, 2025 7:00pm - 10:00pm CST
Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

9:00pm CST

Irene Ryan Semis Orientation

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Orientation for all participating in the semifinals of Irene Ryans and their faculty coach

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

Cara Phipps

Irene Ryan Coordinator, Graceland University

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Monday January 20, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

10:00pm CST

BIPOC and Friends Meet and Greet Game Night

Monday January 20, 2025 10:00pm - 11:00pm CST

Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor)

Come meet other students like yourself. Play interactive games and get to know your future colleagues

Festival Leadership

Laura Chaney

RED Vice Chair, Cottey College

Marc Vital

RED Chair, University of Missouri

Monday January 20, 2025 10:00pm - 11:00pm CST
Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, RED

10:00pm CST

Faculty Acting Showcase

Monday January 20, 2025 10:00pm - 11:30pm CST

Temple Theater

Festival Leadership

Trevor Belt

Faculty Acting Assoc. Coord, Baker University

Scott Cox

Faculty Acting Coordinator, Johnson County CC

Dr. Scott Cox has been a stage actor in the Kansas City area for 30 years. His first professional acting job was Frank Higgins' The Life & Times of Jesse James in 1991.He received initial training at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before earning a BA in Theatre from Missouri... Read More →

Monday January 20, 2025 10:00pm - 11:30pm CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Faculty Acting Showcase

10:00pm CST

Faculty and Guest Artist Hospitality Suite

Monday January 20, 2025 10:00pm - 11:55pm CST

Marriott Hospitality Suite Room 3108

Festival Leadership

Faculty, Hospitality Suite