KCACTF Region 5 Festival 57: Full Schedule

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8:00am CST

SDC Space Walk Thru

Friday January 24, 2025 8:00am - 11:00am CST

Marriott Salon D&E (2nd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Sarah Belfrage Honerman

Directing Assoc. Coord, Minot State University

Sarah Belfrage-Honerman is the Director of Theatre at Minot State University. Belfrage-Honerman grew up in the Midwest, originally from Sioux Falls, SD.Belfrage-Honerman is a veteran educator, with over a decade of experience in the classroom and working in the theatre. She has built... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 8:00am - 11:00am CST
Marriott Salon D&E (2nd Floor)

Festival Events, SDC

8:00am CST

DTM Expo Strike

Friday January 24, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm CST

Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor)

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 →

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!

Friday January 24, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm CST
Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, DTM Expo

8:00am CST

Sensory Space

Friday January 24, 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

Friday January 24, 2025 8:00am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Windows Room (1st Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

8:30am CST

The Night Witches Load In/Out Response

Friday January 24, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CST

Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor)

Presenters

Brian Begley

Wayne State College

Kate Kanne

EXPO Coord, Central College

Festival Leadership

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Friday January 24, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CST
Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Response, Invited Production

8:30am CST

10 Minute Play Tech Rehearsal

Friday January 24, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

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 →

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 →

Friday January 24, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, 10 Minute Plays

9:00am CST

The Night Witches Production Response

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CST

Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor)

Guest Artists

Gina Sandi-Diaz

National RED Chair, CA State U, Fresno

Dr. Gina Sandi-Diaz is an Associate Professor of Theatre at California State University, Fresno where she teaches Latinx Theatre, Devised Theatre, Acting, and Directing. She is an actor, director, deviser, and applied theatre facilitator with an emphasis on the representation of people... Read More →

Michelle Bombe

Immediate Past National Chair, Hope College

Michelle Bombe is the Immediate Past National Chair of KCACTF, Executive Artistic Director of Hope Repertory Theatre- an Equity Theatre in Western Michigan, and Chair of the Theatre Department at Hope College in Holland, MI. Michelle received her MFA in design from U Texas- Austin... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Response, Invited Production

9:00am CST

Stage Management Round Table

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor)

Festival Leadership

Patrick Reading

Stage Management Coordinator, University of North Dakota

Patrick is currently the Technical Director and a Teaching Assistant Professor for the University of North Dakota Department of Theatre Arts. In addition to UND’s Technical Direction, he is the resident Sound Designer, supervisor of Stage Management and Properties and proudly acts... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 10:30am CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops, Stage Management

Area Design Technology & Management

9:00am CST

Information & Registration

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm 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 →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Marriott Coat Check (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Information & Registration

9:00am CST

Irene Ryan Finals Rehearsal

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Rehearsals for all Ryan finals, time and order TBD (Closed Session)

Festival Leadership

Erik Meixelsperger

Ryan Assoc. Coord, Drake University

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

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

9:00am CST

Coats for Loan

Friday January 24, 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

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

9:00am CST

ETC Training Level 3

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST

Civic Center West Balcony Lounge

Intermediate: For customers who have mastered Level 1 and Level 2 topics. This class includes chapters on advanced selection and manual control features, multiple cell fixtures, filters and macros.he ETC trainings are open to faculty and grad students first. If space is available it will be open to undergraduate students at a later time.

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 Wednesday 1/15 at 10 am

Friday January 24, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CST
Civic Center West Balcony Lounge 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Faculty, ETC Intensive

9:30am CST

BIPOC Conversation: Life in Theatre

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor)

Join a conversation with guest artists negotiating the business as a BIPOC artist. Q&A to follow.

Guest Artists

Chuma Gault

Freelance Artist

Chuma is an actor, producer and director. He is ad for FAT HAM by James Ijams (Dezart Performs); directed “ROBBIN, from the HOOD”, by Marlow Wyatt (Road Theatre). Chuma is directing in residency with two plays at the L.A. LGBTQ Center with playwrights Tony Abatemarco (The LOST... Read More →

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Correy West was last seen on Broadway in Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. He made his Broadway debut in South Pacific at Lincoln Center. Subsequently, he performed in the Broadway production of Nice Work If You Can Get It at the Imperial Theatre alongside Matthew... Read More →

Karen Burthwright

Open Jar Institute

Karen is thrilled and honored to be back here with Region 5 at KCACTF this year. In 2018, 2020, (and virtually in 2022) Karen (AEA, SAG/AFTRA, CAEA, ACTRA) was a guest artist who taught musical theatre workshops, was the MTI choreographer/Open Jar representative, and judged and responded... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

9:30am CST

Building Spaces of Acceptable Risk: Mental Health Coordination in Theatre

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

This workshop will introduce students and faculty to the burgoning field of mental health coordination in theatre and film. Attendees will learn how to cultivate rehearsal and performance practices that establish and respect individual boundaries and allow actors to do challenging work without causing mental or emotional harm to themselves. Other topics will include ways to self advocate, character de-rolling, and exercises for regulating the body in the rehearsal space.

Presenters

Carrie Pozdol

Intimacy Director

Carrie Pozdol is an actor, director, intimacy choreographer, and mental health coordinator based in eastern Iowa. Carrie has her BA in theatre from Simpson College and has extensive training in intimacy choreography and coordination with Theatrical Intimacy Education (TIE) and Intimacy... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

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

9:30am CST

Building your Resume

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor)

Program Representative and Teaching Artist, Rachel Kelsey, draws upon her personal and professional experience to bring you this workshop on building a theatrical resume. In this session, we will take a look at common resume layouts of industry professionals, examine what should be included on a resume, and craft our own. If time allows, we will deep-dive into headshots and websites as well. The intention of this session is to assist performers in creating tools to help them have successful careers and auditions. Here we will work on crafting strong, professional, and unique resumes. The session is taught from the lens and personal experience of Rachel Kelsey as she has attended professional auditions with individuals such as Alison Franck (Casting Director), Jeff Whiting (NYC Director/Choreographer), Kristian Charbonier (Casting Director), Sue Frost (Broadway Producer), etc. Things we will cover include:
- What to include within a theatrical resume (Physical Details, Contact Information, Experience (Stage, Film/Television, etc.), Education/Training, Awards/Honors, and Special Skills) as well as common formatting.
Organization of theatrical credits.
- Headshots - specifically how the individual would like to represent and market themself.
- What should be included within a performer, director, playwright and/or multi-hyphenate website.

Presenters

Rachel Kelsey

NTI Program Representative and Admissions Manager, National Theatre Institute

I understand and acknowledge that I teach these workshops through the lens of my own background, culture, and experience. It is neither my goal nor my desire to foist my lens upon students, but to facilitate an understanding and skill set when approaching these works that enhances... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Playwriting, Design Technology & Management, Musical Theatre and/or Voice, Talking about Theatre

9:30am CST

Musical Theatre Dance Workshop

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Come and join this energetic musical theatre workshop, the purpose of this workshop is to improve as best you can. We will begin with a warmup, including stretching and movement exercises, then we will transition to learning a section of choreography. The purpose of this workshop is to improve from wherever you are starting from, whether you are a beginner or you feel like you are an expert, the goal is to keep improving. All you need to bring is your positive energy, a willingness to try, and the willingness to collaborate with other people. (And something to dance in).

Presenters

Brandon V. Riley

University of Missouri

Brandon is an ADB PhD student in Theatre and Performance Studies. Brandon holds an MA in Theatre and Performance Studies, BA in Speech and Theatre and BS(s) Middle Education and Secondary Education. Previously he taught Theatre and served as Theatre Dept. Head at Grand Center Arts... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Area Musical Theatre and/or Voice

9:30am CST

Shakespeare in Motion

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Salon H (2nd Floor)

Using Movement, Physical Repition, and Repitition, Demistify and Activate Your Grasp of Hieghtened Text

Presenters

Bart Williams

Professor, Southeast Missouri State U

Bart Williams is professor of Movement, Acting, Stage Combat and Directing at the Dobbins Conservatory at Soutehast Missouri State University. he is a certified Instructor with Dueling Arts International (DAI), Associate Faculty with Theatircal Intimacy Education (TIE), and a Certified... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Salon H (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Acting and Directing

9:30am CST

The Ever-Shifting Landscape of Actor Training - The National Alliance of Acting Teachers

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

Join the National Alliance of Acting Teachers in a discussion about the challenges and strategies for training actors in today’s world. Learn about our programming and resources designed to support, inspire and connect you with a community of acting teachers across the country.

Presenters

Carla Noack

Natl Assoc of Acting Teachers

Carla Noack is an Associate Professor in the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, where she teaches the MFA acting progression as well as select undergraduate acting and storytelling classes. Most recently, she played Sarah Bernhardt in Bernhardt/Hamlet, Paige Connor in... Read More →

1 sheet member info email 2025 pdf

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Faculty Only
Area Acting and Directing, Faculty Development

9:30am CST

Thinking Inside the Box: Storyboarding for Puppet Design and Direction

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Salon F (2nd Floor)

Storyboarding is a vital practice for working out the visual aspects of a performance, but it can also be an essential part of the process for writing, designing, and building puppets and performing objects. In this workshop we will explore the process of storyboarding and how it can be applied to live theatre, especially for puppetry. I will demonstrate my own process for creating storyboards, using storyboards to understand how puppets will work and how they should be constructed, and guide you through the process for creating a puppet sequence to help tell a visual story.

Presenters

Ethan Koerner

Northwestern College

Ethan Koerner is designer, director, and puppeteer with over 20 years of professional and academic experience. Ethan is interested in visual storytelling and utilizing puppetry and mask to adapt timeless stories for live performance. He has created adaptations of The Jungle Book and... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Salon F (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management

9:30am CST

What's Your Vision? Conceptualizing, Communicating, and Collaborating as a Production Team

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

This panel discussion focuses on ways to develop and communicate production concepts and visualize early ideas from the standpoint of both directors and designers. We will offer insights into our personal processes with perspectives from a director, a scenic designer, and a lighting designer. Additionally, we will take a look at common challenges that occur in this process and how to overcome them.

Presenters

Jacee Casarella

Co-Volunteer Coordinator, Augustana University

Jacee Casarella is an Assistant Teaching Professor, Resident Designer, and Technical Director at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. She is also the Co-Volunteer Coordinator for Region 5, VP of Social Media & Publications for USITT Northern Boundary, and Production Manager for... Read More →

Jayna Gearhart Fitzsimmons

Augustana University

Drs. Jayna Gearhart Fitzsimmons (theatre) and Richard W. Swanson (classics, religion, and philosophy) teach at Augustana University and have developed an interdisciplinary approach to developing and collaboratively staging new work. Together, Jayna (director and dramaturg) and Richard... Read More →

Lucas Granholm

Portfolio Review Coord, U of Minnesota Morris

Lucas Granholm is an Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris), Chair for The United States Institute for Theatrical Technology Northern Boundary Section, and Program Director of the Minneapolis Green Theatre Alliance. At UMN Morris, Granholm... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Acting and Directing, Design Technology & Management, Talking about Theatre

10:00am CST

National Meeting

Friday January 24, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CST

Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor)

(Closed Session)

Festival Leadership

Laura Chaney

RED Vice Chair, Cottey College

Brad Dell

KCACTF National Chair, Iowa State University

Brad Dell (he/him/his) is the National Chair of KCACTF and past Chair of KCACTF Region 5. As Chair of the Department of Music and Theatre at Iowa State University Brad teaches classes in directing and performing arts. He is the recipient of the 2020 BroadwayWorld Des Moines Arts Educator... Read More →

Noah J. Files

DTM Vice Chair, Drake University

Emily Ganfield

DTM Chair, Coe College

Cat Gleason

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Truman State University

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

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 →

Aaron Scully

NPP Chair, U of Central Missouri

Marc Vital

RED Chair, University of Missouri

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 →

Jim Wood

KCACTF National Committee Member at Large, South Dakota State University

Friday January 24, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CST
Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Faculty

10:30am CST

Santa Fe Opera Call Backs

Friday January 24, 2025 10:30am - 5:00pm CST

Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor)

Guest Artists

Tracy Armagost

Production and Recruiting Coordinator, Sante Fe Opera

Tracy Armagost is beginning her 38th Season with the Santa Fe Opera.Tracy’s first position with the Santa Fe Opera was as a Properties Carpenter Apprentice. Over the years, she has also worked as part of the Properties Run Crew, Development Office, and the Housing Office to name... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 10:30am - 5:00pm CST
Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, PA/TI

11:00am CST

How to be a Respondent for Region 5

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Marriott Rock River Grill

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

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Marriott Rock River Grill 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops, Faculty

Area Talking about Theatre

11:00am CST

All In On Chekhov At 10-to-1! Producing THE GULL

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor)

Join the (1) Actor and the Producer/Director to find out more about developing a 1-woman, 10-character World Premiere (and special Festival Performance) of THE GULL; A TRAGICOMEDY FOR ONE, AFTER CHEKHOV, by Zachary Cohn. We will talk about the process for choosing the piece and dig into some of the challenges and rewards we found in the development journey and in facing the daunting task of producing a deconstruction of one of the most popular plays of the last 2 centuries--Anton Chekhov's THE SEAGULL. If you have seen the show (Thursday matinee at festival), or even if you're just curious about how a small professional theatre company functions in these times, please bring your questions and we'll have a lively discussion!

Presenters

Joan Korte

TheatreMidwest

As an actor, director, and teacher, Joan Korte is enthusiastic to share her passion for storytelling. She has most recently been involved with TheatreMidwest (IA) where she has appeared in THE GULL; A TRAGICOMEDY FOR ONE--AFTER CHEKHOV, WHEN THE MESSENGER IS HOT, and ATLAS OF MUD... Read More →

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 →

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Acting and Directing, Playwriting, Talking about Theatre

11:00am CST

Building Spaces of Acceptable Risk: Mental Health Coordination in Theatre

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

Presenters

Carrie Pozdol

Intimacy Director

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Faculty Only
Area Faculty Development, Acting and Directing, Representation Equity and Diversity, Talking about Theatre

11:00am CST

Fairytale Design Workshop: Reimagining Stories Through Technical Theatre Session 3

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

The fairytale design workshop is a three-day intensive workshop focused on collaboration and innovative theatrical designs. Each team member specializes in one technical theatre role: props, costumes, lighting, or scenic design, creating a high-concept design for classic fairytales. The final session will be presentations with guest judges and awards.

Presenters

Tetta Askeland

Southwest Minnesota State U

Tetta M. Askeland is a scenic designer and educator currently based in Minnesota. She received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern College and received her MFA in Scenic Design and Technology from Kent State University. In addition to freelance work, Askeland teaches theatrical... Read More →

AP Pikiben

Cost. Parade Coordinator, Truman State University

Alex Pikiben

Aspire Coord, Truman State University

Alex is a Lecturer of Theatre in Lights/Sound from Truman State University. He is also a freelance Light/Sound Designer from Minneapolis, MN. His past credits include Hair at Premiere Playhouse, Ride the Cyclone at Truman State, and Audio mixer at the True/False Festival. He loves... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management

11:00am CST

Non-Production Careers for the Theatre Major

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor)

While university education often centers around how to do various jobs in producing theatre, this class will take a look through some of the industry that supports production. For every actor on stage there are 10 people supporting them on the production. For all of those, there are hundreds in different industries supporting them. Lets take a look at what is out there.

Presenters

Matt Carroll

Electronic Theatre Controls

An alum of Emporia State University here in region 5, Matt has taken many different paths in his professional career; both in and out of production. He has worked as a Master Electrician, Freelance Designer, Sales Consultant for a Dealership, Tech Support and now management for ETC... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Design Technology & Management, Faculty Development, Talking about Theatre

11:00am CST

Presence, Purpose, and Connection: Audition Technique

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Salon H (2nd Floor)

How can you grow your sense of presence, purpose, and connection in your audition technique? What stories are your face, voice, and body telling that can support and enhance your overall performance and castability? This session is geared to heighten self-awareness and lower anxiety around the audition process, offering tools for non-verbal self-expression, grounding, and connection.

Presenters

Carla Noack

Natl Assoc of Acting Teachers

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Salon H (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing

11:00am CST

Social Justice in Performance: Applied Theatre Games and Scenes

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Want to learn about social justice theatre action? This workshop explores games and scene work for building theatre with community. Join us for improvisation games by Viola Spolin and theatre for social change work by Augusta Boal.

Presenters

M. Heather Carver

University of Missouri

M. Heather Carver is a Professor in the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Missouri where she directs the Center for Applied Theatre and Drama Research. Partnering in the workshop are her graduate students and Center Associate Directors: Darrell Bailey... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Representation Equity and Diversity

11:00am CST

Song Selection Secrets: Choosing the Perfect Audition Rep

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor)

Struggling to find the perfect song for your next audition? Want to discover songs that authentically reflect your voice and personality for the roles you’re interested in? Join Phyllis, aka @phyllis.sings, “That Singing Teacher” on social media, in this hands-on workshop where she’ll guide you through her process of selecting audition songs for specific roles. Phyllis will show you how to tap into the right material, curate a diverse and targeted song list, and choose pieces that showcase a unique voice and style. By the end of the session, you’ll feel confident and clear about how to approach your musical theatre audition song choice with purpose, leaving with a tailored list that sets you up for success. Don’t miss this interactive, fun, and informative opportunity to take your audition song game to the next level!

Presenters

Phyllis Horridge

MFA Candidate ‘26, Minnesota State U Mankato

You might know me from social media as @phyllis.sings aka THAT Singing Teacher. Follow for all things musical theatre.Phyllis Horridge is a second year MFA Musical Theatre candidate at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She holds a Masters in Music from George Mason University... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Musical Theatre and/or Voice

11:00am CST

Twirl Like Tina Turner

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Come and twirl with me in this Intermediate Musical Theatre Dance Workshop. You will learn choreography in the style of Tina Turner from the Broadway musical Tina:The Tina Turner Musical. I spent two years touring the country with the 1st National Tour serving as the shows Dance Captain/Swing/Tina & Rhonda Understudy. We will have a blast honoring the undisputed queen of Rock n’ Roll sweating it up to her unforgettable hit music, and fiercely physical and classically cardiovascular style of movement.

Presenters

Karen Burthwright

Open Jar Institute

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Musical Theatre and/or Voice

11:30am CST

Collaborative Theatre Challenge Presentations

Friday January 24, 2025 11:30am - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor)

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

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

Friday January 24, 2025 11:30am - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Sioux City (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Festival Events, Collaborative Theatre Challenge

12:00pm CST

SDC Performances

Friday January 24, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CST

Marriott Salon D&E (2nd Floor)

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 Thursday, 1/23 at 11:00 pm

Guest Artists

Chuma Gault

Freelance Artist

Kelsey Mesa

Managing KCACTF and Theatre Education, Kennedy Center

Kelsey Mesa's (she/her/hers) directing credits include Crimes of the Heart at Catholic University, Fefu and Her Friends at the University of Maryland, College Park; The Pavilion, The Magi, and Wish List at the Hub Theatre; and Othello, Antigonick, She Rode Horses Like the Stock Exchange... Read More →

Festival Leadership

Jamie Bullins

SDC Coordinator, U of Nebraska Lincoln

Sarah Belfrage Honerman

Directing Assoc. Coord, Minot State University

Friday January 24, 2025 12:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Marriott Salon D&E (2nd Floor)

Performance, SDC

12:30pm CST

ITJA Respondent Deliberations

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor)

Closed Session

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

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, ITJA

12:30pm CST

AI in Theatre Panel

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor)

Join us for a groundbreaking panel discussion that examines the intersection of artificial intelligence and theatre. This comprehensive workshop brings together theatre practitioners, technologists, accessibility advocates, and audiences to explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of theatrical creation and experience.

Presenters

Tetta Askeland

Southwest Minnesota State U

Jacee Casarella

Co-Volunteer Coordinator, Augustana University

Colin Hogan

Des Moines Area CC

Carl Lindberg

College Fair Coordinator, Des Moines Area CC

Carl Lindberg (he/him) is an actor, director, and Professor and Chair of the Theatre & Acting Programs at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). He has also served DMACC as a District Chair and a Director of Guided Pathways. He has worked at regional theatres (Steppenwolf (upcoming... Read More →

Festival Leadership

Emily Cherry Oliver

Region 5 Co-Chair, University of North Dakota

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Acting and Directing, Design Technology & Management, Faculty Development, Playwriting, Representation Equity and Diversity, Talking about Theatre

12:30pm CST

Ensemble Singing in Character

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

This workshop will explore how to sing together as an ensemble while discovering character and making story choices to advance the plot. Choral music will be provided. Please arrive warmed up and ready to sing!

Presenters

Nicholas Wayne

Minnesota State U Mankato

Nicholas Wayne has a Master of Music degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Bethany Lutheran College. He studied voice with Thaxter Cunio at the MacPhail Center for the Arts, Ann Fredrickson, and Stephen Bomgardner. Nicholas is the Music... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Musical Theatre and/or Voice

12:30pm CST

Faux Food for the Stage: What to use and how to make it

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor)

Explore the world of faux food for use on stage. Plan to be dazzled with displays of some of food items I have created over the years for various productions. We will discuss some common difficulties of faux food use and construction, and I will offer practical solutions I have employed over the years to solve such issue. We'll take detailed look at creating plates of food to be used in conjunction with elements of real food. As well, there will be fun tutorial on how to create fluff coating for use for cocktails, fried coatings, and soups. And provide a reference list of good places to purchase premade faux foods.

Presenters

Devon Denn-Young

The Rose Theater (Omaha Theater Company for Young People)

Devon is a Region 5 Alum with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Nebraska Wesleyan University - Lincoln & a Master of Visual and Performing Arts from Charles Stuart University, Wagga Wagga Campus - NSW, Australia. Now in her 9th season as the resident Prop Mistress & Prop Designer for The... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Design Technology & Management

12:30pm CST

QLab and Isadora Shoot out- Projection Design Edition

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

Qlab and Isadora are both video and audio playback software that supports Midi and other live camera feeds. Both have the capability to map images to a 3 dimensional surface. Both professional versions are around the same price. So which one do you choose? Come find out in this unbiased, no-holds-barred competition between two of the most common Projection Software on the market.

Presenters

Kristen Olinger

ICON Iowa Conservatory

Kristen Olinger is the Director of Design and Production at ICON Iowa Conservatory in Iowa City. Her local work includes Projection and Lighting Design for Cornell College, Theatre Cedar Rapids, Revival Theatre Company, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, Riverside Theatre, Crooked Path and... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Design Technology & Management

12:30pm CST

Seize the Stage, A Broadway Dance Workshop

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

An incredible opportunity to work with Broadway's Correy West in this motivating dance workshop. Learn original choreography from a Broadway show and work on mastering the skills needed to become a true triple threat and leave a lasting impression where ever you go. All skill levels are warmly welcome

Guest Artists

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Area Musical Theatre and/or Voice

12:30pm CST

Solo Performance Workshop

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

During this workshop students will explore the differences between solo performance and larger mainstage productions. In addition students will receive a brief introduction to Performance Studies and will be given prompts towards creating a new solo performance. Please bring a willingness to share and collaborate.

Presenters

Brandon V. Riley

University of Missouri

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Playwriting

12:30pm CST

Exploring Traditional Dance in Ghana: The Case Study of Adowa

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 3:00pm CST

Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor)

This workshop will be a combination of a lecture and a dance. Participants should be ready to learn the Ghanaian culture and embrace diversity. It would be fun.

Presenters

Selwyn Ofori

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Minnesota State U Mankato

I am your Lecturer, Content Creator and Thespian.

Friday January 24, 2025 12:30pm - 3:00pm CST
Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Musical Theatre and/or Voice

1:00pm CST

DTM Expo Board Strike

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CST

Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor)

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

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Marriott Des Moines Exhibits Hall (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Orientation/Meeting, DTM Expo

1:30pm CST

Irene Ryan Finals Selector Meeting

Friday January 24, 2025 1:30pm - 1:50pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Orientation for Ryan finals selectors (Closed Session)

Guest Artists

Ashley DeMoville

R7 Co-Chair, Spokane Falls CC

Dr. Ashley DeMoville is an accomplished academic leader, director, and educator dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion in theater education. Currently the Interim Dean of Visual and Performing Arts at Spokane Falls Community College, she holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational... Read More →

CarlosAlexis Cruz

UNC Charlotte/Nouveau Sud

CarlosAlexis Cruz is the Producing Artistic Director of the Nouveau Sud Circus project; a circus for social change company in service of intercultural and cross cultural communications in the urban region of Charlotte, North Carolina.Cruz’s Nouveau Sud was awarded a NEFA National... Read More →

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Karen Burthwright

Open Jar Institute

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

Friday January 24, 2025 1:30pm - 1:50pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Irene Ryans

2:00pm CST

Draping Fundamentals

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Salon H (2nd Floor)

A brief introduction to what draping is in the world of the costume shop! How we shape darts, gathers, tucks, and more- some of the basic foundational techniques used in fabric draping.

Presenters

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 →

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Salon H (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Design Technology & Management

2:00pm CST

Ink and Watercolor for design.

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor)

In this workshop we will discuss techniques in drawing and painting with ink and watercolor for theatre design.

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 →

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Design Technology & Management

2:00pm CST

Open Discussion: How do we Balance life in the theatre world?

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

This is an open discussion or form about how people balance their work/life situations and help others who struggle with that burnout. This is an open discussion, so it is lead by the people in attendance.

Presenters

Kylie McDonald

University of North Dakota

Kylie McDonald is currently a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Theatre Arts Department and Costume Shop Manager at the Burtness Theatre. She holds an MFA in Costume Design with a secondary in Lighting Design. Her areas of discipline include costume design, patterning, draping... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Talking about Theatre

2:00pm CST

Safety in the Theatre: The Importance of the Prep Week for Stage Management

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor)

This is an in-depth workshop on the importance of prep week for the stage Management team and how it keeps our artists safe. How can you as a developing stage manager be the best prepared to start your production with safety as the priority? This workshop will give you tangible paperwork, layout expectations and help you and your stage management team to be prepared for your upcoming production.

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 →

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Salon G (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management, Talking about Theatre

2:00pm CST

The Principles of Belt Singing

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Developed by Lee Sweetland in the 1960's (teacher of Barbra Streisand, George Hearn, Kay Cole, Seth MacFarland, and others), the Sweetland Singing Technique is the only technique that enables singers to Belt, sing Legit, and easily change vocal styles between Classical, Musical Theatre, Pop, Rock, Jazz, and Country. The workshop will teach you the basics of Sweetland Singing through demonstration and participation. www.sweetlandbeltsinging.com

Presenters

Patrick Newell

Western Nebraska CC

Dr. Patrick Newell is a vocal instructor, music director, stage director, choral conductor, and performer. A teacher of Opera, Musical Theatre, and Art Song, his students perform with Disney, Off-Broadway, National Tours, military bands, cruise lines, regional theatres, and amusement... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Area Musical Theatre and/or Voice

2:00pm CST

Working in the Industry- Ask Me Anything

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor)

There is a difference between knowing how to do a job and know how to get hired to do it! Lets sit down and talk about working professionally. I'll share insight from my time as a Master Electrician in regional theatre, Freelance Designer, Sales Associate with a Dealership and with ETC, a major manufacturer of lighting equipment.

Presenters

Matt Carroll

Electronic Theatre Controls

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Design Technology & Management, Faculty Development, Talking about Theatre

2:00pm CST

SDC Responses

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:45pm CST

Marriott Salon D&E (2nd Floor)

(Closed Session)

Guest Artists

Chuma Gault

Freelance Artist

Kelsey Mesa

Managing KCACTF and Theatre Education, Kennedy Center

Festival Leadership

Jamie Bullins

SDC Coordinator, U of Nebraska Lincoln

Sarah Belfrage Honerman

Directing Assoc. Coord, Minot State University

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 3:45pm CST
Marriott Salon D&E (2nd Floor)

Response, SDC

2:00pm CST

Irene Ryan Finals

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Irene Ryan Scholarship Audition Final Round one monologue and one scene will be presented in 4 minutes.

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.

Guest Artists

Ashley DeMoville

R7 Co-Chair, Spokane Falls CC

CarlosAlexis Cruz

UNC Charlotte/Nouveau Sud

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Karen Burthwright

Open Jar Institute

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

Ryans finals program pdf

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Performance, Irene Ryans

2:00pm CST

3D Vectorworks Scenic Modeling and Lighting

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

3D modeling has become very popular in our industry. This workshop will demonstrate how designers can create quick scenic and lighting models and drafting for designs using Vectorworks. Feel free to bring a laptop and follow along!

Presenters

Curtis Phillips

U of Minnesota Duluth

Curtis Phillips (cjp2designs.com) received an MFA in Scenic Design from the University of Wisconsin Madison where he studied under Joe Varga. Professional theatre credits include produced designs for Off-Off Broadway for the Mint Theatre Co and the American Globe Theatre as well as... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Workshops

Area Design Technology & Management

2:00pm CST

10 Minute Play Reading and Response

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

This event has limited capacity. 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.

Doors will open 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Join us for readings of this year's Region 5 winners of the Gary Garrison 10-Minute Play Award:

Guest Artists

Emma Busch

Playwrights' Center

Emma is a Twin Cities-based theater artist, dramaturg, and dreamer with an interest in archives, queer time, and place-making through a sociological lens. She recently was a part of TRACES, a site-specific show that performed across downtown Minneapolis. She has also made an artistic... Read More →

Hannah Joyce

Playwrights' Center

Hannah Joyce is the director of professional resources and education at Playwrights' Center in Minneapolis. From 2017 to 2022 she was also the producing artistic director of the William Inge Theater Festival in Kansas. Hannah has developed the new work of some the country’s finest... Read More →

Miguel Torres Cruz

R8 NPP Chair, CSU Fullerton

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

10 minute plays program pdf

Friday January 24, 2025 2:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, 10 Minute Plays

3:30pm CST

The Principles of Belt Singing

Friday January 24, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Presenters

Patrick Newell

Western Nebraska CC

Friday January 24, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Workshops

Area Musical Theatre and/or Voice

4:00pm CST

Costume Parade Load In

Friday January 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Festival Leadership

AP Pikiben

Cost. Parade Coordinator, Truman State University

Friday January 24, 2025 4:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Student Choice Showcase

4:30pm CST

Student Choice Rehearsal

Friday January 24, 2025 4:30pm - 6:30pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Participants Only

Festival Leadership

Rusty W Ruth

Inv. Scene/Stdnt Choice Coord, Wayne State College

Friday January 24, 2025 4:30pm - 6:30pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Orientation/Meeting, Student Choice Showcase

7:00pm CST

Student Choice Showcase and Awards

Friday January 24, 2025 7:00pm - 10:00pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Several events this week students voted on their favorite act, song, monologue, design, etc. Come to the Showcase and see your choices on the Hoyt Sherman stage and don't forget to vote throughout the week. Look for the QR codes!

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

Performance, Student Choice Showcase

10:00pm CST

Faculty and Guest Artist Hospitality Suite

Friday January 24, 2025 10:00pm - Saturday January 25, 2025 1:00am CST

Marriott Hospitality Suite Room 3108

Festival Leadership

Faculty, Hospitality Suite

10:30pm CST

Student Dance and Reception

Friday January 24, 2025 10:30pm - Saturday January 25, 2025 2:00am CST

Marriott Letters Ballroom (2nd Floor)

Friday January 24, 2025 10:30pm - Saturday January 25, 2025 2:00am CST
Marriott Letters Ballroom (2nd Floor)

Festival Events