KCACTF Region 5 Festival 57 has ended

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KCACTF Region 5 Festival 57

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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

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing

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

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 9:30am - 12:30pm CST
Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Workshops, DTM Expo

Audience Students Only
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

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

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

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

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 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

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

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)

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

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 →

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

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Playwriting

9:30am CST

Acting Through Musical Song

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor)

Program Representative and Teaching Artist, Rachel Kelsey, draws upon her professional performance experience to bring you this workshop on acting through musical song. The intention of this session is to assist performers in improving their understanding of musical theatre acting. Here we will work on crafting strong, professional, and creative choices when acting through musical text. Actors should have a 32 bar cut or full song prepared to workshop in this setting, in which Rachel will workshop with the student and provide feedback. We will create tactics, analyze the subtext & tone, clarify objective, and apply/utilize particularizations. The session is taught from the lens and personal experience of Rachel Kelsey as both an instructor and performer. The workshop is open to actors at all levels in their educational career. We are thrilled to bring KCACTF a taste!

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 →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Musical Theatre and/or Voice

9:30am CST

Fairytale Design Workshop: Reimagining Stories Through Technical Theatre Session 1

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Renaissance Savery Roosevelt

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

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!

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 →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Renaissance Savery Roosevelt 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management

9:30am CST

From the Beginning

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Renaissance Savery Capitol

This workshop is for anyone interested in what it means to begin. In our time together, we will explore what it means to conceive of a creative project, how we can get past our inner critic to create from a space of curiosity, and offer observations on the work of our peers to foster ideas rather than critique them. This workshop will combine writing, performance, and directing as well as leave space for engagement with the work presented.

Presenters

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 →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Renaissance Savery Capitol 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Playwriting

11:00am CST

"Do it again, with an Irish accent": learning dialects!

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Renaissance Savery Truman

Maybe you're preparing for an audition, or you've already got the part, or you've been called back and they said "let's hear it with [fill in the blank] accent next time." Now what? We'll walk through the steps of adopting a dialect -- and the right one for the role -- using a process adaptable to any language/dialect/situation, from "I need it tomorrow" to "I've got months to get it right."

Presenters

Laurel Koerner

Dordt University

Laurel Alons Koerner (MFA Acting, CalArts; MA Bowling Green State University) is a theatre artist-educator specializing in acting and directing. In addition to teaching, directing, and designing for productions at Dordt University, she coaches professional actors in preparing dialects... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Renaissance Savery Truman 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing

12:30pm CST

A Guide to the Playwright/Director Relationship

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

This workshop will cover best practices in maintaining a positive and collaborative relationship between directors and playwrights. From expectation agreements to rehearsal room behavior, students will discuss what it takes to balance the playwright’s intent with the director’s creative interpretation. Students will go over curated questions that every director and playwright should answer at the beginning of the production development process, check-in tactics, conflict resolution techniques, and creating time lines with clearly defined goals.

Presenters

Taylor Gruenloh

Missouri U of Science & Tech

Tavlor Gruenloh is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at Missouri S&T and was the founding Artistic Director of the Tesseract Theatre Company in St. Louis. His plays have been produced in cities across the country, including St. Louis, New Orleans, Asheville, Roanoke and New York City... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Playwriting

12:30pm CST

The International Phonetic Alphabet: Your Gateway to Pronunciation and Dialect Work

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor)

This workshop will serve as an introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Participants will learn the basic IPA symbols most useful to a performer. These will then be applied to both a Standard American Dialect and a Standard English Dialect.

Presenters

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 →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Dubuque (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing

12:30pm CST

What's Your Status

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Renaissance Savery Capitol

In a production, the status you are given is not always what is earned. As actors, it is imperative to begin with an analysis of character. Who are you? Who is above you? Who is below you? What does that mean in terms of your relationships with the characters around you? This workshop is designed to understand what we mean when we talk about status, how to both demonstrate and observe it, and how to put that into practice onstage through a series of interactive exercises and active observation.

Presenters

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 →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Renaissance Savery Capitol 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Talking about Theatre

12:30pm CST

“Dancing Through Life” Tap Dance (Beginning/Intermediate)

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Renaissance Savery I & II

Bring your tap shoes! This workshop is ideal for the student with a basic level of comfort with tap steps and vocabulary. Following a warm up and some technique practice, we will learn a combination to “Dancing Through Life” from “Wicked”.

Presenters

Emily Ehling

University of Missouri

Emily Duggins Ehling (she/her) is Assistant Teaching Professor of Stage Movement and Dance at the University of Missouri. She draws from Horton, Release Technique, Laban, somatics, and improvisation to encourage grounded, expansive, curious movement. Her research explores the intersection... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Renaissance Savery I & II 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Stage Movement and Combat, Musical Theatre and/or Voice

12:30pm CST

Mastering the Art of Film and TV Auditioning

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 3:00pm CST

Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor)

Elevate your audition game with this hands-on workshop designed to help actors excel in film and TV auditions. Participants will work with real sides from actual productions, learning techniques to deliver memorable performances that make a lasting impression. This workshop will focus on essential skills such as breaking down sides, understanding character motivation, adapting to direction, and creating authentic, engaging auditions that stand out. Whether you're a seasoned actor or just starting your journey, this experience will provide the tools and confidence to shine in front of casting directors.

Presenters

Darrell Bailey

University of Missouri

Darrell Bailey is a Stage and Film Actor, Artist, Director, and Instructor from Kansas City, Missouri. He trained in Los Angeles at the New York Film Academy to obtain his Master of Fine Arts in Acting for Film.

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 3:00pm CST
Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing

12:30pm CST

Principles of Greek Tragedy

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 3:00pm CST

Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

This interactive workshop explores the basic principles of Greek tragic performance that make it challenging for modern actors and directors. Participants will be led through exercises that develop skills necessary for approaching the content and form of Greek Tragedy with a focus on vocal presence, expressive gesture, spatial relationship, and the function of Chorus. Participants will be asked to come prepared with a memorized text.

Presenters

Nathan Bowman

Assistant Professor, Chair/ Producing Artistic Director, Benedictine/KC Public Theatre

Nathan Bowman is Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Benedictine College and the Producing Artistic Director of Kansas City Public Theatre. He is the Vice-President of Mid-America Theatre Conference where he previously served as Co-Chair of Playwriting and he is the Book... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 12:30pm - 3:00pm CST
Marriott Council Bluffs/Davenport (3rd Floor)

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing

2:00pm CST

Audition Techniques

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor)

Program Representative and Teaching Artist, Rachel Kelsey, draws upon her professional audition experience to bring you this workshop. The intention of this session is to assist performers in improving their audition technique and specificity for both self-taped as well as in-person auditions. Here we will work on crafting strong, professional, and creative auditions experiences. Actors should have a 32 bar cut or 1-2 minute monologue prepared to workshop in a mock audition setting. During the workshop, participants will perform, work with Rachel, and have the opportunity to apply adjustments. The session is taught from the lens and personal experience of Rachel Kelsey as she has been in the room with individuals such as Alison Franck (Casting Director), Jeff Whiting (NYC Director/Choreographer), Kristian Charbonier (Casting Director), Sue Frost (Broadway Producer), etc. The workshop is open to actors at all levels in their educational career. We are thrilled to bring KCACTF Region 5 a taste of the current audition climate!

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 →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Musical Theatre and/or Voice, Acting and Directing

2:00pm CST

Hand to Hand Combat: The basics of fighting on stage

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Waterloo (3rd 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 →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Waterloo (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

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

3:30pm CST

"Do it again, with an Irish accent": learning dialects!

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Renaissance Savery Truman

Maybe you're preparing for an audition, or you've already got the part, or you've been called back and they said "let's hear it with [fill in the blank] accent next time." Now what? We'll walk through the steps of adopting a dialect -- and the right one for the role -- using a process adaptable to any language/dialect/situation, from "I need it tomorrow" to "I've got months to get it right."

Presenters

Laurel Koerner

Dordt University

Laurel Alons Koerner (MFA Acting, CalArts; MA Bowling Green State University) is a theatre artist-educator specializing in acting and directing. In addition to teaching, directing, and designing for productions at Dordt University, she coaches professional actors in preparing dialects... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Renaissance Savery Truman 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing

9:30am CST

Ballet for Beginners

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST

Renaissance Savery I & II

Pliés, tendus, and rond de jambs, oh my! This class is for absolute beginners and those who may have tried ballet and never went back. This workshop will prepare you for a basic ballet class so you will know the terms, positions and moves. There will be a strong focus on finding and resolving basic technique and alignment issues. Wear form fitting movement clothes, and either ballet shoes or socks.

Presenters

Grace Eness

Truman State University

Grace Eness is a senior student at Truman State University who has been trained in classical ballet for 15 years with the Royal Ballet of Iowa. She has also been trained in multiple different disciplines and strives to make dance accessible for all.

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 →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Renaissance Savery I & II 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Stage Movement and Combat

11:00am CST

Get the Job! - Developing your Resume and Polishing it for Success

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

This workshop is for actors, designers, and technicians. Whether you are learning to write a resume or polishing your current resume, this is the workshop for you. If you have a resume, bring it with you.

Presenters

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 →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Talking about Theatre

11:00am CST

Where Is My Body?: Building Physical Awareness through Contemporary Dance Partnering Techniques

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST

Renaissance Savery I & II

Through somatics-informed movement, spatial awareness exercises, and contemporary dance partnering fundamentals like counterbalance and weight-sharing, participants will build an awareness of their body in space and in relationship to other movers. Led by a modern dance choreographer, this session will provide actors with tools for approaching embodiment in their acting and performance work.

Presenters

Emily Ehling

University of Missouri

Emily Duggins Ehling (she/her) is Assistant Teaching Professor of Stage Movement and Dance at the University of Missouri. She draws from Horton, Release Technique, Laban, somatics, and improvisation to encourage grounded, expansive, curious movement. Her research explores the intersection... Read More →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Renaissance Savery I & II 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Stage Movement and Combat

12:30pm CST

Road to Hollywood

Wednesday January 22, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor)

Do you want to break into the exciting world of film acting but aren’t sure where to start? Whether you're an aspiring actor with no prior experience or someone looking to take your passion to the next level, The Road to Hollywood workshop is designed to guide you to begin your journey in the film industry. This workshop will provide students with essential tools, insider knowledge, and practical steps to help them navigate the path to success. The Road to Hollywood will cover crucial topics every new actor must understand when starting. We will demystify the steps needed to launch your career. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of the steps needed to start your acting career in film, from securing the right headshots to approaching agents and nailing your auditions. You’ll gain valuable industry insights, network with fellow aspiring actors, and walk away with a roadmap to help you achieve your Hollywood dreams.

Presenters

Darrell Bailey

University of Missouri

Darrell Bailey is a Stage and Film Actor, Artist, Director, and Instructor from Kansas City, Missouri. He trained in Los Angeles at the New York Film Academy to obtain his Master of Fine Arts in Acting for Film.

Wednesday January 22, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Salon B (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Talking about Theatre

12:30pm CST

What do YOU want? Use your KCACTF experience to catapult your career!

Wednesday January 22, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

How to kick your performance experiences up a notch!

What do YOU want? Use your KCACTF experience to catapult your career!

Join Symonne Sparks, Musical Theatre Artist, Professional Singer, and recipient of the 2023 Region 5 and the National KCACTF Musical Theatre Intensive top recognition, for her tips on moving to the next level. She will share important lessons she learned in her week with Open Jar Studios in New York City.

The workshop will focus on how to focus on your experiences and desires. Bring your questions about a career in the field and receive expert advice.

Presenters

Symonne Sparks

University of Missouri

Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Performer, Playwright, and Mother. Symonne SPARKS trained first with Opera Theatre of St. Louis, then studied Music: Vocal Performance at The University of Missouri and recently received her master's degree from MU in Theatre and Performance Studies. Sparks... Read More →

WHAT DO YOU WANT Workshop Affirmations png

Wednesday January 22, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Talking about Theatre, Musical Theatre and/or Voice

2:00pm CST

How to Compose for Theatre an Introduction to DAWs Midi and Composition

Wednesday January 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

Have you been working on a show and you haven’t been able to find a piece of music that is just right for a transition? Or maybe you want to try writing your own underscoring for a scene. This workshop will get you set up with everything you need to know to start writing your own music.

Presenters

Aleksandra Combs

U of Central Missouri

Aleksandra Combs (they/them) is a lighting sound, and projections designer based in Raymore, Missouri. They are also the Assistant Professor of Lighting and Sound Design at University of Central Missouri. Their recent design credits include She Kills Monsters (University of Central... Read More →

Wednesday January 22, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management

12:30pm CST

Basics of Social Dance Partnering

Thursday January 23, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Renaissance Savery I & II

In this dance workshop, we will experience fundamental principles of leading and following via vocabulary from waltz, foxtrot, and swing. No need to come with a partner, but there will be physical touch in the dancing. Everyone will get to practice both leading and following. Enjoy moving to music and explore the kinesthetic listening and responding that happens when you dance WITH another!

Presenters

Rebecca Katz Harwood

U of Minnesota Duluth

Rebecca Katz Harwood is an Associate Professor of Dance and Musical Theatre, and the Chair of the. Theatre Dept at UMN Duluth where she teaches classes in modern, jazz, and social dance, as well as directing and choreographing for the department.

Thursday January 23, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Renaissance Savery I & II 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Musical Theatre and/or Voice, Stage Movement and Combat

12:30pm CST

Resume, Portfolio, and Cover Letters.... Tips and Tricks

Thursday January 23, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST

Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor)

Are you ready to take your applications to the next level? This workshop will dive into the essentials of creating an outstanding online portfolio. what to include, what to avoid, and how to make it shine! We'll also tackle the art of writing a compelling cover letter, including how to get started and the must-have elements that truly make a difference.

Whether you're gearing up for a summer theatre gig, a full-time opportunity, or graduate school, this session has you covered! Plus, there will be plenty of time for questions, so come ready to ask, learn, and leave feeling confident about your next steps.

This workshop is primarily geared for designers and technicians, but much of it will apply to performance as well!

Presenters

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 →

Thursday January 23, 2025 12:30pm - 1:45pm CST
Marriott Salon A (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management

2:00pm CST

Directing from Curiosity

Thursday January 23, 2025 2:00pm - 4:30pm CST

Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor)

Directing is...well is difficult to define. There are myriad approaches to the craft, and (hot take) there isn't a "right" way. There is, however, a set of essential tools for all directors, the most important of which are analysis, observation, and communication. In this workshop, participants will spend time discussing theory and preparation for scene work and will practice various tools and techniques on selected scenes under the watchful eye of not only the instructor, but also their peers.

Presenters

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 →

Thursday January 23, 2025 2:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Marriott Cedar Rapids (3rd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing

3:30pm CST

Fairytale Design Workshop: Reimagining Stories Through Technical Theatre Session 2

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Renaissance Savery Roosevelt

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

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!

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 →

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Renaissance Savery Roosevelt 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management

3:30pm CST

How Do I Sing What I Mean?

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor)

You know the song, you know what you want to do with it, now how do you get your voice to cooperate with your acting choices? Mastering the art of singing goes far beyond belting. There is so much flexibility expected of the Musical Theatre singer, that it can be difficult to know how to vocally navigate one song, much less an entire role! I'll help you to learn how you can nail that high note, sing that softer section with ease, and yes, even belt those "Defying Gravity" notes!
*Participants in this workshop should come with a memorized song, and an accompaniment track, prepared to sing.

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Marriott Salon E (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only

3:30pm CST

Intro to Teaching Artistry & The Finding the Fun

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor)

Gain confidence in how to lead an acting workshop for young people! Do you love kids, but feel unsure about how to structure an acting class? Want to help the next generation of kids find a passion for theatre? Demystify the art of teaching theatre to young people in this 75-minute introduction to teaching artistry. You'll walk away with practical tips and tricks to create lesson plans, manage a classroom, and unlock a sense of play in your own acting work.

Presenters

Katie Colletta

Kirkwood Community College

Originally from Illinois, Katie earned her MA in Arts Administration from University of Kentucky and her BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University. She has taught and directed with nationally recognized institutions including Imagination Stage, Signature Theatre and Wolf Trap... Read More →

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Marriott Salon C (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing

3:30pm CST

Just Keep Dancin! Intermediate Ballet

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST

Renaissance Savery I & II

This ballet class is designed for people who have some experience in dance and know ballet basics. It will focus on refining your dance technique and you will leave knowing a fun ballet combination to show off! This class will start with a short basic barre class and then will spend the remainder of the time learning a short combination and perform for each other! Please wear form fitting clothes with ballet shoes or socks with long hair tied back.

Presenters

Grace Eness

Truman State University

Grace Eness is a senior student at Truman State University who has been trained in classical ballet for 15 years with the Royal Ballet of Iowa. She has also been trained in multiple different disciplines and strives to make dance accessible for all.

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 →

Thursday January 23, 2025 3:30pm - 4:45pm CST
Renaissance Savery I & II 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Audience Students Only
Area Stage Movement and Combat

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

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

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

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management

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

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!

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

Audience Students Only
Area Design Technology & Management

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

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 →

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

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)

Audience Students Only
Area Representation Equity and Diversity

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

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 11:00am - 12:15pm CST
Marriott Exhibit Hall North (3rd Floor)

Audience Students Only
Area Musical Theatre and/or Voice

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)

Audience Students Only
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

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

Audience Students Only
Area Acting and Directing, Playwriting

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

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