KCACTF Region 5 Festival 57: Full Schedule

Add sessions to your personal schedule to register your attendance (Check-In).

7:00pm CST

Invited Production: American Girl(s)

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

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

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

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

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

MU Theatre American Girls program pdf

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

Performance, Invited Production

7:00pm CST

Invited Scene Showcase

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

Temple Theater

Festival Leadership

Matthew Caron

Invited Scenes Assoc Coord, Minnesota State U Mankato

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

Rusty W Ruth

Inv. Scene/Stdnt Choice Coord, Wayne State College

Invited Scenes program pdf

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

Performance, Invited Scenes

10:00pm CST

Faculty Acting Showcase

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

Temple Theater

Festival Leadership

Trevor Belt

Faculty Acting Assoc. Coord, Baker University

Scott Cox

Faculty Acting Coordinator, Johnson County CC

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

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

Performance, Faculty Acting Showcase

10:00am CST

Invited Production: American Girl(s)

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

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

This event will open Monday, 1/20 at 11:00 pm

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

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

MU Theatre American Girls program pdf

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Invited Production

1:00pm CST

Invited Production: American Girl(s)

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

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

This event will open Monday, 1/20 at 11:00 pm

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

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

MU Theatre American Girls program pdf

Tuesday January 21, 2025 1:00pm - 1:30pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Invited Production

2:00pm CST

Special Event: The Genius of Being Stupid Performance

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

Temple Theater

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

This event will open Monday 1/20 at 11:00 pm

From the mind of acclaimed Broadway playwright Keenan Scott II comes an unflinching, deeply personal solo show that challenges perceptions and celebrates resilience. In THE GENIUS OF BEING STUPID, Scott navigates the streets of Queens, New York, and the suburban neighborhoods of Waldorf, Maryland, weaving together the humor, heartbreak, and triumph of his youth as a special education student. This autobiographical journey is as much a story of identity as he reflects on society’s narrow definitions of intelligence. Raw, insightful, and full of soul, Scott unearths the brilliance hidden within perceived flaws, offering audiences a powerful reminder of the genius that lies in every misstep.

Content Disclosure: profanity, subjective language, and a racial slur

Guest Artists

Keenan Scott II

University of Missouri

Keenan Scott II is a playwright, poet, actor, director, and producer of original work from Queens, New York. His work has been workshopped and produced at notable theaters such as National Black Theater, New York Theater Workshop, Arena Stage, and Woolly Mammoth. His critically acclaimed... Read More →

Tuesday January 21, 2025 2:00pm - 3:15pm CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Special Event

5:00pm CST

Special Event: The Genius of Being Stupid Performance

Tuesday January 21, 2025 5:00pm - 6:15pm CST

Temple Theater

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

This event will open Monday 1/20 at 11:00 pm

From the mind of acclaimed Broadway playwright Keenan Scott II comes an unflinching, deeply personal solo show that challenges perceptions and celebrates resilience. In THE GENIUS OF BEING STUPID, Scott navigates the streets of Queens, New York, and the suburban neighborhoods of Waldorf, Maryland, weaving together the humor, heartbreak, and triumph of his youth as a special education student. This autobiographical journey is as much a story of identity as he reflects on society’s narrow definitions of intelligence. Raw, insightful, and full of soul, Scott unearths the brilliance hidden within perceived flaws, offering audiences a powerful reminder of the genius that lies in every misstep.

Content Disclosure: profanity, subjective language, and a racial slur

Guest Artists

Keenan Scott II

University of Missouri

Tuesday January 21, 2025 5:00pm - 6:15pm CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Special Event

7:00pm CST

Invited Production: Fuddy Meers

Tuesday January 21, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Digital program

Fuddy Meers is one harrowing and hilarious turn after another on a roller coaster ride through the day of an amnesiac trying to decipher her fractured life. Claire is abducted by a man who claims her husband wants to kill her. Audiences will view the ensuing mayhem through the kaleidoscope of Claire's world!

Content Disclosure: contains mature language, live gunfire, physical violence and themes related to domestic violence

Tuesday January 21, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Performance, Invited Production

10:00pm CST

Student Improv Showcase

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:00pm - 11:30pm CST

Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor)

Student improv groups from around the region showcase their talents in a great event. Join in the fun! A workshop the next day will discuss how they do what they do!

Festival Leadership

Haidee Heaton

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Culver-Stockton College

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

Deidre Mattox

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Hutchinson Community College

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

Heather Tinker

Irene Ryan Assoc. Coord, MidAmerica Nazarene U

Tuesday January 21, 2025 10:00pm - 11:30pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance

5:00pm CST

Invited Production: The Night Witches

Wednesday January 22, 2025 5:00pm - 6:30pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

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

This event will open Tuesday, 1/21 at 11:00 pm

The Night Witches of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment flew in planes made of canvas and wood, and they dropped bombs on Germans every 15 minutes through the night to keep their enemy from sleeping. They were constantly being shuffled and moved to perform new duties; mechanics became navigators, navigators became pilots, and pilots became commanders. Nina and Vera have just finished their training as navigators and are moments away from their first combat mission. As they fight their nerves, the women around them use different means of bolstering their spirits, some more successfully than others. But when the time comes, to the sky they must go. Tonight, however, is different than any night they’ve faced before—their enemy has employed a new tactic taking them completely by surprise. Using movement, song and lyrically styled dialogue, we follow these brave women through one fateful evening during the war.

Night Witches Playbill pdf

Wednesday January 22, 2025 5:00pm - 6:30pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Invited Production

7:00pm CST

Invited Production: Ride the Cyclone

Wednesday January 22, 2025 7:00pm - 8:30pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Music, lyrics and book by Jacob Richmond & Brooke Maxwell
Directed by Regan Bohanan

Ride the Cyclone is a quirky, edgy musical where six teen chamber choir members want another chance at life after a tragic accident. In limbo, a mechanical fortune teller offers them a chance to return to life—the kids explore the inner passions they never revealed while alive through catchy tunes and dark humor. This cult hit blends comedy, tragedy, and enchantment, leaving you laughing, reflecting, and feeling great about life.

Content Disclosure: Ride the Cyclone uses atmospheric haze and flashing lights in the audience. Ride the Cyclone may not be appropriate for all audiences and utilizes strong language, innuendo, as well as references to self harm.

Cyclone Program KCACTF5 pdf

Wednesday January 22, 2025 7:00pm - 8:30pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Performance, Invited Production

9:00pm CST

Drag Show

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00pm - 10:30pm CST

Temple Theater

Doors will open 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Come see Sally B. Ridin' as she hosts the Region 5 Annual Drag Showl! Be dazzled by our Guest Artists and cheer for our student performers as they make their debut as Drag Stars and Neo- Burlesque performers!

Content Disclosure:

This performance contains violence, slurs, nudity, and hyper-sexual content. Due to the nature of drag and burlesque, the exact content of our performance is difficult to predict. Some themes and situations that occur in our show may be difficult for some. If you begin to feel uncomfortable you are welcome to leave without judgment. Your health and well-being is important to us.

Guest Artists

Karma Kills

The Blazing Saddle

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

Robin Graves

Drag Artist

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

Festival Leadership

Casey Paradies

Drag Show Coord, South Dakota State University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 9:00pm - 10:30pm CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Drag

10:30pm CST

Drag Show #2

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:30pm - 11:55pm CST

Temple Theater

Doors will open 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Content Disclosure:

Guest Artists

Karma Kills

The Blazing Saddle

Robin Graves

Drag Artist

Festival Leadership

Casey Paradies

Drag Show Coord, South Dakota State University

Wednesday January 22, 2025 10:30pm - 11:55pm CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Drag

8:00am CST

MTI Singing Intensive

Thursday January 23, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Finalists in the Musical Theatre Intensive - Singing event work with guest artists on their songs. This session is open to observers. You will only be able to enter and leave the room during the breaks at the top of every hour.

Guest Artists

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 →

Festival Leadership

Allison Holmes-Bendixen

MTI Singing Associate Coordinator, Kirkwood Community College

Allison Holmes-Bendixen (she/her) is an artist, educator, musical theatre lover, opera enthusiast, and self-described vocal pedagogy nerd. She is a member of the faculty at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, IA; where she teaches a variety of music and theatre courses.An... Read More →

Emily Wirkus

MTI Coordinator, University of North Dakota

Thursday January 23, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Performance, MTI

10:00am CST

Invited Production: The Night Witches

Thursday January 23, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

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

This event will open Wednesday, 1/22 at 11:00 pm

The Night Witches of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment flew in planes made of canvas and wood, and they dropped bombs on Germans every 15 minutes through the night to keep their enemy from sleeping. They were constantly being shuffled and moved to perform new duties; mechanics became navigators, navigators became pilots, and pilots became commanders. Nina and Vera have just finished their training as navigators and are moments away from their first combat mission. As they fight their nerves, the women around them use different means of bolstering their spirits, some more successfully than others. But when the time comes, to the sky they must go. Tonight, however, is different than any night they’ve faced before—their enemy has employed a new tactic taking them completely by surprise. Using movement, song and lyrically styled dialogue, we follow these brave women through one fateful evening during the war.

Night Witches Playbill pdf

Thursday January 23, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Invited Production

11:30am CST

One Act Performance

Thursday January 23, 2025 11:30am - 2:00pm CST

Temple Theater

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 →

Jordan Morille

Texas State University

Jordan Morille is an award-winning playwright, novelist, and professor. A few of his plays include Norma’s Rest (Next Stage Press), Thirty Deep (Heuer Publishing), and the short play Jars (Off the Wall Plays). Other works include the novella The Juneborn (Running Wild Press) and... Read More →

Miguel Torres Cruz

R8 NPP Chair, CSU Fullerton

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

Festival Leadership

Cat Gleason

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Truman State University

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

Laura Gold

NPP Co-Vice Chair, Peru State College

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

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 →

Cauble One Acts Program pdf

Thursday January 23, 2025 11:30am - 2:00pm CST
Temple Theater 1011 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, NPP

1:00pm CST

Invited Production: The Night Witches

Thursday January 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Civic Center Stoner Theater

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

This event will open Wednesday, 1/22 at 11:00 pm

The Night Witches of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment flew in planes made of canvas and wood, and they dropped bombs on Germans every 15 minutes through the night to keep their enemy from sleeping. They were constantly being shuffled and moved to perform new duties; mechanics became navigators, navigators became pilots, and pilots became commanders. Nina and Vera have just finished their training as navigators and are moments away from their first combat mission. As they fight their nerves, the women around them use different means of bolstering their spirits, some more successfully than others. But when the time comes, to the sky they must go. Tonight, however, is different than any night they’ve faced before—their enemy has employed a new tactic taking them completely by surprise. Using movement, song and lyrically styled dialogue, we follow these brave women through one fateful evening during the war.

Night Witches Playbill pdf

Thursday January 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Civic Center Stoner Theater 221 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Invited Production

1:00pm CST

Special Event: The Gull

Thursday January 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST

Marriott Salon D (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 Wednesday, 1/22 at 11:00 pm

Riffing on Anton Chekhov's classic "show about nothing," THE SEAGULL, out at a dilapidated country estate populated by tortured artists, writers, and blow-hards, dreams die, hopes are dashed, and everyone loves the wrong person! What could go wrong? This brand new, hilarious, and touching piece tears away any musty old remnants of “1896” by having one actor perform all 10 characters. It's a robust 90-minute journey and a tour de force for the actor, as it also includes a "Narrator" to manage the chaos and provide snarky commentary. This fresh and witty treatment of one of the most popular and important comedies in modern drama will cause patrons to laugh, to shed a tear, to ask (as patrons have been doing for 130 years) "what is wrong with these people?!"

Content Disclosure: This production includes discussions about and theatricalize interpretations of bird shooting and suicide.

Guest Artists

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 →

Gull playbill front back kcactf5 pdf

Thursday January 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Marriott Salon D (2nd Floor) 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Special Event

4:00pm CST

Devised Performance

Thursday January 23, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST

Renaissance Savery Iowa Ballroom

Festival Leadership

Joel Egger

Associate Professor of Theatre, Devised Theatre Associate Coordinator, Doane University

Joel Egger is an actor, director, and teaching-artist in performance at Doane University. Joel received his Bachelor's of Arts from the University of Nebraska's Johnny Carson School of Fine and Performing Arts in 2004. Egger also has conceived several original theatre works in Los... Read More →

Adam Peterson

Devised Theatre Coordinator, Northeast Community College

Thursday January 23, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Renaissance Savery Iowa Ballroom 401 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Performance, Devised

7:30pm CST

Musical Theatre Intensive Cabaret

Thursday January 23, 2025 7:30pm - 9:30pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Finalists in the Musical Theatre Intensive Singing and Dance events perform songs and choreography, along with this year's invited Showcase performers.

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 Musical Theatre Intensive. 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

Correy West

Open Jar Representative, Open Jar Institute

Josh Walden

Open Jar Institute

JOSH WALDEN (they/them) was the Associate Director/Associate Choreographer for the Tony Nominated Broadway Revival of Ragtime and was a choreographer for Disney+’s Encore(S1, E12). Director/Choreographer credits include Camelot (The Cape Playhouse), Smokey Joe's Cafe (Fulton Theatre... Read More →

Karen Burthwright

Open Jar Institute

Festival Leadership

Allison Holmes-Bendixen

MTI Singing Associate Coordinator, Kirkwood Community College

Sheldon Mba

MTI Dance Assoc. Coord, Wichita State University

Emily Wirkus

MTI Coordinator, University of North Dakota

MTI program pdf

Thursday January 23, 2025 7:30pm - 9:30pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Performance, Festival Recognitions

9:30pm CST

Festival Recognitions

Thursday January 23, 2025 9:30pm - 10:30pm CST

Hoyt Sherman Place

Festival Leadership

Haidee Heaton

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Culver-Stockton College

Deidre Mattox

Region 5 Co-Vice Chair, Hutchinson Community College

Emily Cherry Oliver

Region 5 Co-Chair, University of North Dakota

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

Lindsey Duoos Williams

Region 5 Co-Chair, Rochester Civic Theatre

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

Thursday January 23, 2025 9:30pm - 10:30pm CST
Hoyt Sherman Place 1501 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA

Performance, Festival Recognitions

12:00pm CST

SDC Performances

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

Marriott Salon D&E (2nd Floor)

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 →

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

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 12:00pm - 2:00pm CST
Marriott Salon D&E (2nd Floor)

Performance, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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