Kansas City, MO (Feb 10, 2025) – at Avila University School of Performing Arts in Kansas City has been growing and the success, both in and out of the classroom, is getting recognized! The most recent accomplishment for the program comes at the recent Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (Region 5 Design and Technology Expo) where four students received acknowledgment for their contributions. The event took place in Des Moines, Iowa, from January 19-25 and showcased skilled students representing seven states from the Midwest area, including: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
At the KCACTF Region 5 Design and Technology Expo, college students from the Midwest display their notch design and technical skills in a fiercely competitive setting shining a spotlight on Avila University’s dedication to top notch performing arts education and the exceptional caliber of its theater program.
The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival is an event that celebrates and showcases the talents of college theatre students. The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) a theater initiative that engages 18 000 students each year from educational institutions throughout the nation. Region 5 is comprised of states in the Midwest which features the best in productions from universities.
Avila is proud of the following students and the awards they achieved.
- Ellie Peoples was given honor for Best Regional Lighting Design for her contribution to “Eurydice.”
- Abigail Dearing was acknowledged for her work in Regional Costume Design for “The Comedy of Errors “,
- Kelsey Harms for Design for the “The Comedy of Errors”; and,
- Gabriella Fast excelled in Regional Stage Management also for ” Eurydice.”
Matt Schwader Harbor, Assoc. Prof. of Theatre, Dir. of Performance Studies, and Chair of the School of Performing Arts, expressed his admiration for the achievement of the students. “These students are so dedicated and give so much of themselves to this program,” Schwader Harbor said. “This dedication and commitment to hard work is what contributed to their success at the regional festival. Also, Professor John Dylon Rohr’s mentorship significantly contributed to the success of the students. Professor Rohr guides and nurtures the development of our students and fosters creativity and professionalism.”
Want to learn more about the Avila Theatre for Performing Arts programs? Visit the website.