ISU Theatre’s “Songs for a New World” and “Facing Our Truth” earn additional national Kennedy Center commendations
AMES, Iowa— Two ISU Theatre productions earned multiple national commendations at the 2022 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF).
Previously, ISU Theatre earned several national awards for outstanding achievement from KCACTF for its productions of “Facing Our Truth: Ten Minute Plays on Trayvon, Race and Privilege” and “Songs for a New World”. The further commendations from the KCACTF national awards committee were recently announced to recognize additional artistry and collaboration as well as company, student, and faculty achievements.
“Facing Our Truth” was recognized for distinguished achievement in the following categories:
-Representation, Equity, and Diversity
-Student-Centered Experience
-Costume Design by Doris Nash
-Scenic Design by Aimee Wallner
-Playwriting by Tiffany Johnson
-Playwriting by Heaven Booker
-Playwriting by Travis Cooper
-Playwriting by Sydni Lapsley
-Playwriting by Mónica Toro Lebrón
-Playwriting by Margaret Smith
“Songs for a New World” was recognized for distinguished achievement in the following categories:
-Representation, Equity, and Diversity
-Lighting Design by Will Coeur
-Costume Design by Kelly Marie Schaefer
-Stage Management by Liam Gleason
-Choreography by Valerie Williams
-Performance by Logan Benson
-Performance by Lacoda Collier
-Performance by Serena Hilton
-Performance by Morgan Reetz
-Performance by Nicolas Ronkar
-Performance by Morgan Wolfe
Earlier in 2022, both “Songs for a New World” and “Facing Our Truth: Ten Minute Plays on Trayvon, Race and Privilege” were honored with the Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Award. In addition, “Songs for a New World” was recognized with outstanding achievement in production of a musical, production design, production and performance ensemble unity, direction by Brad Dell, scenic design by Rob Sunderman, and cinematography by Calvin Clark.
“Facing Our Truth”, directed by assistant professor of theatre practice Tiffany Johnson, was first performed at Iowa State in March 2021. “Songs for a New World”, directed by chair of the Department of Music and Theatre Brad Dell with musical direction by Patrick Gagnon, was first performed at Iowa State in April 2021. Both productions were subsequently invited to perform at KCACTF’s Region 5 festival, held virtually in January 2022.
“We are incredibly proud that the work by our faculty, designers, and students has been recognized with these significant national awards,” said Dell.
KCACTF is a national organization affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The organization celebrates and encourages excellence in college and university theatre across the country. Region 5 includes colleges and universities in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri.
About ISU Theatre
As a part of the Iowa State University Department of Music and Theatre, ISU Theatre seeks to empower citizen artistry by engaging students and the community in transformative theatre and performing arts experiences which examine the human condition, encourage lifelong learning, teach artistic skills, prepare professionals, inspire empathy, explore creativity, build relationships and embrace diversity. ISU Theatre administers a major and minor in performing arts and produces multiple theatre and performing arts productions throughout the year featuring performers, designers and technicians from throughout the university.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in ISU Theatre events. If you require a reasonable accommodation to do so, please contact ISU Theatre at least one week prior to the event at isutheatre@iastate.edu or 515.294.2624.
###