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Clarion students and faculty take part in Kennedy Center theatre festival

February 3, 2014

A delegation of 19 Clarion University students, along with members of theatre faculty, attended the 46th Annual Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Jan. 14-18 in West Chester.

Payge Crock, a senior technical theatre and design major, Lake City, won the Society of Properties Artisans and Managers Regional Award for her properties design and execution for Clarion University Theatre’s production of “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson.”

Six Clarion students were nominated for the prestigious Irene Ryan acting scholarships, endowed by and named for the actress who played Granny in “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Brittany Tague, senior acting major, Verona; John O’Keeffe, senior acting major, Clifton Heights; Mary Wagner, senior acting major, Girard; Rebecca Sears, senior acting major, Damascus, Md.; Haley Bowders, senior musical theatre major, Waynesboro; and Amanda Backus, junior acting minor, Nicholson, presented scenes for national judges with their scene partners, Kia Harrington-Wymer, sophomore musical theatre major, Brookville; Andrew Stalder, junior acting major, Warren; Samantha Moon, sophomore musical theatre major, Kennett Square; and Chloe Saccol, junior acting major, Johnstown.

Design presentations were given by Megan Bodish, senior technical theatre and design major, Fombell; Payge Crock; Hank Bullington, senior technical theatre and design major, Clarion; Matt Catledge, senior liberal studies major, Philadelphia; John Dobson, sophomore technical theatre and design major, Mercer; Zane Perkins, sophomore theatre major, Greenville; and Kendyl Yarzabek, senior technical theatre and design major, Warren, showing the extensive design work done by Clarion students.

Christian Ryan, senior acting major, Lansdale, mentored by faculty member Edward Powers, was one of five regional students chosen for the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers’ multi-day workshops. Faculty members Robert Bullington and Robert G. Levy both presented workshops in performance and as part of the “Next Steps” initiative, preparing students to move to the professional world.

Clarion alumnus Kevin Lichty (‘11) represented Las Vegas Stagecraft Institute and awarded scholarships at the conference.

Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.

Last Updated 1/11/21