Limestone Students Attend Collegiate Theatre Festival; Faculty Members Capture Awards

Faculty and students from the Limestone College Department of Theatre recently attended the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival that was hosted by the University of South Carolina Upstate.

During the event held February 4-8 in Spartanburg, the Limestone students took part in workshops that were directed by leading theatre artists and practitioners.

“The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival is all about celebrating theatre excellence in higher education,” said Limestone Assistant Professor of Theatre Bill West-Davis. “It's really wonderful seeing the work that other institutions do, and it helps us figure out what kinds of shows we're going to produce at Limestone next year.”

In addition to the workshops, Limestone’s cast from "Puffs" performed a 10-minute scene as part of the festival's closing ceremonies awards gala.

“I'm really proud of our students and very excited to get some to compete in the Design, Technology, and Management category next year,” West-Davis noted. “This year was all about scouting out the competition. But next year, we're bringing it.”

Limestone faculty members were awarded meritorious achievements during the festival. Director of Theatre and Musical Theatre Dr. Tim Baxter-Ferguson was presented with the Excellence in Scenic Design Award and the Direction Award for “Puffs,” as well as the Excellence in Direction Award for “The Ghost Sonata.”

Limestone Professor of Music Dr. David Thompson received the Excellence in Music Direction Award for “The Ghost Sonata” and West-Davis earned the Excellence in Lighting Design Award for “Puffs.”

“While the workshops and invited productions are always a delight to attend, the networking opportunities at the festival are invaluable," said Limestone senior student Grace Wylie.

"The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival is one of the most rewarding things I have experienced being at Limestone,” explained sophomore student Mallory Haynes. “I was able to learn about different parts of theatre that I never thought were possible. It also brought me closer to people I had never met. Every workshop I attended was led by someone with a different background."

“This festival was a wonderful experience that was full of networking opportunities, fun workshops, and great shows,” said sophomore student Alex Smith. “I was fortunate enough to work on the 10-Minute Play Festival and had the opportunity to meet many talented directors and actors all giving their best to show off the amazing work of the playwrights – many of whom I also got to meet.”

Accompanying photo: Limestone College Theatre students who took part in the Festival.