Anoka-Ramsey Theatre students recognized at Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival 53

September 20, 2021

Each year, theatre students representing colleges and universities from across the country compete in the annual Kennedy Center for America College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The festival celebrates the innovation, creativity, and artistry of students in all aspects of theatre.

Theatre students from Anoka-Ramsey can bring their work in performance, design and crew skills to a regional festival each year and compete with students from other two- and four- year colleges in the region to represent the region at a national festival at the Kennedy Center.

Representing Region 5, including schools from Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, last year multiple Anoka-Ramsey Community College students were recognized for their talents.

Caitlin Sparks was awarded the Region 5 Musical Theatre Fellow and was recognized for Acting and Musical Theatre. Caitlin is pictured below preparing and rehearshing for her roles in last spring's virtual production of The Living at Anoka-Ramsey.

Cody Johnson received an Honorable Mention for his work in Stage Craft. The award recognized the prop construction for his Puppetry work building New York Designer Matt Sorenson’s designs for the 2019 production of She Kills Monsters pictured below.

“In the past we have taken as many as 25 students participating in various area of competition,” shared Blayn Lemke, theatre instructor at Anoka-Ramsey, “Only one student per theatre discipline is selected to represent the region at a national festival at the Kennedy Center, so it is really an accomplishment to be selected”

As the region’s Musical Theatre Fellow, Sparks had the opportunity to perform at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts this summer. Sparks and 12 other winners from across the country spent a week learning from Broadway professionals, taking workshops, and collaborating on a filmed showcase performance at The Kennedy Center's new space, the Reach.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for me,” shared Sparks, “I got to learn so much, make many friends with students and mentors alike.”

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Anoka-Ramsey’s Theatre department produces three shows each season open to students only. This allows for greater opportunities and experience in acting, design and production. The KCACTF is just one way the college’s students are recognized for their tremendous talents.

Learn more at AnokaRamsey.edu/theatre