By Angelina Castro ’16
Siena College theatre students are now performing William Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure.” While that play is currently in full swing, some students recently reflected back on their participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
A nationwide program that works to improve college theatre, the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival welcomed select Siena students to participate in one of its eight regional competitions. The five-day event was held in Hyannis, Massachusetts in January.
Festival participants were able to showcase both technical and performance-based work, receive critiques and potentially earn awards and scholarships.
Creative Arts major Kelly Rose Marry ’16 is a two-time nominee for the Kennedy Center’s Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship. Nominees perform a series of scenes and monologues to compete for the award.
“I really like competing,” Marry said. “Anything that is a learning experience with college kids is really beneficial; especially in theatre since I think you really only learn by doing.”
The program also offers workshops designed to enhance and enrich students’ theatre training. Biology major Samantha Burke ’16 worked with professionals and learned new skills.
“It was a mini-crash course of the things I have never had a chance to learn in school,” said Burke.
Creative Arts Major and Stage 3 President Shayne Peris ’15 is grateful for the experience which was made possible through Siena’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity. CURCA provided funding for the students to attend the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Without the funding and support of the Creative Arts faculty, Peris would have never made connections he hopes will help him after graduation.
“A major factor in what gets you jobs is your connections. KCACTF has put me in contact with so many people,” Peris said.
Thanks to a connection he made during last year’s Theatre Festival, Peris was accepted to a summer program called the Broadway Theatre Project. He now hopes for similar good fortune as he develops contacts that could help him break into the professional world of the arts.
