Kennedy Center Festival Links
Brazilian Dreams featuring Paquito D'Rivera and the New York Voices
October 16th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Legendary National Endowment for the Arts jazz master Paquito D’Rivera sought out the renowned Gramm Learn More...
Concertante
October 21st, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Founded in 1995 by Juilliard graduates, these six virtuoso string players are gifted young artists w Learn More...
Regina Carter, jazz violin
October 28th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Renowned jazz violinist Regina Carter brings her band to Clemson. The recipient of a MacArthur Fell Learn More...
Corinthian Trio
November 6th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - The Corinthian Trio is comprised of three of the most successful performers of their generation. To Learn More...
Clemson University Choral Ensembles
November 11th, 2008 at 8:00 pm - Clemson’s talented choral ensembles present a varied program of traditional and seasonal selections. Learn More...
Performing Arts To Host
Regional Theatre Festival
Hundreds of college actors, scenic designers, sound designers, theatre critics, makeup artists, playwrights, and directors are convening at Clemson University for the Region IV Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. The festival, which invites college theatre students and faculty from the Southeastern United States, takes place at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts and other on-campus locations Monday-Saturday, February 4-9.
The regional festival is part of the national Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). Founded in 1969, KCACTF is designed to encourage, recognize, and develop work produced in university and college theatre programs.
“The festival is a chance for college practitioners to showcase their talents, receive critical analysis of their craft, and compete for the right to display their work at the national level,” said festival organizer and regional chairperson Jeff Gibson of Middle Tennessee State University.
Colleges and universities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands are sending participants.
The festival will showcase full productions of August Wilson’s critically acclaimed play “The Piano Lesson,” presented by the University of Central Florida, “Paper Cup Ocean,” an original student-written full-length drama by Rachel Nelson of Hollins University, and “Doubt” by John Patrick Shanley, performed by the University of Southern Mississippi.
Also, acting students will compete for regional scholarships and the chance to perform in Washington as part of the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions. The scholarships are named in honor of vaudeville, radio, film, television, and Broadway actress Irene Ryan. Ryan is most widely known for her portrayal of “Granny” on the long-running TV series “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
In addition staged readings of numerous short plays are planned. Short play participants include “Two Brains” by Mary Walsh from James Madison University, “This Side Up” by Kendall Sherwood at Clemson University, “Go Fish” by Maria Caruso at the College of Charleston, and “Our Belongings” by Christian Honce at Berea College.
The KCACTF Marvin Sims Design Fellowships, the Barbizon Awards for Theatrical Design Excellence for Costumes, Sets, and Lights, and the Alcone Company Makeup Design Fellowship are among some the prizes that technical theatre students are vying for during the festival.
Over 50 workshops in all areas of theatre—acting, directing, playwriting, design, and technology, as well as dramaturgy and arts management—will take place also. “We have a full schedule of national presenters,” said Gibson. Among the workshops planned are “The Physical Body and Voice of Shakespeare” by Rayme Cornell of the University of Nevada – Los Vegas, “Moving Lights: What is Intelligent Lighting” by Bob Robins, lighting designer from the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville, Fla., and “Creative Movement for the Actor” by Bill Bowers, a professional actor from New York City.
The public is invited to attend four fully staged productions in the Brooks Center. Tickets are $5 and are available before each show. For tickets and information call (864) 656-7787, Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 7, noon, In The Blood University of Alabama/Birmingham
- Thursday, Feb. 7, 8:30 p.m., The Piano Lesson University of Central Florida
- Friday, Feb. 8, 8:30 p.m., Once On This Island University of West Florida
- Saturday, Feb. 9, 8:30 p.m., Doubt University of Southern Mississippi
Clemson’s director of theatre Mark Charney said, “Hosting the festival is a wonderful opportunity to expose the local community to the diversity of academic theatre. The festival showcases some of the best college technical practices and stage talent in this part of the country. I invite theatre practitioners, both professional and amateur, to take part.”
