Students from Ball State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance recently received notable recognition at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Regional Festival (KCACTF) in Madison, Wisc.
Senior directing student Myles Keys and senior stage management student Elia Livovich earned top honors as the SDC Directing Competition winner for Region III and National Stage Management winner, respectively. Both students’ accomplishments secured them trips to Washington, D.C., in April for the Kennedy Center National Festival.
“Our students continue to demonstrate their talent and dedication on both regional and national stages,” said Bill Jenkins, chair of Ball State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance and professor of theatre. “Myles Keys and Elia Livovich’s achievements at KCACTF reflect their hard work, the strong mentorship of our faculty and staff, and the excellence of our directing/stage management program. We are proud of the standards they’ve set for themselves and for Ball State.”
Mr. Keys excelled in a competition featuring undergraduate and graduate students from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, and parts of Ohio. Ms. Livovich stood out among 42 stage managers across the same five-state region. Their wins extend Ball State’s 21-year history of producing regional winners and national qualifiers—a record within KCACTF.
Other achievements from Ball State students at this year’s festival include:
- Jarius Newman received the Milwaukee Repertory Acting Internship, a six-month paid position following graduation. Mr. Newman and his partner, Delaney Hunter, were also Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Finalists and Musical Theatre Institute Finalists.
- Mason Sammarco (with partner Diego Sanchez-Galvan), Kianna Saunders (with partner Marlee Walker), and Piper Murphy (with partner Molly Hagerty) were named Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Finalists.
- Avery Nienhuis (with partner Molly Hagerty) was an Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Semi-Finalist.
- EJ Larrick was recognized as an SDC Stage Management Finalist and received Regional Honorable Mention.
- Mason Sammarco was named Contemporary Acting Winner.
- Maya Woodruff and Dorian Underwood were recognized as Irene Ryan Nominees.
Ball State students also performed during a festival showcase, presenting a scene from Kinky Boots during the Evening of Scenes. Mr. Newman and Mr. Nienhuis, under the music direction of Jeremy Gussin, received a standing ovation from an audience of more than 750 attendees.
These recognitions highlight the Department of Theatre and Dance’s commitment to excellence in undergraduate arts education. This year’s results were made possible through the support of the department’s faculty and staff, including Dee Dee Batteast, Chris Bolender, Karen Kessler, David Little, Matt Reeder, and Jeff Stover, and others who contributed to the students’ preparation for KCACTF. Additionally, funding from the Student Curricular Account, provided by the College of Fine Arts, played a key role in supporting these opportunities.
For more information about Ball State’s Department of Theatre and Dance, visit bsu.edu/theatre.