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Students, productions recognized by Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

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WARRENSBURG — The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival recognized two students and two productions from University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance with national awards during its virtual festival in April. 

Sabrina Ortiz received a Special Achievement in Dramaturgy award for her work in the dance concert, “Iconic.” 

Ortiz, of Dittmer, is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. 

“Iconic” was an outdoor event in October of 2020 at Audrey J. Walton Stadium in and included dance numbers and songs from famous musicals ranging from “Singin’ in the Rain” to “West Side Story” and  “A Chorus Line” and several other classic selections.

Danny Gage received a Special Achievement in Performance honor for his role in “Tilikum.” 

Gage, of Lee’s Summit, is a freshman digital media production major with a minor in theatre.

“Tilikum” was a virtual production that was named for the infamous SeaWorld killer whale. It took the story of the sea creature that followed its death to create a poetic, percussive fantasy that also brought to life a range of social justice issues. 

The production of “Tilikum” earned the Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Award, Innovative Use of Technology, Special Achievement in Ensemble Collaboration - Performance and Production, Special Achievement: Overall Production and Special Achievement: Directing. 

“Tilikum” Director Drea Lewis, work as a guest director with UCM students was made possible through the Meridith Harmon Sauer Guest Artist Series.  

“During these unprecedented times, we celebrate these imaginative and evocative theatre-makers and productions as being at the forefront of a revolution in artistry that ignites conversations of national importance through innovation in process, content, form, design, technology, outreach and audience engagement,” KCACTF said. 

UCM Theatre and Dance learned of the honors from Jim Wood, KCACTF Region 5 Chair. 

A complete list of national production recognitions is available via the Region 5 website, kcactf5.org, under Tweets. 


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