Albany State to host Kennedy Center College Theater Festival
By Carlton Fletcher
carlton.fletcher
@albanyherald.com
ALBANY — Albany State University will host The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Feb. 6-10 on the east and west campuses and at the Albany Municipal Auditorium.
The festival is a nationally organized program involving more than 18,000 students annually and eight regions throughout the country. Regional KCACTFs are held in January and February to showcase outstanding theater productions, offer workshops, and celebrate the creative works of students.
“The university’s partnership with The Kennedy Center is a phenomenal opportunity to showcase the artistic talents within the southwest Georgia region,” ASU President Marion Fedrick said. “Aligned with our strategic goals, students will be able to strengthen their skills in the areas of performance, technical design, playwriting and more as they prepare to compete in a globally diverse society.”
Festival coordinators estimate more than 500 visitors to the Albany area throughout the five-day event. Those participating in the festival are Dramatic Arts students within Region IV, including Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Southern Virginia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
“As an alumnus of the university and a past festival participant, it is amazing to see students get an opportunity to become connected with this prestigious national organization,” ASU Professor and Director of Theater Ta’Varis Wilson, said. “The students are especially eager to collaborate with like-minded individuals, experience professional critiques, and receive national recognition for their creative works.”
Theatre Albany is co-hosting the festival.
“One of the goals I established as general manager of Theatre Albany is to collaborate with other arts institutions,” TA GM Justin Neal said. “This college festival is huge. I took part in it when I was in college (at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus), and it had a lasting impact on me.
“This is an event for colleges and college students, but we’re proud to join with Albany State and be a part of it. A lot of our actors and Theatre Albany officials have been eager to volunteer and be a part of this festival. It’s going to be big for all involved, and the large number of people attending will give a big boost to our businesses, restaurants and hotels.”
On Friday, members of the community are invited to attend the Design, Technology, and Management Expo during the festival to view student design pieces on display. The expo will take place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on the West Campus in the Student Center (C Building), Room C266.
For more festival information, visit www.kcactf4.org.
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