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Clarke’s Drama and Musical Theatre Receive Awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

By Clarke News  |  February 25, 2020
The Clarke University Drama and Musical Theatre program’s performance of Danny Pancratz’s abridged version of ROMEO AND JULIET at Clarke University.

Clarke University’s Drama and Musical Theatre program received multiple awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, Region 5, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in January. The following individuals were recognized for their achievements from their production of Romeo and Juliet

  • Clarke Alumna Alison English ’12: “Original Composition”
  • Director and Clarke University Professor of Drama & Musical Theatre Joe Klinebriel: “Fight Choreography”
  • Professor of Drama & Musical Theatre Ellen Gabrielleschi: “Scenic and Lighting Design”
  • Adjunct Professor of Drama & Musical Theatre Robert Neumann: “Costume Design”
  • Current Student Darius Autry ‘20: “Outstanding Achievement in Physical Combat and Scene Selection”

The Clarke University Drama and Musical Theatre program’s performance of Danny Pancratz’s abridged version of ROMEO AND JULIET was honorably held for consideration to perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in January 2020. One of Shakespeare’s most beloved and often produced plays, ROMEO AND JULIET shares with the audience the tragic romance of the archetypal young lovers. This is a condensed and excitingly fresh interpretation of the classic tale.

“We are very proud of these awards as this is an unprecedented acknowledgement of our efforts. We had not previously received that many commendations for one entered production,” said Joe Klinebriel, Director and Clarke University Professor of Drama.

The Clarke University Drama and Musical Theatre program has a long history with the American College Theatre Festival. The program has been invited to tour its productions at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 5 Festival six times and was chosen as an alternate an additional six times. National and regional production awards have been won by students, faculty, and guest artists in the areas of Directing, Acting, Costume Design, Set Design, Lighting, Makeup, Sound, and Theatre Criticism. Additionally, the prestigious Kennedy Center Medallion of Honor was presented to Clarke University Professor Emerita Sr. Carol Blitgen for continued artistic excellence.

Started in 1969 by Roger L. Stevens, the Kennedy Center’s founding chairman, the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) is a national theater program involving 20,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide annually. For over 50 years, the organization has served as a catalyst in improving the quality of college theater in the United States. KCACTF has grown into a network of more than 700 academic institutions throughout the country.

For additional information, please contact the Clarke University Drama and Musical Theatre program at (563)588-6550.