NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University students participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) held from January 19 to 25 in Des Moines, Iowa. The event saw more than 1,500 college students from various regions showcasing their talents and honing their theatre skills.

Theatre Northwest's production of "The Curious Incident" was highlighted at the festival, earning a nomination for an Outstanding Scene and featuring in the Invited Scene Showcase. Directed by Kat Bilbo, who passed away unexpectedly in December, the play received Excellence in Directing honors. Bilbo was also commemorated with a moment of silence during the festival's opening ceremony.

Patrick Immel, a professor of theater at Northwest, praised the students' performance: “They did a great job,” he said. “Hopefully somewhere up above, Kat was smiling.”

Shelby Wiese played Siobahn and worked as dramaturg and box office manager for "The Curious Incident." Reflecting on the recognition received by the production, Wiese expressed gratitude: “This show was extremely personal to Kat, and I was so happy to see the show getting the recognition it deserved.”

Five students from Northwest took part in KCACTF’s Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition. Taylee Parmenter advanced to semifinal rounds in both this competition and the Musical Theatre Intensive scholarship contest. As a freshman speech and theatre education major from St. Joseph, Missouri, Parmenter remarked on her experience: “Being a freshman, I didn’t really know what to expect or how to prepare.” She added that advancing to semifinals made her feel ecstatic.

Parmenter appreciated meeting people through KCACTF: “Overall, KCACTF gave me the opportunity to meet and work with so many amazing people while also learning so much valuable knowledge about theatre and the industry.”

The festival offered students chances for networking and learning through workshops taught by faculty and professionals. Participants could also audition for summer theatre positions at professional venues.

Immel emphasized the importance of such events: “They’re immersed for a week...they learn a lot, and they meet people.” Shelby Wiese shared similar sentiments about community building within theatre: “It really inspired me and reminded me that community is such an important aspect of theatre.”