By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – University of Nebraska at Kearney theatre student Tanner Peshek of Hastings won an award for his prop design at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
UNK theatre students and faculty attended the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 5 in Minneapolis Jan. 18-24. Students attended workshops, master classes, professional auditions and interviews, performances and participated in competitions.
Peshek was awarded the Focal Press Award for a Newcomer at the Design Tech Expo for his work on the design and construction of a pouf used in “Die Fledermaus.”
Several other students also competed in the Design and Tech Expo, including: Matt Benes, Lincoln; Carlie Casas, Chicago; Rebecca Epperson, Pnaola, Iowa; Dillon Nelson, Burwell; and Matt Hanson, Lincoln. The students presented projects they worked on for University Theatre mainstage shows from the previous year.
Peshek, Benes, Hansen and Casas also competed in the Stage Crew Showdown as part of a four-person team called The Stage Minions
Tommy Augustin of Crofton, Elaine Christensen of Kearney, Connor Dudley of Hickman, Makenzie Hinrichs of Hastings and Kyle Mundil of Winside competed in the regional Irene Ryan acting competition.
Brianna Melroy of Kearney auditioned for the Musical Theatre Intensive Cabaret and was asked to perform a group dance as part of the final cabaret at the Guthrie Theatre on the final day of the festival. Melroy also auditioned and was asked to be a part of the Open Jar Institute, an actor training program. Only 60 students from around the country are asked to participate in the summer program.
-30-
Source: Sara Ice, 308.865.8919, icesc@unk.edu
Writer: Sara Giboney, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu
