NSU Theatre taking part in Kennedy Center College Festival | Arts & Culture

Two Northwestern State University Theatre and Dance productions have been entered into the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Fourteen theatre and dance students have also been recognized for their work in fall productions.

Northwestern State entered two fall shows, “Smokey Joe’s Café and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the regional festival. Regional representatives from other colleges and universities in a six-state area attended performances of both shows.

Approximately 150 productions were submitted for consideration with up to 40 advancing to the second round. Six to eight shows will be presented at the regional festival from February 26 to March 2 at the Strand Theatre in Shreveport. Northwestern State is in a region with colleges and universities from Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

“Taking part in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival gives us an opportunity to bring attention to NorthwesternState and the students in our theatre and dance program,” said Andrew Lewis, director of musical theatre and an assistant professor of theatre. “The festival provides a chance for our students to take part in workshops and other learning experiences and lets outside professionals give us valuable feedback about our productions.”

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival is a national theater program involving 18,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide. More than 600 academic institutions take part.