Performing a scene from the play “Diviners” are, from left, Monique Gonzalves, Autumn Hymes and Alison Friedman. The CSUF production received standing ovations at the national Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C., in April.

Titans Appear at Kennedy Center

Students from Theatre and Dance Department Wow Audiences at National Festival

May 14, 2007

By Gail Matsunaga

Standing ovations greeted both performances of “The Diviners” during the national Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Washington, D.C. last month. The play, directed by graduating M.F.A. student Patrick Pearson, was invited to the national festival following its presentation at the regional festival earlier this year.

Graduate student Adam Navarro, an Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship finalist, won the Williamstown Theatre Festival Apprenticeship, marking the second consecutive year that a Titan has captured the honor. Navarro’s scene partner, Joe Calarco, was named the Kingsley Colton Award recipient for Best Partner and received a $250 cash prize.

Graduating M.F.A. student Katy Streeter placed second in the Barbizon Award for Theatrical Design Excellence competition for her work on last fall’s production of “The Seagull.”

Autumn Hymes takes center stage in this scene from the play “Diviners” during two performances at the national Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C.

Providing support for the students and production were Debra G. Lockwood and David G. Nevell, assistant professors of theatre and dance, and Kim Neal, audio technician in theatre and dance. Working at the festival in his role as KCACTF Region VIII chair was James Taulli, associate professor of theatre and dance.

“Our students represented the university in the highest esteem,” said Taulli. “It’s astounding to watch these young professionals-to-be. I sat there with an immense amount of pride as I watched our students perform, and while I expect great things out of them, I’m always moved by them.”