Carthage’s triumphant return to regional theatre festival

After two years of remote festivals, Carthage students attended the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in person Jan. 11-15, in Flint, Michigan.

The Region III festival brings together collegiate theatre students and faculty from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and western Ohio. The event typically draws over a thousand participants and was helmed this year by Carthage Professor Herschel Kruger.

The cast of “Memento Mori” at KCACTF. The Carthage Theatre Department put its best foot forward, bringing together not only a group of talented students to participate in various competitions, but also a full production — the first one in four years.

The College’s original world-premiere play “Memento Mori,” written by Professor Neil Scharnick and the cast, was selected out of dozens of entries for inclusion as a full production at KCACTF.

The play was chosen to kick off the festival during the opening ceremonies, held in the historic Capitol Theatre. This meant packing up the set under the watchful eye of master carpenter and alumnus Zack Simonini ’12, driving it to Flint, and setting up the production at a totally unfamiliar theatre.

Gabbie Tifft ’23 won top sound designer for her work on “Antigone.” “Memento Mori” features scenic design by Professor Martin McClendon, lighting by Professor William Newcomb, costumes by Ani Gebauer ’25, sound by Ed Otrembiak ’23, projections by Matthew Wrbanek ’23, and properties by Zoe Landry ’25.

At the festival, students participated in a wide range of events, with many receiving honors. Music theatre major Nicholas Caldwell ’23 was selected as a finalist in the Music Theatre Intensive Program, and technical theatre major and sound designer Gabbie Tifft ’23 was named top sound designer in the region for her work on Carthage’s fall production of “Antigone.” In addition, Gabbie and Sierra Clark ’23 won the props category of the Tech Olympics competition.

Gabbie Tifft ’23 and Sierra Clark ’23 in the Tech Olympics competition. Other highlights include students participating in “devised” theatre projects and directing major Regina Zhu ’23 being chosen to direct a piece for the 10-minute play showcase. Not only that, but several students worked as volunteers to help the festival run smoothly.

Congratulations to all who participated!

Next, the “Memento Mori” team travels to Dublin and Killarney, Ireland for the European premiere!