BMCC Theatre Students Compete in Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

Six students from the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) Theatre Program in the Department of Speech, Communications and Theatre Arts traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to participate in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region 2, held January 14 through 17.

Mentored by Professors Jonathan “Jonny” Maldonado and Lori Ann Kee, Theatre majors Marie Antoinette, Shatique Brown, Kason Ellison, Jason Martinez, Karen Teutle-Ramirez and Isiaiah Washington deepened their craft and showcased their talent in workshops, masterclasses, auditions and performances.

In the process, they garnered prestigious Conference 57 awards.

Shatique Brown advanced to final rounds of the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition and earned the title of “Alternate” in this regional competition.

Brown also received the RED Acting Excellence award for her performance in a festival staging of “King Hedley II” by the American playwright August Wilson, and Kason Ellison advanced to the semi-final rounds of the competition.

Meanwhile, Marie Antoinette, Karen Teutle-Ramirez and Jason Martinez represented BMCC with distinction; engaging in workshops, auditions and performances that expanded their artistic range and professional growth.

“Seeing other actors trust their choices on stage helped me step out of my comfort zone. This experience will stay with me forever,” said Martinez.

The BMCC students joined the festival alongside college peers from Region 2 institutions including Carnegie Mellon University, George Washington University, Bowie State University, the University of Maryland and others.

The festival provided opportunities for attending productions including “Marty and the Hands That Could” by American playwright Josh Wilder—winner of the Lorraine Hansberry Award, the ASCAP Cole Porter Prize and more.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, where the BMCC students explored the legacy of this Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright.

They toured an exhibition dedicated to Wilson’s “Pittsburgh Cycle” and viewed set renderings from iconic plays such as “Fences,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and others.

The students also visited the diner referenced in Wilson’s play “Two Trains Running,” experiencing firsthand how real-life settings can inspire works of art.

This transformative opportunity was made possible by the generous support of BMCC Foundation board member Elizabeth Butson, a longtime friend of the College.

Elizabeth Butson’s dedication to BMCC Theatre students ensures that aspiring performers have the resources and exposure necessary to advance in their craft and participate in prestigious national events such as KCACTF Region 2.