University Theatre Honored at Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
Christa Gesicki of Broomfield, Colorado, and Joe VanBuskirk of Rockford, Minnesota, along with their acting coach Professor Timothy Pyles will compete with seven other regionally-selected performers in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition at the Kennedy Center.
The program is sponsored by the Irene Ryan Foundation. The late Irene Ryan is best remembered for her portrayal of Granny Clampett in “The Beverly Hillbillies” television series.
Gesicki, VanBuskirk and their professor will spend a week in Washington working with nationally-recognized theatre professionals and competing for a national scholarship along with opportunities to attend acting workshops and festivals, and to seek positions with acting companies.
Two other USD students advanced to the semi-finals at the regional competition, the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Des Moines, Iowa. Semi-finalist Ebrin Stanley of Houston, Texas, was named Best Musical Theatre Performer. He was invited to perform a scene from his recent role as Jesus of Nazareth in the USD production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.” His performance partner was Josie Kasik of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. Musical theatre majors Alexandra Newcomb-Weiland of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and her scene partner Rachel Smith of Rockford, Minnesota, also made it to the semi-finals.
Out of nearly 300 participating productions in the regional competition only eight scenes are selected for the Invited Scenes Showcase, which this year included Stanley as Jesus Christ.
Thousands of college students audition each year for the Open Jar Institute’s Broadway Acting Intensive but only 60 are selected. Four USD students were named to this year’s list: Gesicki; Braden Garret of Olympia, Washington; Alyeska Krull of Soldotna, Alaska; and Tabitha Bass of Mebane, North Carolina.
