MU Performs at Kennedy Center Festival

Millersville University (MU) theatre department’s production of “Bury the Dead” has been chosen to be performed at the Region II Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Jan. 12-16 at West Chester University, who will be hosting the Region II festival.

MU competed against hundreds of colleges in the Northeast including colleges in New York and New Jersey, and was one of the eight productions to be chosen. There will be a cast of 21 students who will perform including graduated students and two new student performers who will replace those who cannot attend the festival. The play will be directed by Tony Elliot and organized by Victor Capecce, both are associate professors of communication and theatre, and Tina Stout, theatre production manager, will produce the play.

“This is an important honor in recognition of the quality of the MU theatre program and the quality of the work of our students, faculty and staff. It is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their work and have the opportunity to learn from others,” said Dr. Diane Umble, dean of the college of arts, humanities and social sciences.

During the five-day regional festival the MU theatre department will not only perform but take part in networking opportunities and various workshops in acting, production and other theater trades. Additionally, 12 Millersville students will compete for the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship.

“Not only do we have a presence at the festival, but it [Millersville’s participation] will exemplify excellence in theatre across the country,” said Capecce. “MU will be featured in National trade magazines and the performance will add prestige to the theatre degree at Millersville.”

“We are honored and thrilled to have been chosen for this experience,” said Elliot. “This opportunity is a huge challenge for Millersville’s theatre program and we will make Millersville University proud.”

Throughout the experience, the cast and crew, will be practicing and rehearsing over winter break at Millersville University. At the festival they will have only four hours to load the show from the truck to the stage and set it up and cue the lights and sound before the performances. The school hosting the festival for 2016, West Chester University, will give an award to the school with the best time for set-up and rehearsal.

“Bury the Dead” was originally performed by the MU theatre department in spring 2014. Written by Irwin Shaw in 1936, between World War I and II, the play focuses on a military burial detail as it goes about its sad duties. Chaplains arrive to say prayers for the dead—but the dead soldiers refuse to be buried and forgotten. Their loved ones are summoned to console each dead soldier. The play challenges the audience to think about their choices and the choices they allow others to make for them.

The Region II KCACTF is a part of the of the national KCACTF program which is comprised of eight geographical regions and over 600 educational institutions. The KCACTF is a catalyst in promoting theater, honors excellence in the theater trade and provides participants with the opportunity to develop their craft. For more information about KCACTF, please visit http://www.kcactf.org/KCACTF.ORG_NATIONAL/KCACTF.html.