UW’s Production of ‘Bright Star’ Shines With Nominations, Awards

The University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance received a host of nominations and awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) for its recent production of the Grammy-nominated bluegrass musical “Bright Star,” recognizing outstanding achievements in both student and faculty work.

Performers Emma Master, of Laramie; Kayla Colburn, of Casper; and Carolyn Thornton, of Riverton, were nominated for the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Award for their standout roles as Alice Murphy, Lucy Grant and Mama Murphy, respectively. This award is one of the top acting honors for college students and provides recipients with the opportunity to compete at the national level.

The production also received a Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Award for the entire cast, which also included Chase Nylander, of Laramie; Ethan Williams, of Laramie; Avey Jespersen, of Torrington; Oscar Erickson, of Jackson; JonHenry Justice, of Sheridan; Josiah Hanley, of Grand Junction, Colo.; Dalton Huwe, of Casper; Alyssa Boldra, of Conifer, Colo.; Paul Cox, of Powell; L Hoyle, of Los Angeles, Calif.; Patch Kluge, of Buckeye, Ariz.; Faith Martin, of Laramie; Drake Schillinger, of Gillette; Jessie Stiles, of Garden City, Kan.; Hunter Tanner, of Casper; and Julianne Vicari, of Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Faculty members recognized for their work include Matthew Greenberg, Meritorious Achievement in Direction; Cat Kamrath, Meritorious Achievement in Choreography; and Mel Sparks, Meritorious Achievement in Stage Management. Students Kluge and Oliver Weeks, of Gillette, were jointly nominated for Meritorious Achievement in Properties Design.

KCACTF is a national theater program involving 18,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide. For over 50 years, KCACTF has served as a catalyst in improving the quality of college theater across the United States. Through regional festivals and national awards, the program provides college theater students with opportunities to showcase their work and receive feedback from industry professionals, fostering educational and professional growth. Participation in the festival encourages excellence in all aspects of theater production.