News & Media

January 23, 2024

DePauw University's theatre department is pleased to announce its achievements at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 3 (KCACTF3) under the guidance of Joe Novak, Director of Production, and M. Susan Anthony, Director of Theatre. The 2024 Region 3 Festival, featuring university theatre participants from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and western Ohio, occurred from January 10 to 14 at the University of Michigan-Flint.

Four DePauw University students—Laila Padilla '24, Cameron Foster '26, Kelli O'Neill '24, and Cheyenne Olsen '25—represented the institution at ACTF, with each earning an Irene Ryan Scholarship nomination.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:

The DePauw students actively engaged in workshops and immersed themselves in theatre at various levels. The festival showcased fully realized productions many with a devised/experimental theme, offering students a platform to showcase their talents and explore innovative ideas.

Laila Padilla '24: Laila emerged as a standout participant, reaching the semi-finals in her inaugural KCACTF3 competition, the second DePauw actor to ever do so. Joe Novak praised her exceptional talent, stating, "I cannot overstate how talented she is and how proud we are of her achievement." Laila's success extended beyond individual recognition; she was cast in a 10-minute play reading.
In addition to her success at KCACTF3, Laila has been actively involved in DePauw Theatre productions, taking on roles in "Romeo & Juliet at Bridgerton" (by William Shakespeare, Adapted and Directed by Caroline Good) and "Iphigenia Crash Land Falls on the Neon Shell That Was Once Her Heart (a rave fable)" (by Caridad Svich, Directed by Felicia Santiago '14), the latter of which earned her a nomination for the Irene Ryan Scholarship.

Cameron Foster '26: Cameron earned recognition by being cast in a full-length play reading, which was also chosen to represent the region at the national festival. Cameron has also contributed to DePauw theatre productions, including roles in "Romeo & Juliet at Bridgerton" and "The Seagull" (by Anton Chekhov, Directed by Caroline Good).  Cameron was nominated for an Irene Ryan from his success in "The Seagull."

Kelli O'Neill '24: Kelli has showcased her talent in various DePauw theatre productions, such as "Silent Sky" (by Lauren Gunderson, Directed by M. Susan Anthony), "The Rocky Horror Show" (by Richard O'Brien, Directed by Steve Timm), "The Seagull," and "Romeo & Juliet at Bridgerton." Kelli was nominated as an Irene Ryan for her excellent performance in "The Seagull."

Cheyenne Olsen '25:  Cheyenne has been featured in DePauw theatre productions, contributing to the success of "Iphigenia Crash Land Falls on the Neon Shell That Was Once Her Heart (a rave fable)." Her performance in that production earned her a nomination for an Irene Ryan award.

Additionally, DePauw brought back five certificates of merit for KCACTF3 productions, including:

• "The Seagull"

  • Chi Nguyen '25, Costume Design

  • Miranda Bognar '26, Stage Management

• "Iphigenia Crash Land Falls on the Neon Shell That Was Once Her Heart (a rave fable)"

  • Felicia Santiago '14, Direction

  • J Diaz '13, Composition

  • Lukas Felix Schooler '09, Performing