McNeese Theater Students Attend Festival

McNeese State University theater students earned exclusive scholarships, awards and major praise at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Abilene, Texas, in February. 

At the festival, students can attend various workshops by theater educators and watch performances by universities from across the region.  

Juliet Riviere, a chemical engineering major from Lake Charles, and Gabriela Quiñones, a mass communication and theater major from Lake Charles, were invited to perform. Their performance of a scene from McNeese theater’s production of “Love/Sick” kicked off the festival. 

Riviere placed 33rd out of over 120 students auditioning for the Irene Ryan scholarship.  

“My favorite parts of the festival were learning from the workshops, spending time with my friends from theater and meeting new ones,” Riviere said. 

Based on the work he did at the festival, Braden Magness, of Westlake, received a scholarship to attend a dance intensive event led by Broadway stars at the Open Jar Institute on Broadway.  

Kerry Wilson, of Lake Charles, led fellow theater students in an idea building workshop. He received an award for his outstanding contributions as a part of the student-led advisory panel. 

“It was a great week filled with learning and recognition,” Joshua Stenvick, McNeese assistant professor of theater, said. “I am proud of our students and university for what we’ve accomplished.” 

Become a Cowboy! Apply today!