MESA, Arizona – Oct. 23, 2025 –Mesa Community College (MCC) celebrates its outstanding performance at the 35th Annual ariZoni Theatre Awards of Excellence ceremony, held on Sept. 30, 2025 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Students and faculty from MCC’s Theatre & Film Arts Program, along with the Music and Dance Department were recognized for their exceptional talent, creativity and dedication to the performing arts.

This year, MCC stood out with 28 nominations for “Appropriate," "Be More Chill,” "Ordinary Days,” “Sister Act,” "The Imaginary Invalid” and “You Can’t Take It With You.” From these nominations, students and faculty took top honors for the following:

“Be More Chill,” Best Overall Production

Darl Jones, Excellence in Stage Management, “The Play That Goes Wrong”

Gavin Kennedy, Actor in a Major Role, “Ordinary Days”

Paige Boulter, Actress in a Supporting Role, “Sister Act”

Darin Shryock, Music Direction, “Ordinary Days”

Jeff Rudolph, Scenic Design, “Appropriate”

Jeffrey Thomson, Scenic Design, “The Imaginary Invalid”

Sarah Salmi, Property Design, “Appropriate”

“These students remind us that the performing arts build confidence, collaboration, and creativity—skills that serve them well no matter their career path,” said Leanna Hall, Ph.D., dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Mesa Community College. “We’re proud to see their dedication and artistry recognized.”

For details on upcoming performances and to purchase tickets, visit mesacc.edu/arts/events.

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu.

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.