MESA, Ariz. -- March 6, 2025 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) students from the disciplines of design, dance, music and the performing arts, were recognized for their talent, skill and creativity demonstrated during competitions at Conference 57, the 2025 Region 8 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) Conference hosted at MCC Feb. 11-15.

In addition, four MCC Theatre & Film Arts faculty members received awards for their guidance and support of students.

Students and faculty from more than 50 colleges and universities in KCACTF Region 8 states - Arizona, Central and Southern California, Hawaii, Southern Nevada, Utah and Guam - competed during the conference. Students in individual performances, full-scale productions and other works competed for awards recognizing excellence in the art and craft of theater, which include performance, design, technology, playwriting and management.

“I am immensely proud of the incredible accomplishments of our MCC Theatre students and faculty,” said MCC Communication, Theatre & Film Arts Chair Puvana Ganesan. “The effort they put into their work is truly inspiring and these awards are incredibly well-deserved.”

MCC students honored at the conference include:

Design, Technology and Management and Dramaturgy Category

• Ava Hendricks - National Finalist KCACTF Award for Theatrical Excellence in Costume Design for “Appropriate”
• Kinsey Moore - National Finalist KCACTF Award for Theatrical Excellence in Lighting Design for “Appropriate”
• Jeffrey Rudolph - Regional Honorable Mention (first alternate) in Scenic Design for “Appropriate”
• Liz Witte - Regional Honorable Mention (first alternate) in Sound Design for “Appropriate”
• Sarah Salmi - Regional Honorable Mention (first alternate) in Allied Design and Technology for “Appropriate”; and Society of Properties Managers (SPM) Award for “Appropriate”
• Brian Wayne - SPM Award for “She Kills Monsters”
• Jennipher Rodowca - Student Choice Award for Makeup and Hair Design; Heart of the Art for Makeup and Hair SFX for”She Kills Monsters”
• Ransom Allen - Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas; KCACTF Student Dramaturgy Region 8 Nominee

Musical Theatre Initiative and Cabaret

• Daphne Mizguez - First alternate for Nationals in Music Theatre Initiative, Singing
• Thea Moore - Finalist in Music Theatre Initiative, Singing and Dance
• Owen Grover - Finalist in Music Theatre Initiative, Singing and Dance
• Gavin Kennedy - Finalist in Music Theatre Initiative, Singing and Dance
• Elise Migacz - Finalist in Music Theatre Initiative, Dance
• Nick Jones - Finalist in Music Theatre Initiative, Dance
• Camren Martinez - Finalist in Music Theatre Initiative, Dance and Semi-Finalist in MTI, Singing
• Sydnie Navaho - Finalist in Music Theatre Initiative, Dance and Semi-Finalist in MTI, Singing
• Rodrigo Alonzo Regalado - Finalist in Music Theatre Initiative, Dance
• Porter Molinar - Finalist in Music Theatre Initiative, Dance
• Kate Broadbent - Semi-Finalist in MTI, Singing
• Osvaldo Rodriguez - Semi-Finalist in MTI, Singing

MCC Performing Arts Facilities Director Christopher Tubilewicz received the Gold Medallion for his extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theatre. “It is the most prestigious regional award given by KCACTF and is considered one of the great honors in theatre education,” said Ganesan.

“The Gold Medallion has been awarded to a number of people over the years that I have the utmost respect for,” said Tubilewicz. “Being counted on the same list with these individuals is quite an honor.”

He added, “I have had the privilege of being a part of the mentoring process for MCC's theatre design and technology students for the past 15 years. Having had incredible mentors throughout my own education I know how important good mentoring is to a student's success. Having the opportunity to pass on my knowledge, successes and failures to our students is a precious gift to me.”

Theatre & Film Arts faculty and Performing Arts Facilities team members award recipients include:

• Theatre Program Director Mace Archer - Excellence in Theatre Education Award
• Design for Theatre & Film Program Director Kara Thomson - Service Recognition Award
• Communication, Theatre & Film Arts faculty Adriana Diaz - Service Recognition Award

MCC students who competed with nearly 300 others for the Irene Ryan Foundation scholarships include finalist Jeffrey Rudolph and semi-finalist Alex Parker. Providing recognition, honor and financial assistance to outstanding performers, the foundation, based in Encino,Calif., bestows eight regional awards for $500 each and two national awards for $3,500 each to student performers wishing to pursue further education.

For more information about KCACTF and its programs, visit here.

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Media contact: Julie Ruiz, julie.ruiz@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7283

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 over 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. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been 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. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

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

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA 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.