MESA, Ariz. – March 3, 2026 – Forty-eight students from Mesa Community College’s (MCC) Theatre and Musical Theatre programs earned top honors at the 58th annual Region VIII American College Theatre Festival (ACTF). Formerly known as the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, ACTF is a nationally recognized celebration of collegiate performance and production excellence. The event was held Feb. 10-14, 2026 at Glendale Community College in Glendale, Calif. 

“The artistry our students demonstrated at this year’s competition is a true reflection of their passion, discipline and resilience,” said Puvana Ganesan, Ph.D., chair of MCC’s Communication, Theatre & Film Arts department. “Sharing the stage with some of the region’s most accomplished collegiate artists, they met the moment with confidence and represented Mesa Community College with tremendous pride. I extend my sincere congratulations to our outstanding Theatre & Film Arts and Music Theatre faculty and the Performing Arts Facilities team for their unwavering support and the inspiring work they do on behalf of our students.”

MCC students were recognized for excellence in performance, design, innovation, technical theatre and collaborative production, reflecting the program’s commitment to rigorous training and professional-level production experiences. Faculty members Kara Thomson, Adriana Diaz, Dr. Leia Wasbotten and Kevin Dressler praised the students’ dedication and ensemble-driven approach, citing months of preparation behind their success.

“To all the incredible students who participated in the American College Theater Festival, your dedication, creativity and passion for the performing arts truly shined,” said Darin Shryock, chair of MCC’s Music and Dance department. “Your success reflects countless hours of rehearsal, collaboration and commitment to excellence. You represented MCC with professionalism, artistry and heart. Whether performing, designing, stage managing, or presenting original work, each of you contributed to a powerful showcase of emerging talent in collegiate theatre. We are immensely proud of your accomplishments and excited to see how you continue to grow as artists and leaders in the theatre community.” 

MCC students honored at the conference include:

Theatre: Design & Acting

• Peter Valentin - ASPIRE Arts Leadership National Fellowship Award
• Teddy Burke, Elijah Cox, Emilio Herrera, Gabrielle Monroe, Sarah Salmi and Brianna Smith - Don Childs DTM Cross Collaborative Award for "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" 
• Jennipher Rodowca - Kryolan Theatrical Makeup Award for “The Explorer's Club"  
• Elijah Cox- National ACTF Award for Theatrical Design Excellence in Sound Design for "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar"
• Emilio Herrera - Student Choice Award in Costume Design for "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" 
• Teddy Burke - Society of Properties Managers Award for "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" 
• Sarah Salmi - Regional Honorable Mention in Scenic Design; Student Choice Award in Scenic Design for "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" and Outstanding Ensemble Performance
• Logan Beers - Outstanding Performance in a 10-Minute Play Award
• Lydia Kirby - Devised Performance Most Inspiring Award
• Elise Migacz - ITJA Region 8 National Fellow
• Rose Steel - Rising Journalist Stage Raw Award 
• Madison Escarcega - Region 8 Honorable Mention: Stage Management Fellowship Excellence for “Explorers’ Club”
• Madison Flynn - Regional Honorable Mention in Lighting Design

Music Theatre Initiative

• Madison Farnsworth - Musical Theatre Initiative: Singing - Most Vulnerable Performance
• Porter Molinar - Musical Theatre Initiative: Singing - Most Comedic Performance
• Daphne Mizquez  - Second Alternate for Musical Theatre Initiative, Singing 
• Dancer Finalists: Camren Martinez, Eva Bush, Ivan Fimbres, Jenna Officer, Porter Molinar, Espie Owens, Sydnie Navaho, Thea Moore and Vee Alexander
• Singer Finalists: Camren Martinez, Daphne Mizquez, Nikki Reeves, Maddie Farnsworth, Porter Molinar and Thea Moore
• Singer Semi-Finalists: Camren Martinez, Daphne Mizquez, Jenna Officer, Maddie Farnsworth, Nikki Reeves, Porter Molinar, Alonzo Regalado, Sydnie Navaho and Thea Moore

For  additional information about MCC’s arts programs and a schedule of upcoming performances, visit  mesacc.edu/arts.

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

The American College Theater Festival (ACTF) is a year-round program in eight geographic regions in the United States. It is a national theatre program involving 18,000 students annually from colleges and universities across the country and serves as one of the nation’s premier platforms for emerging theatre artists, offering opportunities for national recognition, scholarships and professional development. Regional activities are coordinated through eight ACTF regional chairs and eight ACTF playwriting awards chairs. For more Information, visit actf.org

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

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.