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Dustin Luca
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SALEM, MASS. – Theatre students from Salem State University took home a total of seven awards at a recent regional Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
The 57th annual Kennedy Region 1 festival was held at Central Connecticut State University from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1. Region 1 for the festival, abbreviated KCACTF, includes colleges and universities based in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Northeast New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
“The Salem State University theatre department achieved remarkable success at the recent Kenedy Center American College Theatre Festival, showcasing outstanding performances and exceptional production work that earned praise for its creativity, professionalism, and talent,” said theatre department chairperson Topher Morris. “Our students’ commitment to excellence and professionalism was evident in every aspect of their work.”
Awards were received in a range of competitions including acting, dramaturgy, allied crafts, and stage management. Salem State’s 2025 Region 1 KCACTF award recipients include:
- Sara Gluck, of Billerica, is the recipient of the Region 1 Finalist for the National Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship. Gluck will go on to compete at the National KCACTF Festival in April in Washington DC. This is the sixth time since 2019 that Salem State has been a finalist for the national acting award;
- Raya Young, of Salem, is the Region 1 recipient of the Best Scene Partner Award. Young will go on to compete at the National KCACTF Festival in April in Washington DC. This is the fifth time since 2019 that Salem State has been a finalist for the scene partner national award;
- Jennifer O’Connell, of Medford, received the Region 1 Mental Health Stage Management Award;
- James Bridges, of Hooksett, NH received the Region 1 Dramaturgy Award;
- Cameron Nye, of Woburn, received the Region 1 Past Chair Scholarship for collaboration in musical theatre;
- Bella Perez, of Everett, received Honorable Mention for Allied Crafts; and
- Alecia DiCicco, of Quincy, received Honorable Mention for Lighting Design.
“The theatre department continues to foster creativity, collaboration, and innovation,” Morris said. “This is achieved by providing students with a dynamic environment where they can hone their craft, explore diverse storytelling techniques, and produce high-quality performances that engage and inspire audiences.”