Sul Ross State University’s Theatre Program showcased its talent at the Region 6 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Abilene, with students Justin Hinton from Dallas and Olivia Pertuso from Alpine leading the charge. The duo was invited to perform a scene from David Mamet’s “Oleanna,” a highlight from their last fall’s main stage production, drawing significant attention and praise.
The invitation to the prestigious festival came after the “Oleanna” production was evaluated in October 2023 by KCACTF respondents, including theatre faculty from West Texas A&M and Texas Tech University. Hinton and Pertuso’s performance at the four-day festival in late February marked a significant milestone in their artistic journey, showcasing their exceptional talents to a broader audience.
Senior theatre major Justin Hinton not only showcased his acting skills but also demonstrated his vocal talents by advancing to the final round of the Region 6 KCACTF Musical Theatre Initiative competition with a song from “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” Meanwhile, graduate student Olivia Pertuso was nominated for an Irene Ryan Acting Award, further highlighting Sul Ross’s presence at the festival through her participation with monologues from “A Doll’s House: Part II” by Lucas Hnath and “Antigone” by Sophocles.
The festival also recognized the contributions of other Sul Ross theatre majors. Jenna Reyes, a junior from Alpine, and Marshall Jones, a sophomore from Godley, received meritorious awards for their outstanding work in stage management and properties design, respectively. Furthermore, Justin Hinton and Owen Wyatt of Dallas were selected as Honor Crew, providing vital support for all productions throughout the festival.
The Sul Ross faculty members were not left out of the accolades. Assistant Professor of Theatre and Industrial Technology, Carolyn Barrientes, received a meritorious award for her costume design, while Professor of Theatre Ross Fleming served as the festival’s Technical Director, underscoring the university’s comprehensive talent both on and off the stage.
Since its inception in 1969 by Roger L. Stevens, the Kennedy Center’s founding chairman, the KCACTF has grown into a national theater program that engages 18,000 students across colleges and universities nationwide. The festival aims to celebrate the creative process, offer a platform for students to showcase their work, and foster a community among theater artists through state, regional, and national festivals. It provides a critical assessment by festival respondents and honors excellence in theater production and individual achievements across various disciplines.
The participation of Sul Ross State University’s theatre program students at the KCACTF not only highlights their individual talents but also underscores the program’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of theater artists.
Photo Credit: Sul Ross
