San Marcos, Texas- University of Oklahoma School of Drama students took home many top honors at the regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival this past weekend. Additionally, OU’s production of Anatomy of Gray earned a spot in the regional KCACTF competition, placing OU’s production for consideration for an honorary performance at the national KCACTF in Washington, D.C., in April.  

During the annual KCACTF Regionals, university and college drama majors and faculty members attend workshops and seminars as well as competitions in dramaturgy, directing, costume design, scenic design and the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship program. Additionally, select universities are invited to present full productions for competition.  

In addition to the production competition, student performers interested in pursuing their education may participate in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions, which provide recognition, honor and financial assistance to outstanding student performers. In this year’s regional festival, 166 students competed in the preliminary round, each performing two duets and a monologue. Four OU students advanced to the finals, a record for any single school.  Jonathan Hooks of Duncan, Ok. and his partner Paul Stuart, of Friendswood, Texas, received top honors and earned a trip to KCACTF Nationals in Washington, D.C.  

Additional awards received by OU drama students include: Matt Byrd, of Lubbock, Texas, winner of the Region VI Dramaturgy, which includes a trip to the KCACTF Nationals; Natalie Steinke, of Louisville, Ky., Best Classical Performance; Jordan Brodess, of Flower Mound, Texas, Best Partner; Greg Rottman, of Fairfax, Va., and Laura Stephenson, of Frisco, Texas, second alternate in the Irene Ryan auditions; and Sarah Burnham, of Richmond, Texas, runner-up for Scenic Design.