Bearkats Win Big at American College Theatre Festival

Students from the Department of Theatre and Musical Theatre earned top honors at the 2026 American College Theatre Festival, with multiple students advancing to national finalist status in highly competitive categories. These students will go on to represent their region at this year’s online national festival, placing them among the top collegiate theatre artists in the country.

The American College Theatre Festival recognizes and celebrates excellence in college theatre. The festival provides opportunities for students to showcase their work in performance, design, directing, and arts leadership, while receiving feedback from industry professionals and competing for scholarships and national recognition.

Congratulations to our Bearkat Award Winners!

Student Directing Initiative National Finalist - Malia Vargas 
Irene Ryan National Finalist - Madi Jo Bailey 
Musical Theatre Initiative National Finalist - Lexi Delahoussaye  
ASPIRE Arts Leadership National Finalist - Jared Rivera 
Musical Theatre Initiative Open Jar Institute Excellence in Dance - Carter Osborne 

Student Directing Initiative Alternate - Sarah Rivers 
Musical Theatre Initiative Alternate - Nicole Campos 
ACTF Region 6 Award for Theatrical Design Excellence in Scenic Design - Emily Childs  
ACTF Region 6 Award for Theatrical Design Excellence in Lighting Design - Anthony Sloterdijk 
Student Directing Initiative Commendation for Performance - Willie Morris 
Student Directing Initiative Commendation for Performance - Benjamin Treviño 
Irene Ryan Lee Hicks Best Partner in the Final Round - Willie Morris 
Irene Ryan Best Partner in Prelims Award - Willie Morris 

Musical Theatre Finals Most Vulnerable Performance - Nicole Gee 
BOLD in DTM Recognition of Excellence in Scenic Design - Emily Childs 
Heart of the Art in Scenic Design - Illiana Lopez 
Heart of the Art in Stage Management - Mackenzie Lee 
BOLD in DTM Recognition of Excellence - Illiana Lopez 
Excellence in Technical Theatre Olympics - Anthony Sloterdijk, Illiana Lopez, Emily Childs, Mackenzie Lee, Kylie Richards 
Group Heart Award - SHSU Devising Group