January 29, 2002

BOISE STATE THEATRE ARTS PRODUCTION RECEIVES FESTIVAL INVITATION

The Boise State University theatre arts department has again been recognized for excellence by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The theatre arts department�s production of "The Blue Room," directed by professor Ann Hoste this past fall, was one of a select few college productions in the Northwest invited to the be showcased at the KCACTF Region 7 festival Feb. 19-23 at Western Washington University in Bellingham. Student Amy Welsh, who was the production�s stage manager, received a certificate of merit for her work.

"The Blue Room" is the eighth Boise State production invited to KCACTF festivals since 1993, with two productions advancing to the national festival in Washington, D. C. in 1997 and 1999. Over the years numerous Boise State students have also received individual honors for playwriting, acting and design.

Boise State theatre arts chairman Richard Klautsch attributes Boise State�s repeated KCACTF recognition to the unique training-ground atmosphere fostered by the university and the Boise community�s working partnerships. Klautsch said this kind of environment is more commonly found in graduate programs than undergraduate schools.

"Our faculty are active in professional theatre�we practice what we preach," said Klautsch. "Through alliances with Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Theatre for Youth and Boise Contemporary Theatre, [faculty members] continue to practice their craft and help provide opportunities for students."

Because several of "The Blue Room" students and faculty are currently involved in area performing companies they will not be able to take the production to Bellingham. Hoste is on sabbatical with Company of Fools in Hailey, designing costumes for a production of James Joyce�s "The Dead." Welsh graduated in December and is now working as assistant stage manager on Michael Hoffman�s production of "The Cherry Orchard" for Boise Contemporary Theatre. Several other Boise State theatre arts students and faculty are involved in that production. Dwayne Blackaller, a student who acted in "The Blue Room," is now on the road with Idaho Theatre for Youth.

KCACTF is the only national organization that recognizes college productions and provides regional and national opportunities, scholarships, awards and experience for students from more than 600 institutions.

Contact:
Richard Klautsch
Theatre arts chair
426-1500

Media contact:
Pat Pyke
communications and marketing
426-1987