BSU Theatre Production “Pipeline” Receives Kennedy Center Honors

Production Selected for Performance at Regional Festival

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – BSU’s dynamic and creative performance students who captivated local audiences during the fall 2021 semester with the searing production of “Pipeline” by Dominique Morisseau, earned the honor of presenting the play for college students, faculty, and theatre artists throughout the Mid-Atlantic corridor at the January 2022 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF).

This is the second year in a row that Bowie State was invited to perform at the regional festival, being one of only six schools selected this year. The KCACTF national selection committee will consider the production for national commendation in May 2022.

“It was quite an honor that the quality of Bowie State’s theatre program was recognized with an invitation to perform at the festival for a second year in a row,” said Elena Velasco, assistant professor of theatre arts and theatre production coordinator. “The students’ integration of innovative technology and strong aesthetic choices  are being lauded by professionals in our field. We are so immensely proud of our students.”

An imaginative and immersive production, “Pipeline” placed audience members inside schoolyard fencing and on the set, with classroom desks serving as seating that was so close to the performers that the audience became part of the action. The play’s directing team was led by graduating senior Sahira Parker, who shared the story of a mother’s immeasurable love, parental resilience, patience, and strength to provide protection and support for her son.

Two BSU students had their original works selected for National Playwriting Program performances during the festival in the following categories: Selected/Performed NPP One Act – “Selenelion” by Nate Hatchett; and Selected/Performed NPP 10 Minute Play – “Sad Loved Ones Who Have Work in the Morning” by Audra Jacobs.

Each year the Mid-Atlantic region division hosts over 100 colleges, nearly 1000 students, and dozens of theatre practitioners in a week long intense gathering to provide professional development, scholarship auditions, and acknowledgement of excellence in the field.

Student director Sahira Parker (‘22) received a Commendation for Leadership in Directing, and during the festival was also awarded Outstanding Direction of a 10 Minute Play for a new work entitled “Little Black Kids Don’t Go Outside.”

Other KCACTF awards received by BSU students during the festival included:

• Outstanding Ensemble Performance of a 10 Minute play: Raymond Ingram, “Little Black Kids Don’t Go Outside”
• Outstanding Ensemble Performance of a One Act play: Rakell Foye, Nate Hatchett,
• Kaylin Luces,”This is How You Capture the Light”
• Excellence in Comedic Collaboration: Trina Gantt, Kennedy Howard, Asjah Johnson, Ragan Savage, “Just a girl trying to get a break” – Devised Theatre Performance

Photos by Joseph Edwards, Single Eye Photography.Top right: Terrence Griffin (L) and Rakell Foye (R). Middle left: Daniel Young (L) and Terrence Griffin (R).

 

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