In the News

Hesston College Theatre to present disco-rock musical “Xanadu”

Hesston College Theatre will bring sparkle, roller skates and chart-topping hits to the stage this spring with its production of “Xanadu.” Performances will take place at 7 p.m. March 5 to 7 and at 2 p.m. March 8 in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater. Tickets are $5 for students and $12 for adults and seniors, available at the door or in advance at hesston.edu/showtix or by calling 620-327-8104.

Directed by Theatre Director Rachel Jantzi, the high-energy musical plays a larger part in the overall message Jantzi wishes to convey throughout this year’s performances.

“I wanted to keep with the theme we had established with the fall play and Christmas show of fantastical stories and light-heartedness,” Jantzi says.

Set to the electrifying soundtrack of the 1980 cult film, the Broadway musical version of “Xanadu” by Douglas Carter Beane reimagines the story with sharper comedy, a streamlined story and additional characters. The show follows Greek muse Kira as she descends from Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, Calif., on a quest to inspire struggling artist Sonny Malone to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time – the first roller disco.

“It took all the best stuff the movie offered – romance, roller skating and an incredible soundtrack, and ditched the poor special effects and loose storyline. He tightened it by introducing additional muses, which created clearer conflict, comedic relief, and he let the music really tell the story,” Jantzi explains. “After all, this movie soundtrack had five chart-busting hits in 1980 and all of them are in this show.”

Audiences can expect glittering costumes, infectious choreography and plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor.

“This is a disco-rock musical,” Jantzi says. “Anyone born in the ’70s or earlier who knew this movie or music will experience some sweet nostalgia. Anyone born after the ’70s will either know it from their parents, or they will simply appreciate the comedy and the music that is still heard today. And really, how many shows can a director pull out a disco ball and a pegasus? Have I mentioned the awesome music?”

The cast features lead actors Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan., and Angel Sinnett of McPherson, Kan., as Kira and Sonny Malone. Ashleigh Williams of Eaton, Co., portrays Calliope; Rey Tipton of Hesston, Kan., plays Melpomene; Evelyn Gaertner of Newton, Kan., is Erato; Sebastian Pavlovich of Lindsborg, Kan., appears as Thalia; Adam Wonser of Goessel, Kan., plays Terpsichore; and Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla., portrays Euterpe. The cast also features Josh Fleming ’25, Hesston College flight instructor, as Danny McGuire; Cindy Smith of Park City, Kan., and Constance Feldt of Wichita, Kan., in multiple ensemble roles; and Brody Hutto of Bel Aire, Kan., appearing as Hermes.

The production team includes stage manager Alyssa Coonce, of Hutchinson, Kan.; assistant stage manager and dramaturg Brody Hutto of Bel Aire, Kan.; lead carpenter Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind.; co-costume designers Evelyn Gaertner of Newton, Kan., and Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla.; hair and makeup designer Constance Feldt of Wichita, Kan.; and props chief Ava Huynh of Lam Dong, Vietnam.

Recommended for audiences of all ages, “Xanadu” promises an evening of laughter, nostalgia and unapologetic fun.

Now accepting submissions for Hesston College’s playwriting festival

A blank page. A bold idea. Ten minutes on stage. Hesston College Theatre is once again inviting south central Kansas playwrights to turn their stories into live performance through the return of the “Pen to Paper to Performance” playwriting festival. Open to first-time and experienced writers, the festival celebrates original voices and the creative process from script to stage.

The theatre department will accept submissions for the 10-minute play festival through March 8 and notify eight selected playwrights March 15, with their works produced as part of the final showcase event on May 1 and 2. Playwrights whose scripts are selected will receive a percentage of box office earnings.

Founded in 2017 by Hesston College Theatre Director Rachel Jantzi, “Pen to Paper to Performance,” often called P3, was designed to create meaningful connections between local playwrights, student performers and audiences. Performed by Hesston College theatre students, the festival provides a unique opportunity for new and familiar voices to be heard and shared through live theatre.

“Over the years, audiences and playwrights kept asking when P3 would return, and that’s been really encouraging,” Jantzi says. “It’s clear this is something people value, and I’m excited to continue building it as an every-other-year experience.”

One element that sets this festival apart is the post-show talkback session following each performance.

“During the talkback, playwrights have the chance to share their creative process and reflect on what it’s like to watch their words come to life on stage,” Jantzi explains. “It gives audiences insight they don’t usually get with other performances, and it deepens the connection between the writers, performers and audience.”

Past festivals have featured a wide range of styles and subjects, including nonfiction pieces rooted in personal or historical events, fictional works exploring social issues, fables and folktales and lighthearted comedies and dramas. Jantzi encourages writers of all ages and experience levels to submit a script on a topic that matters to them.

“Don’t let a lack of experience or age hold you back,” Jantzi says. “Read a play to get a sense of formatting, then start writing. Everyone has a story to tell, and this is a great place to begin sharing it.”

10-Minute Play Festival submission criteria

Scripts are accepted until March 8. Eight selected submissions will be produced in the final showcase event, “Pen to Paper to Performance,” May 1 and 2 at 7 p.m. in Keim Center Black Box Theater on the Hesston College campus. Winning submissions will be notified March 15 and will receive a percentage of the box office earnings. Rehearsals for the chosen shows will begin the following week.

Submission rules:

• No more than two plays per playwright.
• Scripts should fall between eight and 12 pages and run roughly 10 minutes.
• Suggested number of characters is three to five.
• Location and setting expectations should be minimal for the sake of logistics.
• No musicals.
• Original work only; no previously produced work.
• Submissions will be acknowledged via email, but no critiques will be offered.
• Please staple hard copies of scripts. Please no binders, covers or folders.
• Director reserves the right to edit for the sake of time or logistics in collaboration with the playwright.
• Work from outside of Kansas will not be considered.

How to submit:
Please submit both a hard copy and an emailed copy. Hard copies will not be returned. Plays should include a cover page with the following information:

• Play title
• Playwright’s name
• Playwright’s phone number
• Playwright’s email address

Deliver or mail submissions to:
Hesston College
c/o Rachel Jantzi, Keim Center
PO Box 3000
Hesston, KS 67062

Email an identical copy to rachelj@hesston.edu with “10-minute play” in the subject line.

Performing Arts to present “A Quiet Christmas” in partnership Prairie Lights

Hesston College Performing Arts invites families and community members to experience the beauty and stillness of the holiday season with “A Quiet Christmas,” an original theatre performance presented in conjunction with Prairie Lights at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains. Performances will take place December 6 and 7 from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the Prairie Pavilion.

This year’s production offers something new for Hesston College Theatre. While past winter shows often featured original scripts built from personal stories, poems or current events, “A Quiet Christmas” draws inspiration from children’s Christmas literature to shape a gentle, imaginative storytelling experience. With music by Hesston College Bel Canto Singers, led by Interim Choir Director Greg Bontrager and accompanied by Music Professor Ken Rodgers, the performance will be presented in an intimate indoor setting.

“I hope we can give audiences a charming performance,” shares Theatre Director Rachel Jantzi. “We want to allow family and friends an intentional time to connect while experiencing the beauty and serenity of this holiday season.”

The stories featured in this year's production celebrate the beauty of the natural world, drawing inspiration from children's books like “Night Tree” by Eve Bunting, “What The Little Fir Wore To The Christmas Party” by Satomi Ichikawa and “Room For A Little One” by Martin Waddell. The production will take a creative approach to these tales, incorporating a variety of storytelling techniques such as shadow puppetry, interpretive readings and musical accompaniment.

Following the performance, audiences are encouraged to enjoy Prairie Lights at their own pace. The arboretum’s landscape provides a peaceful setting for conversation, quiet wonder and connection.

“I am excited to be teaming up with the Dyck Arboretum’s Prairie Lights 2025,” Jantzi adds. “People will come and experience a live theatre performance for the whole family with Bel Canto Singers joining us, and also be able to walk through nature illuminated by thousands of lights.”

Students participating in this production are Alyssa Coonce, Hutchinson, Kan.; Constance Feldt, Wichita, Kan.; Evelyn Gaertner, Newton, Kan.; Brody Hutto, Bel Aire, Kan.; Misaki Kurata, Habikigaoka, Japan; Anja Martinez, Topeka, Kan.; Sebastian Pavlovich, Lindsborg, Kan.; Chloe Robinson, Moore, Okla.; Angel Sinnet, McPherson, Kan.; Arlynn Smith, Newcastle, Okla.; Cindy Smith, Park City, Kan.; Rey Tipton, Hesston, Kan.; Ava Huynh, Lam Dong, Vietnam; Sam Setiawan, Goshen, Ind.; Lily Corkill, Olsburg, Kan.; Eve Corkill, Olsburg, Kan.; Abby Hamm, Seminole, Texas; Kaylee Manning, El Dorado, Kan.; Ashleigh Williams, Eaton, Colo.; Adam Wonser, Goessel, Kan.; Nolan Gorman, Redmond, Ore.; Devin Miller, Hesston, Kan.; Ren Sparks, Moundridge, Kan.; and Ethan Thompson, Hesston, Kan.

Entrance to the performance is included with Prairie Lights admission. Tickets are $5 for adults, free for children ages 0 to 12, and are available at the entrance or at dyckarboretum.org/prairie-lights. For more information visit hesston.edu/theatre

Hesston College Theatre to present comic fantasy “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility”

Hesston College Theatre will take audiences on a whimsical, globe-spanning adventure this fall with its production of “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility” by Craig Pospisil. Performances will take place at 7 p.m., October 2 to 4, and at 2 p.m., October 5, in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and seniors, available at the door or in advance at hesston.edu/showtix or by calling 620-327-8104.

Theatre Director Rachel Jantzi chose the comic fantasy as a lighthearted counterbalance to last season’s darker themes, pairing it thematically with the upcoming spring musical “Xanadu.”

“Both ‘Poles’ and ‘Xanadu’ have a light, fantastical feel,” says Jantzi. “After last year’s heavier themes, I felt it was important to bring in some cheer.”

The play follows a captivating storyline that blends romance with adventure, taking audiences from jungle to ocean to arctic with dragons, giant squid and monsters from Australia’s outback making appearances along the way.

“It’s like if ‘When Harry Met Sally’ and ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ merged,” Jantzi shares. “I also have a talented cast who is already figuring out the complexities of characters who find themselves in extremely far out circumstances.”

Pushing the limits of the Keim Center’s intimate performance space, the production will combine practical stage effects and sound design to create an unforgettable journey.

“We are bringing in locations from all over the world,” Jantzi explains. “This one relies more heavily on technical effects than in some more recent years, the spectacle should be entertaining.”

Recommended for ages eight and up, attendees can expect an evening filled with laughter and energy.

“I want audiences to expect a good laugh and a great night out,” Jantzi says, “and to leave feeling like there’s still some magic in this world.”

The cast consists of students Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla.; Angel Sinnet of McPherson, Kan.; Brody Hutto of Bel Aire, Kan.; Dakota Nisbeth of Enterprise, Kan.; Constance Feldt of Wichita, Kan.; Rey Tipton of Hesston, Kan.; Alyssa Coonce of Hutchinson, Kan.; Arlynn Smith of Newcastle, Okla.; Cindy Smith of Park City, Kan.; Misaki Kurata of Habikigaoka, Japan.; Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan.; Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan.; and Sebastian Pavlovich of Lindsborg, Kan. Crew members include students Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind., and Ava Huynh of Lam Dong, Vietnam.

Now enrolling: Hesston summer theatre camp offers youth a week on stage

Campers from Hesston College’s 2024 Summer Theatre Camp perform in the final production of “Mean Girls: The Musical.” Each year, the camp concludes with a full-stage performance open to the public.

Hesston College Theatre invites young performers from across the region to bring their energy and creativity to the stage as the college hosts its annual Summer Theatre Camp this summer, June 15 to 21. Open to students ages 11 to 18, the weeklong camp will culminate in a public performance of the musical “Beetlejuice” on Saturday, June 21 at 2 p.m. in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary.

Throughout the week, campers will immerse themselves in all aspects of theatre — from acting, singing and dancing to staging and character development — while staying on campus and building friendships with fellow young artists. The experience offers an encouraging environment for students of all experience levels to grow their skills and confidence both on and off the stage.

“Theatre camp gives students the opportunity to take creative risks, collaborate and step into the spotlight,” said Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “It’s a fun, fast-paced week that ends in something they can all be proud of.”

The final performance is open to the public, and community members are warmly invited to attend and support the students’ work. The show will take place at 2 p.m. on June 21 at Hesston Mennonite Church, located on the Hesston College campus. Admission is $5 per person.

A limited number of spots remain for students interested in joining the camp. Registration is open through June 13. For campers staying overnight, evening activities such as swimming, movie night, a talent show and bonfire allow for a break from the stage and time for campers to build friendships beyond rehearsals.

For more information and to register, contact the Hesston College Theatre Department at 620-327-8142.

Hesston College celebrates student excellence at LarkFest

2025 Hesston College Lark of the Year winners Jessica Raharjo and Ashleigh Williams

As the academic year draws to a close, Hesston College gathered to honor outstanding student achievements at the annual LarkFest awards ceremony on Friday, May 9, in the Hesston Mennonite Church sanctuary. Earlier in the week, on Monday, May 5, the athletic department also hosted its annual banquet to recognize student-athletes for their dedication, leadership and success both on and off the field.

At LarkFest, awards were presented across academics, leadership, the arts and campus life, culminating in the announcement of Lark of the Year — the college’s highest student honor. This year, the award was presented to Ashleigh Williams, associate degree student from Eaton, Colo., and Jessica Raharjo, bachelor’s degree student from Semarang, Indonesia, recognizing their exceptional leadership, scholarship and service to the Hesston College community. Students are nominated for Lark of the Year by the Hesston Experience team and the recipient is chosen by a faculty vote.

Athletics also celebrated top performers, with Jammial “Jr” Hicks, basketball player from Kansas City, Kan., earning Male Athlete of the Year and Rylee Weishaupt, powerlifting team member from Goshen, Ind., named Female Athlete of the Year.

Other award recipients at LarkFest included:

• Outstanding Student Ambassadors: TJ Bowman (Twin Falls, Idaho), Ky Kougl (Edmond, Okla.), Kristyn Oliver (Amarillo, Texas), Brock Swedlund (Akron, Colo.)
• Lark Leaders of the Year: Anna McIntire (Lawrence, Kan.) as Community Assistant of the Year, AJ Noriega (Marana, Ariz.) as Wellness Assistant of the Year, Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.) as Ministry Assistant of the Year
• Peer Educator of the Year: Ethan Connelly (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
• Bill Mason Business Scholars: Gresa Arapi (Cypress, Texas), Amy Hunley (Owensboro, Ky.), Luis Jimenez (Dallas, Texas), Ryan Ziesch (Goddard, Kan.)
• Clayton V. Beyler Award: Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.)
• Daniel Gerber Peace and Service Award: Lily Corkill (Olsburg, Kan.), Josalyn Wipf (Huron, S.D.)
• Art: Best in Show: Sarah Hanson (Park City, Kan.)
• Mariann Martin Award: Desirae Rodriguez (Wichita, Kan.)
• Musician of the Year: Caroline Miller (Arlington, Kan.)
• Yoder/Zaid Chemistry Scholarship: Blen Bezuwork (Wichita, Kan.)
• Certificate of Nursing Achievement: Amy Birkey (Wichita, Kan.), Holly Cummins (Potwin, Kan.), Jeremy Schmidt (Wichita, Kan.)
• Outstanding Academic Achievement by an International Student: Elsa Rayneau (Indonesia/India) as associate degree student, Jessica Raharjo (Semarang, Indonesia) as bachelor’s degree student

The athletic banquet showcased achievements from across the Lark sports teams, with coaches honoring athletes for their contributions in their respective programs. In addition to Hicks and Weishaupt, other athletic awards included:

Volleyball

Freshman of the Year: Laura Rojas Gomez (Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain)
Defensive Player of the Year: Sarahi Paez (Arlington, Texas)
Offensive Player of the Year: Audrey Garrison (Wiesbaden, Germany)

Men’s Soccer

Team MVP: Alexander Radu (London, England)
Goal of the Season: Paul Torres (Paris, Texas)
Offensive Player of the Year: Tyler Beckford (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)

Women’s Soccer

Offensive MVP: Rena Itoga (Saitama, Japan)
Defensive MVP: Nevaeh Bowman (Derby, Kan.)
Most Improved: Annabelle Ortega (Portales, N.M.)
Bookworm Award: Lissette Tovar (Wichita, Kan.)

Men’s Basketball

MVP: Jammial Hicks Jr. (Kansas City, Kan.)
Hard Hat Award: Trent Thompson (Okmulgee, Okla.)
Highlight of the Year: Terryon Stebbins (Stone Mountain, Ga.)

Women’s Basketball

Newcomer of the Year: Akiva Brown (Plano, Texas)
Pick Me Up: Hanah DeBelle (Castle Rock, Colo.)
Brick Wall: Anna McIntire (Lawrence, Kan.)

Disc Golf

Women’s MVP: Josalyn Wipf (Huron, S.D.)
Men’s MVP: Devin Miller (Hesston, Kan.)
Most Improved: Phoebe Kolb (Milford, Neb.)

Flag Football

Iron Will Award: Lauren Payne (Geuda Springs, Kan.)
Game Changer Award: Destiny Ortiz (Fort Worth, Texas)
Heart of the Team Award: Mikayla Lucas (Las Vegas, Nev.)

Cross Country

Culture Award: Sebastian Pavlovich (Lindsborg, Kan.)
Most Improved Athlete: Ethan Thompson (Hesston, Kan.)
MVP: Angelo Jenkins (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Program Award: Maddy Ralph (Colwich, Kan.)

Track and Field

Culture Award: Sebastian Pavlovich (Lindsborg, Kan.)
Most Improved Athlete: Gabriel Clark (Goshen, Ind.)
MVP: Jaylon Hatcher (Plano, Texas)
Program Award: Michelle Lewis (Brownsboro, Texas)

Men’s Golf

MVP: Mark Neeley (Arlington, Texas)
Hardest Worker: Ivar Bruce (Gävle, Sweden)
Best Teammate: Braxton Linden (Sterling, Kan.)

Esports

Team of the Year: Rocket League
Lark’d In Award: Anja Martinez (Topeka, Kan.)
F.A.M.I.L.Y Award: Ethan Connelly (Oklahoma City, Okla.)
Level Up Award: Corbyn Oden (Iowa Park, Texas)

Baseball

Offensive Player of the Year: Lucas Dunn (LaMarque, Texas)
Defensive Player of the Year: Chris Cammllarie (McKinney, Texas)
Pitcher of the Year: Luke Richard (McKinney, Texas)
Team Player of the Year: Beau Johnson (Englewood, Colo.), Peyton Rush (Oxford, Kan.)

Dance

Leadership Award: Amy Hunley (Owensboro, Ky.)
Spirit Award: Evelyn Gaertner (Newton, Kan.)
Principal Dancer: Phoebe Kolb (Milford, Neb.)

Softball

Table Setter: Carly Lee (Rose Hill, Kan.)
Silver Slugger: Alysha Kendrick (Beaumont, Calif.)
Every Day: Serena Hewes (Battle Ground, Wash.)

Powerlifting

Male Lifter of the Year: Corbyn Oden (Iowa Park, Texas)
Female Lifter of the Year: Rylee Weishaupt (Goshen, Ind.)
Most Valuable Teammate: Brock Swedlund (Akron, Colo.)
Spark Plug Award: Evan Bernal (Alice, Texas)
“Each of these students represents the heart of the Hesston College community,” says President Mark Landes. “We’re proud of their achievements and excited to see how they continue to grow and lead beyond our campus.”

Laughter and desserts await at Hesston College’s “A Comedy Cabaret” May 2 to 4

Get ready for a night of laughter, sweets and spontaneous comedy as Hesston College Theatre serves up “A Comedy Cabaret” — a delightful blend of sketches, musical numbers and improv — May 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. and May 4 at 2 p.m. in Keim Center’s Black Box Theater (301 S Main, Hesston).

This performance will feature an array of hilarious scenes, monologues and charming musical theatre songs sure to usher in an evening of fun and laughter.

“I encouraged my students to draw inspiration from everywhere — classic comedy, TikTok, YouTube — you name it,” shares Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “It’s a playful mix of the traditional and the trendy, guaranteed to appeal to all ages.”

The experience includes entertainment from members of MaLARKey improv team who will lead a few improv games and offer the opportunity for audience involvement.

“Improv is all about spontaneity and creativity,” Jantzi explains. “The audience might throw out a situation, a famous person, or even a wild setting, and our MaLARKey team will run with it. Think ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ but with a clean twist!”

Upon entering the theatre, attendees won’t find the traditional row seating of a typical theatre performance. Instead they will gather around small tables where they can sit back and relax while snacking on desserts and chatting between acts, offering a less formal, but still engaging production. Featured dessert vendors include Salted Creamery and Lyndsey’s Cakes and Bakes.

“I hope the audience leaves with smiling faces and happy bellies,” says Jantzi.

Don’t miss out on an evening filled with laughter and desserts! Tickets are limited, so grab yours today by calling 620-327-8104. Suitable for ages 7 and up.

Hesston College Theatre presents musical “Urinetown”

Hesston College Theatre invites the community to experience the hilariously satirical Tony Award-winning musical “Urinetown” in the Black Box Theater, March 5 to 8 at 7 p.m., with a matinee performance on March 9 at 2 p.m.

Directed by Rachel Jantzi, “Urinetown” is a unique blend of humor, social commentary and catchy music, set in a drought-stricken city where citizens must pay to use public restrooms. The musical explores themes of corporate greed, sustainability and rebellion, all with a comedic twist.

“I’ve seen this show performed several times to varying degrees of success and always wanted to tackle the trick of directing a fun-filled musical with some rather dark humor,” says Jantzi. “I feel this cast has the ability to pull it off.”

While “Urinetown” delivers laughs, it also prompts reflection on its timely themes.

“It’s about a town struggling with a water shortage,” Jantzi notes. “After seeing my favorite lake pretty much dried up this past summer, it seems fairly relevant to our region. The show presents two extremes: a corporation that controls water to the point of an absolute corporatocracy and a rebel force pushing for zero regulation. Where does the line fall?”

This production will offer a fresh take on the show’s traditional set design.

“Every production I’ve seen is set around sewers in a ‘Gotham-like’ city. I wanted something different but true to the story,” says Jantzi. “Our designer, Jocelyn Wilkinson, asked what other entities would be affected by a water shortage. The answer: a community pool. So, we created a dried-up, zero-entry kiddie pool in a town’s aquatic center as our setting.”

The cast has embraced this creative concept, assisting with set construction and bringing vibrant energy to their performances.

“They are having a blast with the staging and choreography,” Jantzi shares. “The music playfully parodies classics like ‘Les Misérables,’ ‘West Side Story,’ ‘Newsies’ and ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ making it both catchy and familiar.”

Audiences can expect a show filled with wit, surprises and irreverent humor.

“The tone is established quickly with the narrators, Officer Lockstock and Little Sally, warning that ‘nothing can kill a show like too much exposition,’” says Jantzi. “Viewers will realize by the second song that it’s dark, hilarious and doesn’t take itself too seriously.”

While the production is lighthearted, it does contain some stylized violence and mature themes. Jantzi recommends the show for ages 12 and up but encourages families to reach out with any questions about content.

Ultimately, Jantzi hopes the production will offer both entertainment and food for thought.

“All our shows aim to create community and conversation through storytelling. This one is no exception,” she shares.

The cast consists of students Anja Martinez of Topeka, Kan.; Caroline Miller of Arlington, Kan.; Charles Miller of Arlington, Kan.; Desirae Rodriguez of Wichita, Kan.; Jamie Krehbiel of Hesston, Kan.; Alyssa Coonce of Hutchinson, Kan.; Josh Fleming of Raymore, Mo.; Evelyn Gaertner of Newton, Kan.; Kyrsten Pauley of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; Chloe Robinson of Moore, Okla.; and Ashleigh Williams of Eaton, Colo.; staff members Jose Gloria and Ben Miller; Hesston High School senior Audrey Tipton; and community members Brent Yoder and Em Kerbs. Crew members include students Sam Setiawan of Goshen, Ind.; Tana Hayworth of Lincoln, Kan.; and Uyen (Ava) Huynh of Lamdong, Vietnam. Alumna Alexis (Driscoll) ’23 Becker is designing lights and community member Jocelyn Wilkinson is returning to design the set.

Tickets are available by calling 620-327-8104.

Hesston College Theatre receives prestigious honors from KCACTF

Hesston College Theatre is celebrating a landmark achievement as the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) selected a scene from their fall production of “Antigone” to perform at the Region V Festival in Des Moines, Iowa, this January. With roughly 30 scenes in consideration from hundreds of productions in the region, Hesston’s is one of only nine that were selected to perform. This recognition marks the first time Hesston College has been invited to showcase its work on this stage.

In addition, two student actors from the “Antigone” cast have earned Irene Ryan Scholarship nominations for their standout performances, a competition that is regarded as one of the most prestigious collegiate acting events. Senior Josh Fleming of Raymore, Mo., who played Creon, and sophomore Caroline Miller of Arlington, Kan., who portrayed Antigone, will compete against more than 300 nominees at the regional festival, with the competition narrowing to just 16 finalists.

“This recognition is significant for Hesston College Theatre,” says Rachel Jantzi, director of theatre at Hesston College. “I can’t wait for these students to experience the opening ceremony and see their photo up there with the University of Nebraska, KU and other larger schools. It’s a validation of our students’ dedication, hard work and talent.”

The invited scene features a powerful confrontation between Creon and his son Haemon, as Haemon challenges his father’s decision to condemn Antigone, the woman he loves, to death. Fleming will reprise his role as Creon, alongside freshman Christian Ryan of Topeka, Kan., as Haemon. The performance will be staged with a simplified scenic design for travel.

Reflecting on the significance of this achievement, Jantzi shares, “It’s incredible to see our students and program honored on this scale, and it’s a way to show future students the caliber of opportunities they can experience here.”

While the chance to see Hesston College’s theatre students perform “Antigone” has passed, the community can still take in this talented group at its next production, “Urinetown,” a Tony Award-winning dark comedy about love and greed to be staged March 5 through 9, 2025. For more information, visit hesston.edu/theatre.

About the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival:

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival is a national program that recognizes and celebrates the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theater programs. Region V is the largest of the eight regional festivals, involving students from seven states.