(December 14, 2011)

The Glory of Living Selected for Regional Festival Competition

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College's fall production of The Glory of Living has been chosen as one of six productions to be presented at a regional competition for the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival. Students, faculty, and staff members will travel to the University of Oklahoma for the festival, taking place February 19-26, 2012.

"I am unbelievably proud of our students," said Emily Heugatter, Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing. "The KC/ACTF Regional Festival is an incredible week of immersion into the craft of theatre. Our students will not only be able to showcase their talent but will also have the opportunity to compete for scholarships; witness and analyze their peers' work; forge valuable connections; and take workshops taught by industry professionals."

The six productions—selected from submissions by hundreds of colleges in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and New Mexico—will compete for a chance to advance to nationals in Washington, D. C. The festival's national winner will stage its show at the Kennedy Center.

Three of Centenary's student actors have also been selected to compete for the Irene Ryan Talent Scholarship: senior Chelsea David, junior Andrew Wood, and freshman Nathan Gauthier. Senior Amanda Proctor has been nominated for an award for Excellence in Stage Management.

The theatre department has been involved in fundraising efforts since the beginning of the semester. As part of their effort to fund the trip, they will present benefit performances of The Glory of Living in February. Donations can be made directly to the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse at any time.

Written by Rebecca Gilman, The Glory of Living is a gritty, visceral production that follows Lisa Needham as she is hurled from one disheveled motel to the next, leaving a trail of crime and confusion behind her. From her single mother who welcomes truckers for hourly pit stops to her abusive husband, Clint, Lisa struggles to defy her surroundings and create a meaningful, perhaps even "normal," relationship.

The production is directed by Emily Heugatter and designed by Don Hooper, both faculty members. Eleven Centenary students are featured in the cast, and 13 students are on the production crew.