By Ray Bishop
Cast and production team for the Minutes after load-in: George Beare, Matt Whelan, Jackson Kinsella, Tony Deneault, Joseph O’Conner, Robert O’Conner, Caroline Lane, Grace Michel, Raven Berry, Matthew Kohler, Emi Welch-Viens, Dahila Viprino, Andrea Molina, T. Murphy, Annastasia Gibbs, Kimberly Monteiro, Charlotte Lane, Ray Bishop, Nicole Taylor, Kendra Murphy, Brian Rice, and Jennifer Marshall
Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) offers a variety of opportunities for students to develop skills that extend far beyond the stage. One of these opportunities is participation in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), a regional event that showcases both on-stage and behind-the-scenes talent. The college is part of Region 1, which includes schools from across the northeastern United States.
I had the privilege of attending the KCACTF from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1, where I participated in various workshops and was nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Audition Scholarships. Additionally, I helped bring 4Cs Fall 2024 production of The Minutes by Tracy Letts to the Torp Theater at Central Connecticut State University.
Before the event, rideshares were assigned, and fellow attendees and I met up for the long drive to Connecticut. Before we headed out, I discovered that Dinosaur State Park, only five minutes from our hotel, offered a $6 exhibit and a free nature trail. Though I suggested we stop, I only received a hesitant response—so I strived to convince the group during the three-hour ride.
Upon arrival, we checked into our hotel and headed to the opening ceremony. I expected a dry, formal affair, but it turned out to be a lively, engaging event that set an exciting tone for the week. Keynote speakers Jess Wilson and Garret Olson of Cape Cod’s Watermelon Alligator Theater Company stressed the importance of consent and safety in the theater. Their message about creating inclusive, safe spaces resonated strongly.
The next morning, I participated in the Irene Ryan Acting Audition Scholarships, performing a monologue and scene with Grace Michel for a panel of judges. Though I was nervous, I felt a sense of accomplishment afterward. We spent the rest of the day attending various workshops, including one focused on dance techniques such as lifts and drops, another on the importance of play in everyday life, and an improv workshop. One of the more impactful discussions was on safety and accessibility in theater.
While the schedule was packed with activities related to The Minutes, we managed to attend the student-run drag show, which was a fun, lively event filled with music and expressive performances. However, we quickly shifted focus to the demanding work of bringing our production to the stage. The process involved everything from loading set pieces and costumes to performing and packing up afterward. The show received a standing ovation, and the audience’s thought-provoking questions during our talkback demonstrated their engagement.
Thanks to the leadership of 4Cs Technical Director Brian Rice, our load-in and load-out process was efficient and well-coordinated. The team’s effort earned us the Golden Hammer Award, recognizing our smooth operation. It was a proud moment, especially considering this was the college’s first full show invited to the KCACTF.
The next day, I finally convinced the group to visit Dinosaur State Park. Though the nature trail was too cold to enjoy, the exhibit itself was an enjoyable and rewarding detour.
The event concluded with a closing ceremony where awards and scholarships were presented to deserving individuals. This was followed by a lively dance party that added a fun, chaotic end to an unforgettable week.
My time at KCACTF was an enriching experience, filled with diverse perspectives and valuable advice from industry professionals. It is a memory that will continue to inspire and inform my future endeavors.
Grace Michel (Tech Intern) and Festival Technical Director Jim Dougherty
The KCACTF is an invaluable experience for students at 4Cs. While it requires dedication and preparation, it offers tremendous opportunities for those looking to hone their skills and build connections in the arts. It’s an event worth experiencing, and one that will undoubtedly help students grow both personally and professionally.
