Campus Connection

Justin Schmitz, a senior majoring in theatre, has advanced to the national finals of the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival (KC/ACTF) in Washington, D.C. Schmitz's sound design for the department's 2010 production of "Eurydice," by Sarah Ruhl, was selected from 22 sound designs from Region III to be advanced to the national competition. Schmitz will travel to Washington, D.C., in April to compete at the national level. The department was well represented at the regional festival, held Jan. 5-9 in Lansing, Mich. The October 2010 production of "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" was one of eight productions chosen to perform from more than 50 college entries in the four-state region. "Our students are so dedicated and talented," said UW-L's Associate Professor of Theatre Mary Leonard. "They always rise to the occasion." UW-L students achieved individual success as well. Lindsay Van Norman, a senior majoring in theatre, advanced to the second round in the Irene Ryan Acting competition. Erica Perrin, stage manager for "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot," advanced to the final round in the stage management division. Claire Ganshert, Tim McCarren and Amy Nelson received a certificate of merit for ensemble acting for their roles in "Eurydice." Faculty members receiving certificates of merit include Joe Anderson for costume design for "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" and Gary Walth, music director for "Into the Woods." "We're incredibly proud of our students and were thrilled to represent UW-La Crosse at this prestigious competition," said Anderson, chair of the Theatre Arts Department. "The production was very well received and gained the attention of everyone there. Our reputation in the region was raised exponentially. We greatly appreciate the support from the community, the College of Liberal Studies, and the university, all of which helped us to achieve this success." Find out more about UW-L's Theatre Arts Department.