The University of Wisconsin–Parkside Theatre program achieved significant national recognition from the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF), for its production of Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play by Anne Washburn, directed by Associate Professor Brian Gill. This production was invited to perform at the 5-state Region 3 Festival in Madison, WI, January 6–10.
In addition to the invited production, UW-Parkside students were recognized across multiple ACTF performance and training categories across the region. In the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship category, Tess Ogden and Quincy Wilson advanced to the semi-final round. In the Musical Theatre Intensive, Lilly Wendricks was named a Dance Finalist, while Juju Garcia-Malacara, Christian Luvianos, Annagrace McCurdy, Grace Hassert, and Virgil Kornuth advanced to the Music Theatre Intensive Voice – Semi-Finals.
In Directing, Amy Bates was named the Award Recipient in the Stage Directors and Choreographers category, with her presentation and direction of a scene from the play, Lungs, by Duncan Macmillan, performed by students Tess Odgen and Mark Warden.
Students in Design, Technology, and Management also received notable honors. Mark Warden and Anne Plummer were named Scenic Design Finalists, and Juju Campos-Taylor and Rebecca Finkbeiner advanced to the Stage Management Finals. Kennedy Frick was named the Award Recipient for Theatrical Design Excellence in Costume Design for her design of Dead Man’s Cell Phone, while Anne Plummer earned an Honorable Mention for Scenic Design Excellence for her presentation of the play, TEA. Additional recognitions included the Innovation in Costume Crafts Award presented to Alyssa Ritacca for her headpiece and mask design and execution for Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play, and the ACTF Design, Technology, and Management “Heart of the Art” was awarded to April Sersen for her presentation of the Scenic Charge and Scenic Painting work for the recent production of Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley.
UW-Parkside Theatre students also demonstrated excellence in applied technical skills through participation in the ACTF Tech Challenge. Levi Ofsanik and Forge Dwyer received the top award for ‘Fastest Sound’, breaking the region record for a sound system set up of only 8 seconds, and Lumi Shalaev was recognized for Fastest Lighting. Ofsanik and Dwyer also received Silver, or 2nd place, for their overall performance in all areas of the tech challenge. Rounding out the awards and honors, Parkside received the coveted “Golden Hand Truck” award for most professional load-in for their production of Mr. Burns.
In addition to these awards and recognitions, Parkside Theatre recently received further accolades from the ACTF National Production Awards. Graduating Senior Mark Warden received recognition for Distinguished Performance in a Play, for his role of Mr. Burns, while fellow graduating senior Alyssa Ritacca was awarded Distinguished Mask Design and Construction for Mr. Burns, A post-electric play. The design team was also recognized for Distinguished Production Design (All Design Elements). The ACTF National Committee also presented meritorious commendations to the Musical Ensemble, Performance and Production Ensemble, Stage Management – Juliana Campos – Taylor (’27), Sound Design – Kevin Gray ( UWP Sound Instructor), and Costume and Makeup Design – Alyssa Ritacca (’27) for their work in Mr. Burns, a post-electric play.
The American College Theatre Festival is a national organization dedicated to supporting excellence and diversity in collegiate theatre through peer review, adjudication, and professional development. ACTF
Region 3 includes participating institutions from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and western Ohio. Nationally, the festival serves approximately 18,000 students annually across eight regions.
Parkside’s continuing competitiveness both regionally and nationally reflects the academic rigor, collaborative training, and creative leadership fostered within the UW–Parkside Theatre Arts program.
About UW-Parkside
Since its founding in 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been a trusted partner for the region’s higher educational needs, empowering students to thrive, advancing applied knowledge, and developing talent for the future. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and pre-professional programs, designed to foster personal and professional growth through real-world and impactful learning experiences. Located in the dynamic Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, UW-Parkside offers unmatched access to world-class internships, professional networks, and endless career-building opportunities, placing students at the center of it all.
Written by UW-Parkside
Link to original story: https://www.uwp.edu/explore/news/american-college-theatre-festival-2026.cfm