Dordt University students and faculty earned multiple honors and recognitions while taking part in the Region Five American College Theatre Festival (ACTF), held Jan. 18–24 in Rochester, Minnesota.
More than 1,200 students and faculty from colleges and universities across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri attended the weeklong festival. Dordt was represented by 14 students, many of whom received nominations, advanced in competitions, or earned regional awards for their work.
Several Dordt students were nominated for the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship and competed in scholarship auditions alongside their scene partners, including Gabriel Garcia, Callie Mulder, Casey Oolman, and Kayla Prell.
Among the highlights of the week, Isaiah Ives and his scene partner Clark Stiemsma advanced to the semifinal round of the Irene Ryan auditions — one of ACTF’s largest and most competitive events, drawing more than 500 student participants.
Dordt faculty also participated as presenters in festival showcases and workshops. Becky Donahue, Costume Shop Manager and Arts Events Coordinator, was invited to present her costume designs for Radium Girls in the annual ACTF Region Five Costume Parade. In addition, Laurel Koerner, professor of theatre arts, led a roundtable workshop for theatre faculty from across the region.
Dordt students also showcased work in the ACTF Design, Technology, and Management Expo. Presenters included Grace Bruin, Jakob Kamp, Sam Kamp, and Bennett Visser for design work on Dordt productions of Radium Girls and Antigone.
Outstanding work by Dordt students and faculty during the 2025 season was further recognized through ACTF Certificates of Merit. Honorees included Marijka Bakker, Reghan Brown, Becky Donahue, Petra Heinze, Jakob Kamp, Laurel Koerner, Casey Oolman, Nathan Van Laningham, and Jason Vande Brake for achievements in performance, design, stage management, technical direction, and directing.
In addition, Kendra Amack, Kendra Breems, Grace Bruin, Gabi Micheel, and Kathryn Prins received Certificates of Merit for ensemble work as the Greek Chorus in Antigone. The entire cast and production team of Radium Girls also received a special Certificate of Merit for Collaboration.
“At Dordt, we believe Christ’s presence and sovereignty extend to every square inch of creation — including the arts,” said Jason Vande Brake, assistant professor of theatre arts. “Our theatre program helps students understand theatre’s history and cultural impact while developing the skills to create theatre with purpose and imagination.”
The featured photo is courtesy of Dordt University
