UAB Theatre Production Chosen For National Kennedy Center Festival

UAB Theatre’s production of “In the Blood” is one of three shows chosen for the national Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), to be held April 14-20, in Washington, D.C. UAB’s show was chosen from 300 shows selected for consideration nationwide. It marks the first time in 22 years an Alabama university’s show has gone to the national festival.

April 7, 2008
 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - UAB Theatre's production of "In the Blood" is one of three shows chosen for the national Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) to be held April 14-20, in Washington, D.C. UAB's show was chosen from 300 shows selected for consideration nationwide. It marks the first time in 22 years an Alabama university's show has gone to the national festival.

The festival takes place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The cast and crew of "In the Blood" depart April 14, perform April 15 and return to Birmingham April 16. The play is directed by Dennis McLernon, M.F.A., associate professor of theater at UAB. "In the Blood," written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, is the story of Hester, a mother who lives under a bridge with her five children, born of five fathers. She scratches out a subsistence existence as best her limited education allows, at the mercy of the streets. 

In preparation for the festival, a performance of "In the Blood" is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at UAB's Bell Theater, 700 13th St. S. The performance is free and the public is invited.

The KCACTF honors excellence of overall production and offers student artists individual recognition with awards and scholarships. Members of the KCACTF national selection team view productions at eight regional festivals and select the best, most diverse productions for the annual, noncompetitive national festival, all expenses paid.

The cast is Jasmaine McCorvey of Montgomery; Benoit Johnson of Madison; Keith Pettway of Marbury; Brittney Williams of Birmingham; Tim Craig of Birmingham; Emilie Soffe of Enterprise; with Stefannie Azoroh of Huntsville, Jereme Lewis of Enterprise, Shari D. Perry of Phenix City and Robin Reed of Mobile as the Chorus. Student Dustin Cañez of Tuscaloosa is stage manager and student Jonathan Offutt of Bossier City, La., is lighting designer. Faculty designers are Elizabeth Pollard, M.F.A., costumes, and Cliff Simon, M.F.A., scenery, with sound design by Krystal Kennel.