Concordia University Theatre Students and Faculty Recognized at Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival – Region 8

For Immediate Release: March 7, 2011
Date: February 20, 2011
Contact: Professor Tony Vezner
Phone: (949) 214-3425 | Email: tony.vezner@cui.edu

Concordia University student Aimee Burdette showed her acting skill in remarkable fashion at the 2011 Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Regional Festival in Los Angeles. Burdette, a junior, reached the finals of the festival’s Irene Ryan acting competition with her partner Justin Jorgensen. The final round features only 16 actors out of a field of 280. Burdette and Jorgensen performed in front of a panel of judges that included film and television casting directors, artistic directors, and film and television actors. Both Burdette and Jorgensen are transfer students from Mira Costa College outside of San Diego.

Also at the festival, Concordia was invited to perform a scene from its 2010 production of Hamlet. Students Shaylin Hoye and Jeremy Schlitt performed the famed “Nunnery” scene from the play. Only ten productions in the region were invited to present scenes at the festival. Concordia is a member of KCACTF Region 8, which includes 127 colleges and universities covering the states of Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and most of California.

At the conclusion of the festival, Professor Tony Vezner was honored with the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival’s award for “Excellence in Education.” Vezner is the third recipient of this award in Concordia’s theatre department as Dr. Peter Senkbeil and former resident faculty member Mic Shackelford have also received the award.

A member of the Concordia University system of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, Concordia University Irvine, guided by the Great Commission of Christ Jesus and the Lutheran Confessions, empowers students through the liberal arts and professional studies for lives of learning, service, and leadership.