Glendale Community College made a strong impression at this year’s Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, held in Mesa, Ariz. Feb. 11 to 15. Where faculty and students brought home accolades and accomplishments for their exceptional performances and talent. Esther Quinzinski received the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Award for the actor who best served a play and was a Music Theatre International Dance finalist and awarded $1,000 with the Open Jar Institute. Sharukh Kahn was also a Stage Directors and Choreographers finalist, earning the 42 Foundation Award for excellence in storytelling.
Additionally, Sydnie Marks and Esther Quinzinski were called back from Next Step Auditions and interviewed with prestigious institutions such as Stella Adler Theatre, The Eugene O’Neill Theatre Center, and the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA). Noah Salviati received a $500 scholarship from Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship and placed second to attend the National Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Emma Rodriguez was recognized as an ASPIRE Leadership finalist, also earning second place to attend the National Festival. Lastly, Pateel Warujan received an ASPIRE Leadership Community Award for her presentation.
These achievements spotlight GCC’s capability to develop top-tier student artists, strengthening its reputation and excellence in the artistic fields.
Furthermore, GCC’s Theatre Arts Department faculty were actively involved in the conference, mentoring students in those field studies before and during the festival, these committed members include Jeanette Farr-Harkins, Theatre Arts Department Chair; Matt Braaten, invitational scenes, workshop presenter, and director of a one-act play; Jeremy Lewis, instructor, executive board member, and incoming regional chair; and Melody Gunter, festival production coordinator who also mentored students in field studies throughout the festival.
“What we hope to gain is a continued growth and participation, where students see this as a valid ‘learn by doing’ opportunity in a theatre beyond the classroom,” said Farr-Harkins, Chair of the Theatre Arts Department. “What made this festival in Mesa, AZ, particularly special was the support and camaraderie of students. They uplifted each other, whether they made the finals or not. This was a beautiful thing to witness and is a testament to the teaching and mentorship in our classrooms.”
Looking ahead, GCC is excitedly looking forward to being the host institution for the 2026 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, bringing the prestigious event to its own campus. This opportunity would allow GCC to showcase its flourishing theatre program while providing a stage for students and faculty to connect and foster collaboration among peers across the region.
Glendale Community College’s Theatre Arts Department serves as a leading program in artistic education, providing students with hands-on experience in acting, design, and performance. As a long-time participant in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) Region 8, which includes schools from Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, and Guam, GCC offers students the opportunity to showcase their talents, receive professional feedback, and connect with industry professionals. This year, over 1,000 students, faculty, and staff took part by participating in workshops, training, production, social events, competitions, and practicums. Through its continued commitment to theatre education, GCC prepares students for careers in the performing arts while encouraging creativity and collaboration. GCC is a veteran participant in the KCACTF, attending events and achieving accolades since the early 1970’s.
Marco Rivera can be reached at [email protected].