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Theater and Film Department Showcase Talent at National Conference
Faculty Receives "Excellence in Education" Award

By Whitney Love

After a weeklong conference at Utah State University, a group of Phoenix College students, faculty and staff have returned with great honors. Sixteen students with three faculty and staff members endured a 15-hour bus ride to Logan, Utah for the conference.

The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region VIII Conference, held this year at Utah State University, showcased student theatre works from college and university theatre programs in Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah. As well as highlighting work from college and university programs, the annual conference holds workshops designed to further students’ knowledge of the theatre industry.

Phoenix College theatre major, Laurel Merriweather advanced to the final pool of students to win the "Design-Sound" award. The award honors students who have presented the most meaningful and technical sound program for a college and university theatre production.

"It was really exciting [going to the conference]. At first I didn’t think I would have a chance [to win the "Design-Sound" award] but I got up there and I knew that we were definitely in the running," said Merriweather. "I also really appreciated all of the work Gary Burgess and Geoffery Eroe did to help us get to the Conference."

In addition to Merriweather’s honor, Larry Soller, Phoenix College Theatre & Film instructor, received an "Excellence in Education" award. This award is given to distinguished college and university faculty/staff who devote their time to others within the theatre industry.

"The Kennedy Center’s "Excellence in Education" award celebrates more than the quality of individual productions but a lifetime of dedication to the students of Phoenix College," said Larry Soller. "I have accepted the award not only for me but for the collective efforts of student actors, designers and my colleagues in the Department."