Dallas College students and faculty garnered over a dozen awards at the prestigious Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in Washington, D.C., highlighting the strength and talent within its theater programs.
Camilo “Milo” Ramos Viamont, a student at North Lake Campus, received the KCACTF Stage Management Fellowship for his exceptional work on their production of “Real Women Have Curves” by Josefina López. This honor awarded him a full scholarship to attend the Broadway Stage Management Symposium, which took place from May 17-19, in New York City.
The cast and crew of Richland Campus’ production of “Emilia” by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm were particularly recognized, earning twelve national awards and six commendations. These accolades included:
Production Awards:
- Outstanding Performance and Production Ensemble
- Distinguished Production of a Play or Musical
- Citizen Artist Award
- Facilitation of a Brave Rehearsal Space
Student Awards:
- Distinguished Stage Management, Kazimir Fardi
- Distinguished Performances in a Play or Musical: Matilda Felton, Evelyn Yanes, Andrea Ortiz, Anna Townsend
Faculty Awards:
- Distinguished Scenic Design, Jennifer Owen
- Distinguished Costume Design, Amy Otto
- Outstanding Direction of a Play or Musical, Emily Gray
A total of 36 Dallas College students traveled to Abilene for the regional KCACTF competition, with 20 of them comprising the company of “Emilia.” Their performance there received a standing ovation and high praise from their peers, many from four-year institutions, which then led to the national recognition.
“The awards I was most delighted with were Outstanding Production and Outstanding Ensemble,” said Dallas College Professor Emily Gray, director of “Emilia.” “Collaboration and collective responsibility for storytelling are the most important and beautiful parts of a theater production. These students each brought their own talents to the production, but more importantly, they shared and cared for each other, which ultimately shone through.”
Ramos shared his excitement about the national competition in Washington, emphasizing the connections he made. “I felt like everyone was a new friend; I really met some amazing people,” he remarked, also noting the unique opportunity to shadow the stage manager at the renowned Ford’s Theatre.
His experience in Washington was swiftly followed by his inaugural trip to New York City for the Broadway Stage Management Symposium. “This award is not a final curtain — it’s an opening night. What I’ve learned behind the scenes has prepared me to lead with heart, create with intention and step boldly into a future built on gratitude, growth and the stories yet to be told,” said Ramos, who is pursuing an Associate of Arts degree and a Theater Technician certificate at Dallas College, with hopes of building a career in both acting and technical theater
