By Mike Davis

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University theatre students earned multiple awards and finalist honors at the 2026 American College Theatre Festival Region IV conference held in early February in Montgomery, Alabama.

Led by Department of Theatre and Dance faculty mentors Kate Goodwin, Lauren Shouse and Madison Kisst, a group of MTSU students competed in performance, directing, design and stage management categories against peers from colleges across the Southeast.

“Our students represented our department and MTSU so well,” said Goodwin, associate professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance. “We’re proud of those recognized in competition. But what stands out most is how intentionally they engage with the experience, from workshops and performances to conversations about the future of the profession.”

The annual festival showcases collegiate theater work and provides students opportunities to present performances, directing projects and design portfolios for adjudication by theater professionals. Top regional performers may advance to national events and professional development opportunities.

Award-winning MTSU students

Rachel Oppmann placed third overall in the Musical Theatre Competition and also advanced to the Irene Ryan Acting Finals, performing with scene partner Liz Morgan. Oppmann, Morgan and Katelyn Austin were named musical theater semifinalists.

Luke Yates received the Early Career Dramaturgy Award. Dramaturgy is the study and practice of dramatic structure, context, and, in theater, the research-based development of a script into a performance.

Caryss Johnson earned an honorable mention as a finalist in stage direction and placed third in the Allied Design Competition. Emily Christopher won first place in the Allied Design Competition, while Gracie Lynch earned first place for the Stage Management Fellowship Award.

Goodwin said the department has a long history of participation in the festival, with past student winners advancing to national opportunities at the Kennedy Center, Open Jar Studios in New York City and exhibitions with the United States Institute for Theatre Technology.

Previous MTSU winners of the musical theater competition, including Devin Bowles and Cal Mitchell, later performed in national touring productions.

Students said the festival offers both competitive and professional benefits.

“ACTF is an incredibly valuable opportunity for students who want to expand their experience in the theater industry,” said Lynch, a stage manager who won the Stage Management Fellowship Award. “Explaining my process and answering questions in an interview setting helps me grow more confident and professional in how I present myself and my experience.”

Brittany Murphy, a media management major who minors in theatre, said the festival also highlights opportunities for students beyond performance majors.

“Everyone who competes is so creative and talented,” Murphy said. “Looking through the design and technical exhibits, you always find work that inspires you to keep growing as an artist. Whether you win or lose, you’re still gaining experience and connections.”

MTSU’s student theater honor society, Alpha Psi Omega, helps reduce travel costs by securing Student Activity Fee grants each year to support registration and lodging for attendees, helping remove financial barriers for students.

The five-day regional festival rotates among host institutions each year across the Southeast.

— Mike Davis (Michael.Davis2@mtsu.edu)