Dordt Theatre students and faculty recognized at ACTF Region 5 Festival

Dordt University students and faculty traveled to Rochester, Minnesota, Jan. 18–24 to take part in the regional American College Theatre Festival (ACTF), a weeklong celebration of collegiate theatre. More than 1,200 students and faculty from colleges and universities across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas and Missouri attended the festival. Dordt was represented by 14 students, many of whom earned honors and recognition for their work.

Several Dordt students were nominated for the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship and competed in the scholarship auditions alongside their scene partners:

• Gabriel Garcia ’28, a biology major, with scene partner Kendra Breems ’29, a psychology major with a minor in theatre arts
• Callie Mulder ’27, an English literature major with a minor in theatre arts, with scene partner Grace Bruin ’27, a fine arts and K–12 education major with a minor in theatre arts
• Casey Oolman ’27, an engineering major and member of the Kuyper Honors Program, with scene partner Eden Moreau ’29, a history and secondary education major
• Kayla Prell ’26, an English writing and theatre arts major, with scene partner Clark Stiemsma ’27, an English literature and writing major with a minor in theatre arts and a member of the Kuyper Honors Program

Among the highlights of the week, Isaiah Ives ’27, an English and secondary education major with a minor in theatre arts, and his scene partner Clark Stiemsma ’27 advanced to the semifinal round of the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship auditions—one of ACTF’s largest and most competitive events, with more than 500 student participants.

Dordt faculty and staff participated as presenters in festival showcases and workshops. Becky Donahue, Costume Shop Manager and Arts Events Coordinator, was invited to present her costume designs for “Radium Girls” in the annual ACTF Region 5 Costume Parade. In addition, Laurel Koerner, Professor of Theatre Arts, led a Small and Religious Program Roundtable Discussion workshop for theatre faculty from across the region.

Dordt students also participated in the ACTF Design, Technology and Management (DTM) Expo, which invites students to present design and production work created for college productions. Dordt DTM Expo presenters included:

• Grace Bruin ’27, Scenic Art, “Radium Girls”
• Jakob Kamp ’25, Lighting and Projection Design, “Radium Girls”
• Sam Kamp ’29, Projection Design, “Antigone”
• Bennett Visser ’29, Properties Design, “Antigone”

Outstanding work by Dordt Theatre Arts students and faculty during the 2025 season was further recognized through ACTF Certificates of Merit presented at this year’s festival:

• Marijka Bakker ’28, Achievement in Sound Design and Mixing, “Antigone”
• Reghan Brown ’26, Achievement in Dramaturgy, “Antigone”
• Becky Donahue, Achievement in Costume Design, “Radium Girls”
• Petra Heinze ’28, Achievement in Stage Management, “Antigone”
• Jakob Kamp ’25, Achievement in Lighting and Projection Design, “Radium Girls”
• Laurel Koerner, Professor of Theatre Arts, Achievement in Technical Direction, “Antigone”
• Casey Oolman ’27, Achievement in Performance as Soldier, “Antigone”
• Nathan Van Laningham ’25, Achievement in Performance as Arthur Roeder, “Radium Girls”
• Jason Vande Brake, Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts, Achievement in Direction, “Antigone”

In addition, Kendra Amack ’29, Kendra Breems ’29, Grace Bruin ’27, Gabi Micheel ’27 and Kathryn Prins ’26 received ACTF Certificates of Merit for their ensemble work as the Greek Chorus in “Antigone.” The entire production team, cast and crew of “Radium Girls” were also collectively recognized with a special ACTF Certificate of Merit for Collaboration.

“At Dordt, we believe Christ’s presence and sovereignty extend to every square inch of creation—including the arts,” says Jason Vande Brake, assistant professor of Theatre Arts at Dordt University. “Our theatre program helps students understand theatre’s history and cultural impact while developing the skills to create theatre with purpose and imagination. Opportunities like ACTF invite students to stretch themselves artistically and grow as faithful, creative participants in the broader culture. It’s so exciting to see our students getting involved.”

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.