Amarillo College Theatre Students Earn Top Honors at Regional Festival
Thirteen Amarillo College theatre students recently showcased their talent and dedication at the American College Theatre Festival last month in Abilene, earning multiple awards and national recognition while representing the College and its theatre program with distinction.
Students competed in a variety of performance and technical theatre categories against peers from colleges and universities across the region.
Four Amarillo College students—Brooklynn Pruitt, Aiden Garcia, Honour Skidmore, and Isael Melendez—competed in the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Competition. Out of more than 130 competitors, only 32 advanced to the semi-final round, and Amarillo College’s Aiden Garcia was among those selected.
Several students also participated in the highly competitive 10-Minute Play Competition, which requires participants to audition on Saturday and perform on Tuesday after just a few days of rehearsal. Representing Amarillo College were Talon Russell, AnnMarie Pulliam, Janet Salgado Ramirez, Sheldon Amos, and Trace Downs. Russell earned the Best 10-Minute Play Actor Award for his performance.
Amarillo College students also received significant recognition in technical theatre. Aiden Volden received the Heart of the Arts Award for lighting design for the College’s production of Title of Show, and Talon Russell received the same award for sound design for A Streetcar Named Desire. The Heart of the Arts Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional passion, commitment, and dedication to theatre arts.
AnnMarie Pulliam received a Meritorious Achievement Award for lighting design for A Streetcar Named Desire, recognizing outstanding artistry, technical skill, and professionalism.
In one of the festival’s highest honors, Abigail Atwood was named a National Finalist in Stage Management for her work on A Streetcar Named Desire. As a result, she was selected to represent Region 6 at the national festival in April, competing among the top student stage managers in the country.
“The dedication and professionalism these students bring to their craft is extraordinary,” said Carissa Wilson, AC instructor of theatre arts, “Their accomplishments reflect not only their individual talent but also the strength of Amarillo College’s theatre program.”
Faculty members said the students’ achievements highlight both their artistic excellence and their commitment to representing Amarillo College at the highest level.
Amarillo College’s theatre program provides students with hands-on experience in performance, design, and production, preparing them for continued education and careers in the performing arts.