The winners represent productions from each of TXST’s three theatrical performance spaces.
Texas State University theatre students scored three national championships and one third place finish during the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, held the week of April 15 in Washington, D.C.
Emma Bayless, a third-year MFA student, took first place in National Scenic Design for the fall 2024 production of “Our Town” in the Patti Strickel Harrison Theatre.
AJ Rose, a second-year MFA student, took first place in National Lighting Design Award and Catherine Kenner, a BFA junior, took third place in National Sound Design Award for the spring 2024 production of “Small Mouth Sounds” on the Theatre Center mainstage.
Michael Aguilar, a BFA senior, took first place in National Costume Design for the fall 2024 production of “Oh, to Be Pure Again” in the Patti Strickel Harrison Foundation Studio Theatre.
All shows were produced by the School of Theatre, Dance and Film during 2024. The winners represent productions from each of TXST’s three theatrical performance spaces.
Bayless, majoring in lighting and scenic design, came to TXST after completing her BA in theatre art studies at Brigham Young University. She has had a highly successful three-year course of study at TXST, during which she discovered her talent for scenic design in addition to her prior experience with lighting.
Rose, majoring in lighting design, graduated from Western Michigan University in 2019 with a BFA in theatre design and technical production, with an emphasis in lighting design. Rose has designed lighting for “Oh to Be Pure Again” as well as “Romeo and Juliet.” This summer, Rose will be head electrics supervisor and lighting designer for “What the Constitution Means to Me” at Hope Repertory Theatre in Michigan.
Aguilar, majoring in costume design and technology, will be head stitcher, wardrobe supervisor and costume designer for “Clue” at Maple Repertory Theatre in Missouri. In his final semester this fall, he will serve as assistant costume designer and wardrobe supervisor for the TXST production of “Sweeney Todd.”
Kenner, majoring in sound design, technology and stage management, will serve as sound intern this summer at Pacific Conservatory Theatre in California. Before graduating next spring, she will serve as sound engineer for the TXST production of “Sweeney Todd.”
For more information, contact University Communications:
Jayme Blaschke, 512-245-2555
Shilpa Bakre, 512-408-4464
