Last week the Wayne State theater department was in Rochester, Minn. at the ACTF Region 5 Festival, where they took part in workshops, performances and competitions in all aspects of a theater production, as well as bringing home some certificates.
“We took sixteen students, and they all participated in various things, whether it was directing, intensive, or workshops on building props, or workshops on movement, and acting,” Mollie Young, theater and communication adjunct professor, said. “We all went to shows that were put on by other colleges and universities. It’s just kind of a jam-packed week of everything managing, dancing, singing, like everything. It’s a huge festival.”
Three individuals from WSC brought back certificates.
Mariah Pleskac, a senior ELA education major with a theatre arts endorsement, received certificates for merit in hair and makeup for The Romancers, costume design for The Romancers, and was selected to be one of nine participants of the costume parade from over 300 productions. Pleskac was also a finalist for the Society for Directors and Choreographers (SDC) directing contest, where they picked a scene and had to bring it to life with actors from WSC.
Pleskac talked about how the recognition she received at ACTF meant the world to she and how much she accomplished in the last year.
“In this last year’s work, the theater department has given me so much in skill development, in resources, support, and opportunities,” Pleskac said.
Another award-winner from WSC was Ella Lewis, a junior criminal justice major with a minor in theater. Lewis was a semifinalist and in the top 64 of 300 for the Harvey and Irene Ryan acting scholarship making it her second year in a row being in this position. Even though Lewis did not receive the scholarship she still said she gained a lot of helpful knowledge through the workshops hosted by the festival.
“ACTF is a pretty stressful week,” Lewis said. “But it is very, very fun. It’s very informational. You get to meet a lot of really great, super talented people, and learn a lot from people who are working in the theater industry. And I mean, it’s just a great experience.”
Alongside two talented students, Young also brought home the National Alliance Acting Teacher of Excellence award.
“It’s really hard work, and we are called to do it again and again and again,” Young said. “It’s not a career that everything you do is celebrated. You have to be strong and not shut down or not give up if you’re disappointed.”
After years of teaching and performing, Young was chosen to receive the National Alliance Acting Teacher of Excellence award.
“The National Alliance Acting Teacher of Excellence is an award that’s given to one acting teacher in our region every year,” Young said.
Pleskac said they felt that Young more than deserved this award because of how she is more than an educator, but also a mentor who creates an environment for everyone and teaches with such smart strategies coming from her intense skill level.
“Mollie is an absolute powerhouse,” Pleskac said. “She also cares. Actually. Mollie genuinely cares. And that may be the coolest part of working with her.”
Lewis said she felt that Young is the instant calm in her day due to her welcoming energy and how she lets you be yourself.
“She taught me so much about acting, about myself, about everything,” Lewis said. “She’s the kind of person that makes you want to be involved in theater even when you’re exhausted with it. She’s just so inspiring, and I can learn so much more from her and I hope I get to work with her so much more.”
