NW Valley Times

Grand Canyon University's production of Lauren Gunderson's play, "Ada and the Engine", received significant recognition at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region 8 conference. The accolades included national theater competition awards for students Jami Kratz and Aly Rika, set to take place in Washington, D.C., and an award for Reese Tate, who was invited to the United States Institute for Theatre Technology conference in Ohio.

The production was honored with awards for props, scenery, and sound. Jami Kratz, a senior at the College of Arts and Media, received the National Finalist Award for Theatrical Excellence in Scenic Design. Kratz designed the stage sets and scenery, aiming to reflect Ada Lovelace's lack of freedom while incorporating the elements of math and art that defined Lovelace’s life. "There is symbolism in everything I design," Kratz remarked on her creative process.

Reese Tate, another senior, won the Randy Lux Allied Design and Technology Award as well as the Student Choice Award for Properties Design. Tate’s effort was focused on creating a working model of the Difference Engine, spending months in the engineering shops to perfect it. "Without the engine, Ada wouldn’t have become the first programmer," Tate said, expressing how much the prop meant to the production.

Senior Aly Rika, acknowledged as a National Finalist for Theatrical Excellence in Sound Design, composed an original soundscape for the play. Despite having no prior experience in music composition, Rika used a binary music player to create a piece that resonated with the festival judges. "I had an idea that was bigger than my current capabilities," Rika reflected on her journey.

The regionals also recognized other talents, including Gracie Down with an honorable mention in stage management, and Sophie Ford and Jess Mangles as Musical Theatre Initiative Dance finalists, among others. Theatre professor Michael Kary celebrated the achievements of the students, highlighting the effort and dedication that led to their success. "This was the best we’ve ever done at the festival," Kary stated.

The festival is part of a national theater program that annually involves 18,000 students from colleges across the country, offering young talents a significant platform to showcase their skills.

Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]