Eastern Arizona College (EAC) proudly showcased its talent and dedication at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region 8 Conference, held in Mesa in mid-February. Not only did EAC attend as students and competitors, but they were also honored as one of only four invited productions spanning both Region 8 and Region 7—a distinction that included institutions from 13 states and territories, from Alaska to Guam.

EAC’s theater department presented its fall production of The Play That Goes Wrong, written by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, and directed by Jeff Skiba. The production was the culmination of tireless dedication, with faculty and students investing over 100 hours in rehearsals and preparation and approximately 2,100 man-hours in set design, construction, and logistics.

During the festival, multiple EAC students competed in the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition and the Design, Technical, and Management (DTM) Scholarships, earning well-deserved recognition:

Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Semi-Finalist:

·         Camille Woods

Design, Technical, and Management (DTM) Finalists:

·         Terrence Banks – Finalist & recipient of The Heart of the Art Award in Lighting Design (The Play That Goes Wrong)

·         Natalie Layton – Finalist & recipient of The Heart of the Art Award in Scenic Design (Doctor Faustus)

·         Joanna Cuellar – Finalist

·         Merrill Larson – Finalist

Jeff Skiba, Terrence Banks, and Nevaeha Yniquez accepted the Golden Wrench Award for outstanding Load-In of a production.

The festival’s respondents praised EAC’s performance, with one saying, “It brought me hope for the future of theater.” Another, who had seen the original West End production, stated, “Yours stayed truer to the intent and was better than the original.”

Audience members were equally enthralled, with one attendee sharing that she laughed so hard she nearly fell out of her seat. Others commended the actors’ ability to stay true to their characters while maintaining the integrity of the murder mystery amidst the comedic chaos. The cast’s improvisational skills during the pre-show and intermission also left a lasting impression.

Following their performance, EAC’s students were treated like celebrities for the rest of the week, receiving praise and recognition across campus for their stellar work.

Jeff Skiba, EAC’s Theater Arts Instructor, reflected on the experience: “Our students poured their hearts into this production, and to see them recognized at this level is incredibly rewarding. Their talent, resilience, and passion for storytelling remind us why theater is so vital—it brings people together, challenges our creativity, and inspires the next generation of performers and creators.”

He added, “Seeing our students’ hard work validated by peers and professionals was an unforgettable experience. They didn’t just perform; they made a lasting impact. This is what EAC’s theater program is all about—excellence, dedication, and the love of the craft.”

EAC’s success at KCACTF is a testament to the power of the arts and the unwavering commitment of its students and faculty. As they return home with new experiences, accolades, and connections, one thing is certain: the future of EAC theater is brighter than ever. To make EAC your stage, contact Skiba at jeff.skiba@eac.edu, and find out what steps you need to take.

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bout the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF):

KCACTF is a national theater program that involves 18,000 students annually from colleges and universities across the country. The program’s mission is to:

• Encourage, recognize, and celebrate the finest and most diverse work in college theater programs;
• Provide opportunities for participants to develop their theater skills and achieve professionalism;
• Improve the quality of college theater in the U.S.; and
• Promote distinguished productions of new and experimental plays. Since its inception, KCACTF has impacted over 400,000 theater students, providing a platform for excellence and innovation in the performing arts.

About Eastern Arizona College:

Since 1888, Eastern Arizona College has been the undisputed Smart Higher Education Destination, shaping student dreams into reality. With a faculty of qualified and caring instructors, EAC is committed to preparing students for high-demand careers and advanced studies at top universities.

EAC offers a diverse range of more than 90 degrees and certificates, including two bachelor’s degrees. The College is home to the state’s premier nursing school and a fine arts program that features Arizona’s only community college marching band. EAC also boasts an engineering program that prepares students for success at top-tier firms and universities.

Beyond academics, EAC is a vibrant community where students thrive, forging connections that last a lifetime. Experience on-campus housing, engage in over 30 clubs and organizations, participate in dynamic intramurals, and cheer for nationally ranked athletic and e-sports teams.

What sets EAC apart is its commitment to financial accessibility, allowing most students to graduate with $0 debt.

Choose EAC as your Smart Higher Education Destination. For more information, contact admissions@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8272.