Roanoke College students took home top honors at a theatre festival that tested their mettle against hundreds of other students from 11 states and territories.
The regional qualifier for the American College Theatre Festival saw the Southeast's top student performers converge in Montgomery, Alabama, to compete for a spot at the national event.
Maroons came ready to showcase their talents in acting, prop design, stage management, musical theatre, dramaturgy and theatre journalism. They also directed and acted in readings of original 10-minute pieces written by playwrights from across the Southeast.
Theatre Roanoke College distinguished itself at the Feb. 3-7 event, winning three individual awards and acting in the piece that won the title of best new full-length play.
“I knew that we had a strong contingent this year,” said Nelson Barre, associate professor of theatre. “These students work so hard here with TRC; it's been wonderful to see their growth flourish into recognition and success. Our program may be small, but we can compete with the best of them. I'm very proud of everyone who went on the trip.”
Two award winners will now advance to compete at the national festival in April. Read on to hear directly from the winners!
Best Dramaturgy Casebook: Allison Dunnegan
Dunnegan '27, a public health and sociology double major, was honored with the regional award for best casebook from the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs for her work on Theatre Roanoke College's production of "The Moors" in September 2025. In an interview with The Brackety-Ack, she said her reaction to the announcement was: This can't be real.
"I definitely did not expect my name to be called," she said. "I went into the festival hoping to learn more about dramaturgy, research and collaborating with my peers, so I’m totally honored by it."
"For my future, I’d say this has really proved my love for theatre, dramaturgy, public speaking and research, all aspects I’d have to use in my career one day that I can apply to my future."
Dunnegan is now headed to nationals in April. Check out her full interview to learn more about the role of dramaturgy in theatre, what she loves about Theatre Roanoke College and why it's valuable even for non-theatre majors.
Musical Theatre: Kennedy Swineford
Swineford '26, a theatre major and screen studies minor, beat out 97 other performers to win the top award in the musical theatre category — an honor that came with a scholarship to a weeklong workshop on Broadway with the Open Jar Institute.
Swineford grew up with a background in singing, but it was Theatre Roanoke College that helped her find her voice as an actor.
"My confidence has really grown," she said, adding that she once considered acting her weak point, but the training and mentorship she gained at Roanoke helped her sharpen her skills. “... I used to view singing as a crutch, thinking if I can show people I’m a good singer, they won’t fixate on my bad acting. But my mindset’s changed, now knowing my acting and singing go together and make me stronger. Theatre Roanoke has really helped me with that.”
Swineford will next compete at nationals. Read her full interview for more details about her process, an upcoming internship in Italy and how she learned to believe in her dreams.
Best Program Note: Bella Testerman
Testerman '27, a biology major and Spanish minor, applied her passion for research to one of the competition's 10-minute plays, working directly with the writer to help shape the production's interpretation and context. Her work resulted in a program that helped audiences more fully understand the play's themes and choices.
It was Theatre Roanoke College that first introduced Testerman to the intersection of research and dramaturgy — or worldbuilding — in theatre. She plans to continue that work next semester, drawing on what she learned at the competition.
Over the summer, she'll also be mentoring children in a youth theatre group, guiding them as they develop their characters and backstories. In an interview available at the link below, she was asked what advice she would give to her younger self if she had the chance.
“Be confident," she said. "Keep up with theatre, you’ll find your people there!”
Congratulations to all our talented Maroons!
In total, 10 students took part in the regional American College Theatre Festival, competing against undergraduate and graduate students from across the Southeast. Their impressive work showcased their creativity, professionalism and dedication. We couldn't be prouder of each of them.
- Zachary Bayers '27 (musical theatre, acted in winner of best new full-length play)
- Allison Dunnegan '27 (dramaturgy)
- Abel Gamelin '26 (acted in winner of best new full-length play)
- Makenna Keith '27 (acting, including acting in 10-minute play)
- Mary Langan '26 (stage management)
- Maggie Raker '27 (props design, directed 10-minute play)
- Lauralee Robinson '28 (acted in 10-minute play)
- Sabrina Rogers '27 (journalism)
- Kennedy Swineford '26 (musical theatre, directed 10-minute play)
- Bella Testerman '27 (dramaturgy)