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Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu
CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University’s spring production of “Ada and the Engine” received multiple national awards, the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival announced this week.
The national awards were chosen by a committee whose members saw about 40 qualifying productions in eight regions around the country. Outstanding awards are the highest honor, followed by distinguished awards.
“Ada” won two outstanding awards: Anne Medlock-Ely, a professor in the theatre department, for costume design; and Isabel Lyda, sophomore from San Antonio, for acting.
Adam Hainsel, senior from Lubbock, won a distinguished award for acting, and the overall production won a distinguished citation, as well.
“I believe that the reason why ‘Ada and the Engine’ was so successful was due to the fact that every single designer, actor and company member approached this play with love, respect, passion and a desire to tell the story of Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer,” said director Callie Hisek. “Lauren Gunderson's play was written with a language that spoke to all of our hearts, souls, and minds. A play like this is a treasure to read and an honor to work on.”
“The WT Theatre program’s continued success with regional and national KCACTF awards and recognition is a testament to the dedication and talent of our students, faculty and staff,” said Stephen Crandall, department head of Art, Theatre and Dance. “The outstanding education and training of our students feeds directly into the outstanding artistic quality of our productions. I’m very proud of these student and faculty accomplishments.”
This was the fourth year in a row that a production from WT advanced to the KCACTF regional competition, a feat few programs have achieved. “Ada” also won the Director’s Cup for Best Production at the KCACTF Region VI Festival in Abilene in February.
The 2020-21 season is scheduled to include “Vintage Hitchcock,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” “The Caucasian Chalk Circle,” “Phaedra” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”