Theater cast, crew earn top recognition at state PlayFest
Lamar State College Port Arthur’s Theater Department ran a sweep of awards at the recent Texas Community College Speech and Theater Association’s annual PlayFest.
For the first time in the extensive experience of LSCPA Director Damon Gengo, the college brought home the coveted Bill Morton Acting Challenge Award for both the male and female leads.
“I have never seen the Bill Morton Award go to two actors from the same cast,” Gengo said. “We are very proud of our students.”
LSCPA’s traveling cast and crew performed “Gruesome Playground Injuries,” a play by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Rajiv Joseph. The performance garnered a Superior rating at the annual TCCSTA Playfest, which was held at Texas A&M-Commerce.
Abbie Luce, in the role of Kayleen, earned Outstanding Performance – Professors’ Choice (as voted by other schools’ directors), Superior Rating for Acting – Respondents’ Choice (as voted by critic judges), and the Morton Award for Best Actress Overall at the Playfest. Luce also won Superior Rating in Makeup and Special Effects Makeup – Professors’ Choice, and Excellent Rating in Costume Design in both Professors’ Choice and Respondents’ Choice.
Christian Montoya, in the role of Doug, earned Outstanding Performance – Professors’ Choice, Superior Rating for Acting – Respondents’ Choice, as well as the Morton Acting Award.
Maddisen Robertson won Excellent Rating for Stage Management – Professors’ Choice and Superior Rating for Stage Management – Respondents’ Choice.
Shelby Pierce for Scenic painting won Excellent Rating for Scenic Painting Design – Professors’ Choice.
Peter Cao for Props won Excellent Rating for Property Master – Professors’ Choice.
Lindsey Pate for Scenic Painting won Excellent Rating for Scenic Drop Artist – Professors’ Choice, and Excellent Rating for Scenic Painting – Respondents’ Choice.
Corbin Winston, a former student who worked on the performance prior to leaving the college, didn’t travel with the cast and crew and wasn’t eligible to win awards at the PlayFest. In spite of that, officials at the event created an award just for Winston’s work as he earned Special Recognition for Sound Design – Respondents’ Choice.
