MVCC actor reaches semifinals; student artwork showcased
Moraine Valley sophomore Lena Werner, of Worth, reached the semifinals for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship during the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Flint, Michigan.
Werner was chosen to compete after being nominated from her first-time lead performance in the play “Eurydice” last May. Before winter break, she had to submit an audition and used a monologue from her acting class. For the festival, she prepared two monologues and a piece with a scene partner. Out of 46 students, 16 were chosen for the finals. She was number 17.
“Even though I didn’t make it to the finals, I was still very happy to place where I did,” Werner said. “Everyone else was getting higher degrees in theater and had been working on their pieces for a while, and I hadn’t worked on mine as long.”
Werner called it a great experience.
“People in our hotel were commenting on my performance, and it was mind blowing,” she said. “It was unbelievable to have all these people saying you’re better than you think you are. I was very honored, but I came home and thought, ‘what more can I work on.’ ”
While Werner was the most successful Moraine Valley student
at the festival, she wasn’t the only one to be afforded the experience. Alsip’s Skylar Post, Blue Island’s Jalin Hooper, Crestwood’s Sam Dell, Justice’s Gracie Polchan, Mokena’s Aidan McGuire, Summit’s Natalie Cross and Tinley Park’s Jason Suwaidan also attended.
MVCC juried show hosts student work
The annual selection of Moraine Valley Community College student artwork will be showcased at the Juried Student Art Exhibition in the Fine and Performing Arts Center’s Robert F. DeCaprio Art Gallery and atrium, 9000 W. College Parkway in Palos Hills. This exhibit will run April 5-28.
Each year, work is chosen from the college’s emerging artist talent. The exhibit will feature works that include painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, digital art, photography, design and printmaking. The atrium display will feature designs submitted by students to this year’s poster and invitation card competition.
The opening reception will take place in the gallery on April 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with awards announced at noon. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Augustana production features area natives
Frankfort’s Brian Danielson and Mokena’s Grey White were among the more than 15 students who worked in directing, producing and performing the Augustana College theatre department production.
Choir students touring with Illinois Wesleyan
Frankfort’s Annabel Hubatch, New Lenox’s Gillian O’Donnell and Palos Heights’ Kaleigh Fitzgibbons will perform in several locations throughout Illinois during the 2023 spring concert tour.
Hamilton College fall dean’s list
Joseph Maloni, Frankfort.
South Dakota State fall graduates list
Eric Pontow, Orland Park.
Tufts University fall dean’s list
Mokena: Jacob Lee; Richton Park: Alvalyn Dixon-Gardner.