Student actors return with Devlin to Kennedy Center Festival

John Devlin

John Paul Devlin, professor of fine arts/theatre, took 11 Saint Michael’s students to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Hyannis, MA, from January 31 to February 4.

This was the first in-person festival since 2020, Devlin said, adding that all students attended various workshops, talks and demonstrations and up to five productions invited from across the region, which includes all of New England and Eastern New York up to Syracuse.

Student participants in the Festival: Kenzie Rowbotham, first row: Jojo Carter, Anna Paradis, Sadie Chamberlain, Keira Comtois, back row: Kailey Palmer; Dove Frishkoff, Liam Ravan, Gabe Kelsey, Ainsley Cook (working elsewhere was Matt Tupaj). Photo by Kenzie Rowbotham.

Matthew Tupaj, ’23 completed an administrative internship at the festival and was recognized for his contributions at the closing ceremony. Several students earned nominations for their work on department shows in the spring and fall of 2022.

Kenzie Rowbotham, ’24 and Keira Comtois, ’26 were both Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition nominees and partners. Sadie Chamberlain, ’25 was the third Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition nominee from Saint Michael’s and she partnered with Gabe Kelsey, ’24.

Kailey Palmer, ’26 participated in the interview and response process in Design, Technology and Management as a stage manager. In addition to these students, Jojo Carter, ’26 was selected before the festival to direct one of six National Playwriting Program (NPP) 10-Minute plays produced at festival.

Several students auditioned separately at festival for roles in the NPP One-Acts and 10-minute plays. Kenzie Rowbotham was cast to read in an NPP One Act. Also attending were Ainsley Cook ’24, Dove Frishkoff ’24, Anna Paradis ’26, and Liam Ravan ’26.