Kristopher Steege, the Director of the Marian University Theatre Department and assistant professor of theatre, recently led a group of eight talented students to the 2025 Region 3 Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The event, held in January at Madison College in Madison, Wisconsin, brought together some of the finest collegiate theatre talent from across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
The KCACTF is a nationally recognized program that celebrates excellence in collegiate theatre, offering students opportunities to showcase their work and engage in professional development workshops. It also emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and innovation in theatre arts.
Steege’s leadership and his students’ participation highlight Marian University’s commitment to fostering artistic growth and contributing to Indiana’s vibrant arts education. This achievement underscores the university’s dedication to nurturing future leaders in American theatre while providing students with platforms to excel on a regional stage.
The festival recognizes theatre programs across the region for their hard work and progress throughout the past year. The troupe traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to participate in workshops, compete in auditions, and even receive live feedback and collaboration with industry professionals, graduate programs, and casting agents. Peter Wanning ’27 shares, “These conversations deepened my perspective on theater and inspired me to think more critically about my work.”
The students participated in Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions, Musical Theatre Intensive- Vocal and Dance Auditions (MTI), and Design Storm-for set design. While many see auditions and this environment to be competitive, Hailey Ready ’26 shares, “What stood out to me was the connection I felt throughout the experience. Everyone there was there because we understood art's power, what it can do for us, and how we can use it for others. It’s a connection I can still feel on Marian’s campus.”
Steege was also recognized with the Faculty Service Award for his dedication to supporting and providing feedback to theatre programs across the Indiana realm of art. “This was a complete shock,” shares Steege, “However, since I’m not sure I’ve truly earned it yet, I’m taking this as a downpayment on the years of work I hope to do still.”
Along with Steege’s award, Peter Waning ’27, Jada Radford ’26, Louis Rivelli ’28, and Mikayla Jette ’25 were MTI Vocalist Semi-Finalists.
At KCACTF, Steege presented a workshop on scenic design and spent most of the festival responding to student performers and designers. Before the festival, he traveled to colleges and universities to watch and respond to their productions, serving his community with a Franciscan heart.
KCACTF is a beautiful opportunity for embracing the mission of Marian University in forming transformational leaders as Wanning reflects, “Attending KCACTF was a transformative experience that expanded my understanding of the arts. Overall, the festival reinforced the importance of peer collaboration, constructive positive feedback, and continuous growth, and I’m excited to bring these lessons to my future work in theatre.”