Student Spotlight: Olivia Amaral Shines at Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival

Olivia Amaral ’22, a Theatre major with a concentration in Musical Theatre, recently represented Dean College at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), an event that showcases students’ talents within the arts across the country. The festival honors excellence of overall production and offers student artists individual recognition through awards and scholarships in arts leadership, design, technology, management, directing, dramaturgy, performance, playwriting, theatre journalism and advocacy.

After participating in the virtual Region 1 Festival in January, Olivia was honored with the Richard Maltby, Jr. Award for Musical Theatre Excellence and went on to represent Region 1 in the National KCACTF Festival in Washington, D.C. We caught up with Olivia after she returned to find out more about her experiences in the festival.

Q: Explain what the festival is and what happens during the week.

A: There are two festivals: Regionals and Nationals. There are eight regions, and whoever receives the award/scholarship in their category is eligible to travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the National Festival, located inside of the Kennedy Center. During the festival, you can participate in numerous workshops, Q&As, and create friendships and connections that can last a lifetime. Even though we met online because of the pandemic, the adrenaline rush that you would usually get in-person was extremely prevalent online.

Q: How did you qualify to attend the festival?

A: I was fortunate enough to be nominated by Professor Ali Angelone for the Musical Theatre Intensive. Professor Angelone was directing Dean College's production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” where I was playing the role of Muzzy. Even though we could not perform the musical because of the pandemic, Professor Angelone was still able to nominate some of her cast for the festival. From there, I was contacted by KCACTF for the festival.  

Q: What was your experience like?

A: My experience within the festival was extremely different from previous years. Being online for the Regional Festival was challenging at some points, but the staff at the Kennedy Center was extremely kind and very willing to give the students the best experience they could ever receive. I was able to work on an ensemble number, be coached on two different occasions and be honored with the Richard Maltby Jr. Award for Musical Theatre Excellence, sending me to the National Festival.

On August 8, 2021 in Washington, D.C., I met with National Festival participants not only from 2021, but also from 2020. During our time in Washington, D.C., we had the pleasure to work with Bobby Smith, Arbender Robinso, and Tommy Iafrate. We participated in numerous workshops, rehearsed a group number and had a Q&A Zoom call with Casting Directors Jose Carrasquillo and Jenna Duncan. Each National Festival participant was able to perform a solo where they were coached by Arbender and Bobby, as well as special guests Donna Migliaccio and Eleasha Gamble. On the final day, we were brought to The Reach to perform and record our final pieces. I learned a lot over those four days in D.C., and I would like to thank Kelsey Mesa and Gregg Henry for making this experience a possibility, as well as interns Gabriela and Liz for keeping an eye on us, so we didn't get lost. Being able to work with such a talented group of individuals in person was such a rewarding experience, and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Q: How does this experience relate to your time as a Dean College student?

A: My experience in the festival gave me the opportunity to incorporate skills I have learned as a student in Dean College. Without my professors and the material they've taught me, I would not have been able to get as far as I have gotten in the festival. I cannot thank them enough. 

Are you interested in musical theatre? Learn more about Theatre at Dean College.