Even virtually, San Bernardino Valley College's theater arts stars were able to dazzle the judges at this year's Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. 
 
Seven students participated in the February event, and over the course of three days attended workshops and lectures, watched peer productions, and competed in festival competitions.  
 
"The students enjoyed being able to participate from the comfort of their homes and learn new ways to make theater," Theater Arts Prof. Melinda Fogle says. "Though it was nice not to have to travel this year, we will all be happy to make the trip to Utah for the in-person festival in 2022. The live aspect of theater is magical, and we're looking forward to getting back to that live interaction and collaboration." 
 
Pacifique Kabanda was nominated for best costume design for the SBVC production of Peter and the Starcatcher, and won three prizes at the festival: the DTM Smithsonian Student Membership Award, the Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas Award, and the DTM Heart of the Art Award. Kabanda, Alina Alvarez, Marlene Clara, Cynthia Ramirez, and Juan Villegas also created a devised piece, Unheard Voices, that was one of three pieces selected from the region to be presented at the festival. 
 
Additionally, Alvarez, Clara, Villegas, and Josiel Perez participated in the Irene Ryan Scholarship auditions, while Alvarez and Dea Armstrong were nominated for their work as stage managers and took part in the festival's Stage Management Fellowship Program. 
 
"I'm really proud of the students," Fogle says. "We prepared for the festival over Zoom this year. The rules and guidelines for auditions, presentations, and interviews were different, and the students were dedicated to the process and quick to adapt. We are thankful for all the support from the Humanities division and the college."