LaShondra Hood (left), recipient of the Kingsley Colton Award for Outstanding Partner, pictured with national finalist Kala Ross.

At the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C. in April, URTA proudly presented the Kingsley Colton Award for Outstanding Partner to LaShondra Hood of the University of Louisville. The award includes a $500 scholarship, sponsored by URTA. Ms. Hood is a 3rd year MFA candidate at U of L. She was the partner of Irene Ryan Award winner Kala Ross, also a MFA student at U of L.

During the week-long festival, URTA also conducted a panel discussion for the KCACTF national design finalists. Facilitated by URTA Education Manager Sara Ross, University of Maryland Professors Dan Conway and Misha Kachman engaged in a buoyant discussion and Q&A with the students, covering topics including MFA training, portfolio presentation, paths to the profession, and more.

Beginning this year, all qualified national finalists at KCACTF will be eligible for a Candidate Award at the URTA Auditions & Interviews, which affords free registration and admittance to all continuing education sessions for that event.