Wichita State University School of Performing Arts' production of "Smokey Joe's Cafe" was recognized for several awards at the Region 5 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in January in Bloomington, Minnesota.

The festival, which hosted students and faculty from the seven Region 5 states, offered workshops, acting and design competitions, theater productions and audition opportunities.

Directed and choreographed by Amy Baker Schwiethale, associate professor in the School of Performing Arts, “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” was one of the invited productions. The performance’s assistant designer, senior Elizabeth Eckrote, received honorable mention in the Regional Costume Design competition and the Focal Press/Rafael Jean Showcase Award for first time entrants.

Da’Merius Ford, a dancer in the production, won first place in the Music Theatre Intensive and is invited to participate at the National Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington. He also received a scholarship to the Open Jar Institute in New York City for summer 2016.

WSU students Hannah Fernandes and Madi White, alongside their partners Meredith Hollan and Deiondre Teagle, participated in the Irene Ryan Acting competition and were selected for the semifinal round. During this round, Teagle received the award for Best Partner.

Linda Starkey, director of the School of Performing Arts, received the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Gold Medallion for her lifetime achievement in theater education.