by Becca Risley | Aug 25, 2015 | Arts and Entertainment, News Slider
Several Lipscomb theatre students were named as 2015 Most Promising Actors for The First Night Honors, an annual celebration of all things theatrical held in Nashville every September. The First Night Honors, styled after the Tony Awards, is a ceremony held for the Nashville theatre community. Every September a gala recognizes the young Most Promising Actors, Star Award Winners and First Night Honorees for their performances and work produced. Lipscomb students selected as Most Promising Actors this year are sophomores MacKenzie Lewis, Rebekah Stogner and Scott Patrick Wilson, junior Bekah Purifoy, and 2015 spring graduates Tyler Russell and Lacy Hartselle. They are joined by 16 other young performers. “Being able to get my name out there in the theatre community in Nashville is great,” Stogner said. “Before this, I only knew of two theaters in the area and this process has opened me up to so much more. This was my first brush with the theatre world of Nashville.” To determine who this season’s young Most Promising Actors would be, Nashville writer, editor and performance art critic Jeffrey Ellis traveled throughout the region seeing several shows and scouting young talent. “If he sees someone, normally younger than 21 or 22, that is impressive to him, he’ll nominate them for the award,” Stogner said. “I was in Picnic earlier this year and I played a teacher. Jeffery directed the show and nominated me because of that.” In addition to performing at the First Night Gala later in September and being recognized at the First Night Preview Party in July, the Most Promising Actors took center stage at The Darkhorse Theatre...
by Becca Risley | Apr 21, 2015 | News Slider
Lipscomb students will have the chance to take at least one more bow when the theater department wraps up its production year with a senior showcase Saturday at 7 p.m. in Shamblin Theater. Showcases like this one originally started in New York City as a way for young artists who have completed their training to show off their skills. Casting directors, agents and other professionals in the industry were invited to preview the work of these up-and-coming actors and actresses. Lipscomb’s show is not necessarily Broadway-bound, though. “Our Showcase is a celebration of our last four years of training, but also a way for us to give back to those who have helped us along our artistic journey,” acting major Austin Hunt said. Hunt prepared a webpage that highlights the work of each senior. With one click, viewers can navigate from one artist to the next and read about their majors, explore their resumes and learn about the work they will be showcasing during the special event. “We’ve been working hard for four years to hone our skills and this is our performance to share it,” Hunt said. “We’ll be sharing work that is near and dear to our hearts that shows who we really are.” Students, faculty and members of the Nashville community are invited to come and share the free event with each of the artists. Photo courtesy of Shelby...
