More honors for Nocturne, new role for Valentine

WOOSTER, Ohio -Organizers of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival have singled out three individuals involved in The College of Wooster's production of Nocturne for special recognition. Shirley Huston-Findley, associate professor of theatre, was honored as Outstanding Director at the 39th annual festival, Patrick Midgley, a 2007 graduate of the college, was named Outstanding Actor, and Chuck Findley received the Outstanding Sound Designer award.

Nocturne, a drama by Adam Rapp, was one of four shows chosen from a field of approximately 400 entries to be performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., last April.

"We competed with many large colleges and universities," Huston-Findley said, "including some that have MFA programs, which proves that exceptional art can thrive wherever there is dedication and passion coming from all those involved."

Kennedy Center officials also announced that Ansley Valentine, associate professor of theatre at Wooster, has been named co-vice chair of the theatre festival's Region III, which covers Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Valentine will hold this position for two years, after which he will serve a three-year term as co-chair for the region. As co-vice chair, he will coordinate workshops, help plan the regional festival, and continue to visit and respond to productions in Region III.

The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival is the largest organization of its kind dedicated to encouraging, recognizing, and celebrating the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theatre programs. It is a student-centered organization that focuses on the art of production: acting, directing, design, playwriting, and criticism.

The College of Wooster is an independent liberal arts college, nationally recognized for an innovative curriculum that emphasizes independent learning. Each Wooster senior works one-on-one with a faculty mentor to create an original research project, written work, performance or art exhibit. Founded in 1866, the college enrolls approximately 1,800 students.