Eight performing arts students from Alfred University are headed to the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) Jan. 13-17, 2026, at Howard Community College in Columbia, MD. The students were nominated for awards in Acting, Costume Design, Lighting Design, and Stage Management for their exceptional work on Alfred University’s fall 2025 production of Macbeth.
During the festival, students will take part in auditions, workshops, and professional development sessions in Acting, Performance Design and Technology, Dramaturgy, Directing, Playwriting, and more—engaging with peers and professionals from across the region.
The following Alfred students were nominated for ACTF awards:
- Acting—Nkanyiso Dlamini, senior philosophy and theatre major from South Africa, and Veronica Burns, sophomore theatre major from Ireland. Friend Holley, junior philosophy major (English minor) from Rochester, NY, was nominated as an alternate for Acting.
- Costume Design—Izzy Wachtel, senior performance design and technology major from Alfred, NY.
- Lighting Design—Jackie Massey, senior art and design major (performance design and technology minor) from Westhampton, NY.
- Stage Management—Minerva Miller, senior art and design major (museum and gallery practices minor) from Fayetteville, NY.
The students will be accompanied by Jonathan Ziese, assistant professor of theatre, who directed the production of Macbeth from which the students received their nominations. Other Alfred University students attending the festival are Tristan Duhan, senior theatre major from Salamanca, NY, and Kaila Relyea, junior theatre and English double major from Rochester, NY.
“The Performing Arts Division is incredibly proud of our students' accomplishments,” said Dr. Jessie Thoman, associate dean, professor of music, Performing Arts Division. “We are excited to see them shine and represent the Alfred University Performing Arts community on a national stage!”
The American College Theater Festival is a national organization that exists to celebrate the educational and creative process of university and college theatre. ACTF promotes professional standards and provides students and faculty with opportunities to bridge the academic and professional worlds. ACTF honors achievements in diversity and excellence and encourages experiences in all areas of theatre.
A scene from the Alfred University Performing Arts Division’s production of Macbeth, which shows the lighting design for the play.
This opportunity was made possible by the generous support of the C. Duryea Smith III and Lois M. Smith Fund.
