Bismarck State College technical theater students took first place in the Stage Crew Showdown Jan. 16-21 at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Region V competition at Iowa State University.

Now holder of the giant Golden Wrench traveling trophy, BSC won after only competing in the Stage Crew Showdown for the first time last year. The BSC team swept ahead of 14 four-year universities and another two-year college in the contest.

“It means a lot to see that the experience and education students receive at BSC is as good if not better than what big schools offer in the first two years of college,” said Dean Bellin, assistant professor of technical theatre and showdown coach.

BSC’s sophomore team of Chelsea Brown (captain), Alex Johnson, Charley Connor and Cody Walker raced through timed events that also were judged on quality and proper technique. Categories included knot and curtain tie, prop placement, lighting instrument hang and focus, and costume quick change.

Bellin said the trophy carries weight because theater professionals representing the Santa Fe Opera, Cirque du Soleil, and other premier organizations judged the finals.

“For those caliber of people to say we have the best stage crew is significant,” Bellin said. “These people could be hiring my students this year.”

Brown and Johnson, both technical theater majors, also received individual awards of merit for their work in BSC’s winter play, “The Dead Guy,” seen by KCACTF judges in December. Brown captured outstanding stage manager and Johnson won in media design for his video work.

Eighteen members of BSC’s Drama Club attended the festival with Bellin and BSC Theater Director Dan Rogers. Students participated in a range of theater craft workshops, master classes and seminars and attended numerous showings of plays by other colleges and universities.

Three BSC students were cast in the Directors’ Showcase. Brittany Kuhn, Dakota Stein and Shaylee Meyer were chosen from 90 actors auditioning for 18 roles in several short plays performed during the festival. Brandon Wetch received a role in the 10-minute play showcase. Before the festival, Kuhn, Wetch, Derek Pich and Shaina Hovrud prepared individual monologues and two scenes to compete in the national Irene Ryan Audition competition.

“I was really proud of our Irene Ryan candidates,” Rogers said. “It was the best field we have presented ever as a group.  Each gave a very strong performance and really held their own with people from much bigger programs.”