CSU theatre faculty and students at the 2026 ACTF Region VII awards.
Front row (left to right): Chloe Martin, Josie Karet, and Steven Workman
Back row: Erin Carignan, Chandler Webb, Annecy Wood, Anna Defrees, Caelum Janski, Henry Ledbetter, Zack Taylor, and Darren Cull
Join us in celebrating Colorado State University Theatre students and faculty who were widely recognized at the annual American College Theatre Festival regional competition, held February 17-21, 2026, at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington.
"The work and dedication of CSU Theatre students and faculty shone brightly at the festival, and they were richly rewarded for it," said Steven Workman, CSU Theatre's director of production and technical director, who attended the festival as a department sponsor.
According to the organization's website, since 1968, the American College Theater Festival regional and national conferences have "given more than 400,000 college theater students the opportunity to have their work critiqued, improve their dramatic skills, and receive national recognition for excellence." (actfltd.org)
Please congratulate the following students and faculty on their achievements:
-
Erin Carignan: Gold Medallion Award for excellence in teaching.
Erin Carignan (associate professor of CSU Theatre): Gold Medallion, which is considered one of the highest honors in theatre education, recognizing individuals or organizations for their extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theatre.
- Darren Cull (junior theatre major), with scene partner Zack Taylor (senior theatre major): Advanced to the semi-final round of the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship
- Anna Defrees (senior theatre major): The Nose to Toes Award for Costume Design for work on Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus
- Anna Defrees (senior theatre major): National Design Excellence, Honorable Mention Costume Design for work on Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus
- Caelum Janski (senior theatre major): Meritorious Achievement in Stage Management of an Immersive Theatre Experience for work on The Cherryfield Toy Company by CSU Theatre Students
- Josie Karet (senior theatre major): National Finalist for Theatrical Design, Excellence in Scenic Design for work on Paradise Lost by Erin Shields (adaptation of John Milton’s epic tale)
- Henry Ledbetter (senior theatre major): ETC Emerging Designer Award for work on Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus
- Chloe Martin (senior theatre major) and Caelum Janski (senior theater major): Don Childs DTM Cross Discipline Collaboration Award for work on The Cherryfield Toy Company by CSU Theatre Students
- Chloe Martin (senior theatre major): National Finalist for Theatrical Design, Excellence in Costume Design for work on Paradise Lost by Erin Shields (adaptation of John Milton’s epic tale)
- Chandler Webb (senior theatre major): National Design Excellence, Honorable Mention for Sound Design- for work on Peter and the Starcatcher by Rick Elice
- Annecy Wood (senior theatre major): Kroylan Theatrical Makeup Award for work on Peter and the Starcatcher by Rick Elice
