Maggie Albanese and Ryan Volkert in How I Learned to Drive

How I Learned to Drive, by Paula Vogel, was the last production hosted at the University Center for the Arts in 2020. Before campus closed, CSU Theatre was fortunate enough to have a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) adjudicator see the production, although the release of awards was delayed by COVID.

It is better late than never that we announce that the Irene Ryan nominees from How I Learned to Drive are senior theatre majors Maggie Albanese and Ryan Volkert, and Holly Wedgeworth, who graduated in 2020. The ensemble received a Merit of Achievement award.

The design, tech, and management team was also recognized with a set design award going to senior theatre major Lukas White, to 2020 graduates Ro Mazon for costumes and Olivia Parker for lighting, and to junior theatre major Lauren Boesch for stage management.

Director Debbie Swann said, “I am so incredibly proud to have been a part of this team. Congrats to everyone for their hard work. As the impacts of COVID-19 pressed on, it filled my heart to see our production persevere and open for an audience, even if it wasn’t for the fully scheduled run. Watching you succeed and produce meaningful works of art fills me with such pride, joy, and hope. What an honor to be a part of that journey.”

Join CSU Theatre Director Megan Lewis in giving a huge, belated CONGRATULATIONS to all the awardees, and to Debbie for directing the show! Huzzah to all!”