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Lone Star College-Montgomery Students Shine at Region 6 American College Theatre Festival in Abilene
Lone Star College-Montgomery students celebrate their achievements at the Region 6 American College Theatre Festival.
CONROE, TX -- The Lone Star College-Montgomery (LSC-M) Drama Department is proud to announce the outstanding success of its students at the Region 6 American College Theater Festival (ACTF), held February 20-24, in Abilene, Texas.
Competing against colleges and universities from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico, eight LSC-Montgomery students earned prestigious regional honors, scholarships, and professional recognition.
The following students were recognized for their exceptional talent and contributions to the craft:
- Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Semifinalists: Garrett Smith (partnered with Peyton Waites) and Aiden Hamilton (partnered with Jayci Shaw).
- Musical Theatre Initiative Finalist: Carlos Avila.
- 10-Minute Play Festival – Best Actor: Brayden Ayers.
- Monologue Slam Participation Award: Brayden Ayers (recognized for contributing multiple original monologues).
“Participation in the Region 6 American College Theatre Festival continues to have a huge impact on both our program and our students,” said Chase Waites, LSC-Montgomery Theatre Professor. “It gives them the opportunity to see work from colleges and universities across the region and to realize they are part of a much larger theatrical community.
Beyond the awards, students engaged in intensive workshops and networking sessions with industry professionals. For many, the festival serves as a vital bridge to four-year programs. Several students noted how the experience is shaping their upcoming transitions.
Michael Clark, who is currently preparing to transfer to Texas State University, noted: “Connections I made at ACTF made me recontextualize the way I see theatrical design and direction.” Peyton Waites, who plans to attend Sam Houston State University, added: “ACTF helped me get out of my shell and learn from other artists; my education feels more robust because of it.”
The department will carry this award-winning excitement into its spring production of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Assassins. Described by Professor Waites as a “theatrical carnival game,” this darkly humorous musical explores the lives of individuals who attempted to assassinate American presidents. The production features a talented ensemble, including several recent ACTF award winners.
Performances for Assassins will run from April 16-18, 2026, at the Lone Star College-Montgomery Campus, with tickets and additional department information available at LoneStar.edu/Drama-Dept-Montgomery.
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