They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But for the Pierce College Theater Department what happened in Vegas is just the beginning.
The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival IV National Irene Ryan Acting competition in Las Vegas started out with about 300 college students across the Western United States in February.
By the end of the event, the semi-finals were down to 16 students.
Nine of them were Brahmas. Pierce actor Dale Van Slyke went on to the finals, while Tomas Ciriaco was selected as an alternative and Jordyn Kieffer achieved Honorable Mention for set design.
According to Theatre Arts professor Shaheen Vaaz, it was the first time in over two years that students were able to compete in-person.
“Everyone was very happy to be back together,” said Vaaz, who was also the co-director of the Irene Ryan competition. “Students were happy to be performing and participating live and I think that sort of dominated the festival.”
Typically, one student from each school makes it to the semi-finals. This year, nine Pierce College students advanced to the semi-finals and one made it to the finals.
The happy vibes were not the only thing to dominate the festival.
Theater major and actor Dale Van Slyke was a finalist in the acting portion and came away from the competition filled with humility and gratitude.
“To be able to perform your work in front of people is usually a blessing all on its own,” said Van Slyke. “Especially post-COVID, it’s so nice to be able to be in front of people to share a communal space and do this ancient art in front of people and have some people like it. That’s ultimately what you hope for.”
The competition took place in the convention halls of the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas, which are not typically set up for theatrical performances.
Vaaz said that the stage itself had to be designed and built specifically for this competition which proved difficult. Despite the challenge the student actors made it work.
“They did great,” said Vaaz. “I almost wish I’d had more time to work with them in those spaces, because they’re very different.”
For Department Chair of Performing Arts Michael Gend, one of the defining features of the competition this year was that each student was competing, not as a representative of their school, but as themselves.
“When they introduce themselves they don’t say what school they’re from, so it’s a great equalizer,” said Gend. “Regardless of whether you’re a student who’s at a community college or a grad student in a private school, as long as your school enters the competition and you are nominated, you can compete.”
When the competition is blind it helps keep the focus on the student actors and their skills instead of where they go to school, according to Van Slyke.
“It’s us performing as opposed to Pierce College performing,” said Van Slyke. “Especially when you’re up against a bunch of four year conservatory programs or people who are getting their master’s degree, it takes all of that out of the equation. It allows you to be you and for them to judge you based on your ability and what you’re bringing to the table.”
When Gend heard that one of his students was a finalist, he knew he had to be there. So he jumped in the car and drove down to Vegas to see Van Slyke’s final performance.
“Fortunately, I don’t teach on Fridays, so I was able to pull that off,” said Gend. “It’s a long drive but anytime I discover we’re doing that well, I want to see it in person.”
Networking with professionals as well as faculty and students from other schools is an important part of the competition.
“I hope it gave them grit,” said Vaaz. “I also hope it gave them a sense of perspective and what else is out there.”
Now the student actors are back on campus training and rehearsing for their upcoming shows.
Even though he didn’t win first place, Van Slyke has big things in the works and said he learned a lot through the experience.
Van Slyke said he’s now putting all his energy into his performance as Mark Cohen in the department’s upcoming show, “Rent”.
“I know I’m a different artist now,” said Van Slyke. “I see what I can work on and I see the next step because of it.”