SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Western Nebraska Community College’s Theatre Arts program has once again earned national recognition, with its fall musical The Theory of Relativity receiving a coveted production nomination from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF). The 2026 festival will take place January 18–24 in Rochester, Minnesota.

WNCC is part of KCACTF’s Region 5 — the largest of the eight national regions — which includes hundreds of programs across a wide range of institution types and sizes. As a two-year college competing alongside four-year universities and graduate-level programs, WNCC stands in rare company. Two-year colleges are seldom nominated, and even more rarely selected, making this recognition especially significant.

“This marks our second production nomination out of the three we’ve submitted during my five years here,” said Violette Briggs, WNCC's theatre instructor. “To be considered among large, well-funded, fully staffed programs speaks volumes about the exceptional work being created here in the Panhandle and the dedication of our students, faculty, designers, musicians, and the entire performing arts community. Our productions are deeply collaborative across music, theatre, and design, and this honor reflects that shared commitment.”

Along with the production nomination of The Theory of Relativity, many students who worked both on the stage and behind the scenes of the 2025 productions (The Theory of Relativity, Wolfchild: The Correction of Joseph, and Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed! The Rock Experience) earned individual award nominations. The nominations are as followed:

Production Nomination

  • The Theory of Relativity

WNCC Student & Production Recognitions

  • Naylie Barraza, Scenic Design – The Theory of Relativity
  • Andrew Gifford, Acting – The Theory of Relativity
  • Kai Miller, Acting – The Theory of Relativity
  • Lola Sabala, Lighting Design – Wolfchild: The Correction of Joseph
  • Ella Tilton, Set Design – Wolfchild: The Correction of Joseph
  • Riley Shaver, Costume Design – Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed! The Rock Experience!
  • Shannon Whitten, Music Direction – Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed! The Rock Experience!

Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Nominees

  • Mycala Jones – The Theory of Relativity
  • Denali Dart – The Theory of Relativity
  • Nayeli Barraza – Wolfchild: The Correction of Joseph
  • Inez Flores – Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed! The Rock Experience! & The Theory of Relativity
  • CJ Devlin – Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed! The Rock Experience!

Musical Theatre Intensive (MTI) Singing Auditions

  • Denali Dart
  • Inez Flores

The KCACTF selection committee will finalize invited productions in December. All WNCC Theatre majors will travel to attend the 2026 KCACTF as an opportunity to learn from industry experts and make professional connections. To help support travel, lodging, and production costs for WNCC students attending the festival, a donation fund has been setup through the WNCC Foundation. Donations can be made directly by visiting go.wncc.edu/KCACTF or by contacting the Foundation at foundation@wncc.edu or 308.635.6550.