House Resolution 26

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE WILLIAM CAREY COLLEGE THEATRE UPON WINNING THE 2002 COLLEGIATE EXCELLENCE IN THEATRE ARTS AWARD.

WHEREAS, William Carey College Theatre has a long tradition of excellence in performance, academic and community outreach; and

WHEREAS, when endeavoring in 1995 to participate in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, William Carey College Theatre gained significant national recognition; and

WHEREAS, William Carey College Theatre has, in the last four of five years, performed at the Region IV festival, which is very selective in showcasing theatrical presentations, allowing only six productions from the ten southeastern states annually; and

WHEREAS, student playwright, Jonathan Evans, won the national Jean Kennedy Smith Playwriting Award for his production of "And David Danced," which was one of four productions in the entire United States invited to the Kennedy Center National Festival in Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, William Carey College Theatre students have won four national awards in the American College Theatre Festival's design competition at the Kennedy Center and ten regional prizes; and

WHEREAS, with the nucleus of the program being academic achievement, William Carey College Theatre is the first and only American theatrical company to perform at the Annual International Theatre Festival in Bratislava, Slovakia; and

WHEREAS, through its many successes, William Carey College Theatre students have been able to enjoy a 100% acceptance rate into graduate schools, acquiring positions in professional theatre throughout the country; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the institutions of higher learning of our state, which provide valuable educational opportunities:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the William Carey College Theatre for its excellence in the arts and for being the 2002 recipient of the Collegiate Excellence in the Arts Theatre Award.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the William Carey College Theatre Department and the members of the Capitol Press Corps.