The Blue Hawk Theatre Guild at Dickinson State University (DSU) wrapped up its fall production of The Foreigner on September 20 after three well-attended performances that welcomed more than 300 guests, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. The production marked one of the first major events for the newly formed Blue Hawk Theatre Guild, a student-led organization dedicated to promoting and expanding theatre opportunities both on campus and in the community.
 
The production was adjudicated by a representative from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), a national program involving 18,000 students from colleges and universities across the country. KCACTF’s mission is to celebrate the finest in collegiate theatre, provide professional development opportunities, and recognize excellence in acting, design, directing, and playwriting. Each year, the festival advances student work through eight regional festivals, culminating in the national festival held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
 
As part of this process, two DSU students received nominations for the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, which celebrates excellence in acting and provides opportunities for students to perform at a national level. Graduate student Kat Messmer, who portrayed Owen Musser, and junior Kylie Zeller, who portrayed Betty Meeks, will represent DSU this January at the Region 5 KCACTF festival. Region 5 is one of the largest in the nation, encompassing North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, and Missouri. In addition to competing for the Irene Ryan Scholarship, Messmer and Zeller will engage in workshops, masterclasses, auditions, and collaborative performances with peers and professionals from across the region.
 
The cast of The Foreigner showcased a wide range of student talent. Notably, freshman Jackson Halvorson’s portrayal of Charlie Baker was highlighted for its creativity and strong stage presence, showing the promising future of new voices in DSU theatre.
“The response from both the DSU community and the greater Dickinson community demonstrates the need for theatre on our campus,” said Sarah Crossingham, advisor for the Blue Hawk Theatre Guild. “Our students have poured their hearts into this production, and to see their efforts recognized at a regional level is both humbling and inspiring.”
 
The Blue Hawk Theatre Guild, established in 2025, has quickly become a hub for creativity and collaboration on campus. The guild provides students with opportunities to act, direct, design, and explore all facets of theatre production. Beyond performances, the organization plans to host improv nights, theatre workshops, and community events designed to bring people together through the performing arts. Looking ahead, the guild will continue its season this spring with a new production scheduled for April 2026. More details about this production will be announced later this fall.
 
For additional information regarding the Blue Hawk Theatre Guild and upcoming performances, please contact Sarah Crossingham at Dickinson State University.