College Relations
Student's stage performance establishes Salem State Theater as one the nation's best
April 28, 2005
Contact: Jim Glynn at (978) 542-7519 or james.glynn@salemstate.edu
 SALEM -- Salem State College student Stephen Laferriere's first place finish in the national finals of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival this weekend has given the college unique status. Salem State theater is now the only state college theater department in the country to win the prestigious Irene Ryan acting award three times.
A panel of judges chose Laferriere, of Dracut, over actors representing 15 other colleges and universities from around the country, including Purdue University and Brigham Young University. To qualify for the national finals, Laferriere won a regional competition that included actors from Boston College, Boston University, College of the Holy Cross, Providence College and Wellesley College.
"This is the real payoff of a college and theatre program's success, even despite major funding challenges," said George. "We continue to thrive and see our theater majors go on to become successful working members of the theatre community. We are so proud of Stephen, and have been privileged to have him at our college these past four years."
Previous Salem State students to capture the national Irene Ryan award were Tom Silkott in 1992 and Nancy McNulty on 2001.
Laferriere's road to the national championship began with a nomination for his role in the SSC production of the Irish drama Translations, allowing the Salem State College senior to audition for the regional Irene Ryan award. He took first place over 200 other student actors. As Region One winner, Laferriere moved on to the national finals at the Kennedy Center, where his presentation of short comedic and dramatic scenes and monologues was awarded the top national honor. His scenes were performed with SSC senior Amy Forney, his chosen acting partner, to whom he gave ample credit for his success in his acceptance speech at the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C., last Friday night.
Laferriere will perform in the original comedy, Shake it Up, at the Callan Studio Theatre at Salem State College, June 2-5, 2005.
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