MCC Chair of Performing Arts Named Vice Chair for KCACTF

Middlesex Community College strives to foster a safe and inclusive space for students to learn, practice their skills, and gain access to opportunities. To support students studying the performing arts, Karen Oster, MCC Chair of Performing Arts, was named the Vice Chair of the Musical Theatre Division for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF).

“I am proud to serve on the Board of an organization that is committed to the mission of nurturing and training the young artist in a competitive field,” Oster said. “I am looking forward to helping empower them to be the next generation of storytellers to be ‘heard, supported, celebrated and recognized’ for the wonderful diverse individuals they are.”

Much like Middlesex, KCACTF is dedicated to providing an accessible and equitable experience to the diverse population of which the organization serves. In her new role, Oster is working to bring meaningful workshops to the festival, as well as running the competition for the Musical Theatre division in the New England region.

KCACTF first showed interest in bringing Oster into the national theatre program for college students after MCC’s Spring 2021 performance of “Man of La Mancha.” Due to the pandemic, the show was performed socially distanced – so as to protect the cast and crew – and streamed online live to an audience.

“They were extremely impressed with the production and thought that my involvement would be a good fit,” Oster said. “I filled out the application and highlighted the work I have done with the college, as well as the experiences I have had working on Broadway and throughout the country as an educator, performer and director.”

Every year, MCC’s theatre department invites a member of KCACTF to attend the college’s spring musical. The member meets with the cast and crew to the production and often invites students to participate in the organization’s Musical Theatre and Acting Scholarship competition.

Oster’s new role – combined with the strength of the college’s pre-existing partnership with KCACTF – will benefit Middlesex students seeking to hone their craft.

“Participation at KCACTF has always allowed students to engage and work with people outside of MCC,” Oster said. “Working with professionals in the field, as well as students from all over New England, creates a network of support as they continue on their path in the arts.”