The Sul Ross State University Theatre Program’s production of “True West” by Sam Shepard has been invited to perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Feb. 20-24 in Abilene.

The invitation places Sul Ross State University among a select group of institutions whose work was chosen from colleges and universities across New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. The production will be showcased before an audience of students, educators and theatre professionals from across the region, as well as a panel of nationally selected judges.

“This is tremendous news for our program and, most importantly, for our students,” said Director and Associate Professor of Cinema Arts Bret Scott. “Being selected to represent Sul Ross State University at the regional level speaks to the quality, creativity and dedication of our student performers, designers, and faculty mentors.”

According to the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, regional festivals held each January and February highlight the finest productions entered and provide participants with workshops, symposia and regional award programs. Productions presented at the regional festivals are evaluated by a panel of three judges selected by the Kennedy Center and the KCACTF national committee.

From these regional showcases, judges, working in consultation with the festival’s Artistic Director, select four to six of the most outstanding and diverse productions to advance to the national festival held each spring in Washington, D.C. Selected productions perform in a noncompetitive setting, with all expenses paid.

For more information about the Sul Ross State University Theatre Program, visit www.sulross.edu/theatre/.

Photo: SRSU Theatre graduate student J.B. Fields and alum Justin Hinton star in Sam Shepard’s “True West” as Lee and Austin.