The LMC Theater Department is preparing for a week-long conference hosted by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF).

The KCACTF is a national theater program involving 18,000 students from colleges and universities nationwide which has served as a catalyst in improving the quality of college theater in the United States according to their website, www.kennedy-center.org.

LMC Theater Department must raise $40,000 to attend this weeklong conference at Boise State University. The theater department is hoping to raise this money through fundraisers and donations. The scheduled dates for the festival are February 16-22, 2014.

“It’s a pretty big deal,” said 19-year-old LMC student Du’Praiseja Smith, who was one of the students who first heard about the exciting news. Smith will be performing in the festival. “I am very proud of my school. Fences is the only African American play being featured at the festival. Out of four other schools a junior college was picked to go. That never happens.”

Fences is a production the LMC Theater Department showcased during the Fall 2013 semester. Fences was recognized by a member of the Kennedy Center Committee during what audiences say was a very emotional theater experience.

“People walked out of the theater sobbing, tears running down their faces,” recalls LMC Drama Department Chair, Nick Garcia. “The audience made a connection with the characters in the show.”

Fences includes a wide range of African American and Hispanic cultures intertwined in a diverse group of individuals. The production is learning about heritage and celebrating it, according to the cast.

“It brings us together. I know it sounds cliche to say this, but Y.O.L.O. You only live once, right? Why not give it everything you have and take any opportunities that come your way and go all out,” said 19-year-old LMC student Jarrelle Tramble. Tramble has never traveled out of the state of California and is excited to perform in the production as Bono. “I’m juiced and so stoked.”

In the month of February the theater department will perform their production of Fences at the El Campanil Theater in Antioch. Admission will be free.

“We would love it if the community could come and see all the hard work we have put into the show. What better way to do it then by putting on a play,” said Garcia.