Theatre NDSU’s “Glory” receives recognition at regional theatre festival

Theatre NDSU’s recent production of “Glory” was selected to be featured at the Region 5 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Rochester, Minnesota, on Jan. 18-24, 2026.

KCACTF is a national program sponsored by the Kennedy Center to recognize excellence in college theatre and provide professional development opportunities to university theatre programs across the U.S. Region 5 includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Each year over 100 productions are entered into the regional festival and from those, four were invited to perform in Rochester.

“Glory,” by Tracey Power, follows four Canadian women who form one of the most iconic women’s hockey teams in history: the Preston Rivulettes. Told with music and dance inspired by the jazz age, “Glory” is a highly engaging and heartwarming show that proves a woman’s place is on the ice.

“This play was an immense challenge for everyone involved. Many of us didn't know much (or anything at all) about hockey or the Preston Rivulette's prior to reading the play,” said Jess Jung, the play’s director and theatre faculty member. “Our learning curve was high. In addition, using dance choreography to create the seven hockey games played was unlike anything we've done before.

“With that, this production pushed us out of our comfort zone. Yet “Glory,” at its heart, is about perseverance — it's about these amazing, real women that persevered despite countless obstacles. I'm so proud of the theatre students that persevered throughout this process. It makes the recognition even more special. They absolutely deserve to have their hard work recognized.”

Theatre students Gabrielle Mowery, Ava Borgerding, Jillian Schotters and Paige Holbrook starred as four of the Preston Rivulettes hockey players in the production.

“My favorite thing about working on ‘Glory’ was getting to work with my best friends and most impactful teacher I’ve had (Jess), on something we all put so much of ourselves into,” said Mowery, a senior from Fargo, who played the role of Helen Schmuck. “These are real women and getting to share women’s stories is such an honor to represent. What a rare privilege it is to be graduating on this show and nominations.”

Mowery said she has attended the KCACTF before and is looking forward to participating in workshops and working with professionals in the industry.

Theatre NDSU presented “Glory” on Dec. 4-6 and 11-13 and will remount “Glory” on Friday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Askanase Hall as an additional opportunity for people to see it before the cast leaves for the festival.

Admission for the “farewell” performance on Jan. 16 will be a freewill donation at the door. All funds raised will support department travel to the festival. Tickets will not be available in advance. For those who cannot attend the performance but want to support the theatre program, donations can be made online.