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2016 Kudzu Playhouse Scholarship Winners

Kudzu Playhouse proudly announces the 2016 recipients of its two annual scholarships – The Kudzu Playhouse Heritage Scholarship and the Jim Anderson Legacy Scholarship. While the primary criteria for both awards is involvement in Kudzu Playhouse productions, fundraising and promotion, students are also evaluated on other accomplishments or activities including non-Kudzu theater/performance experience, academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Both awards are designed to help young people further their educational goals. The 2016 winners of both awards each have a deep-rooted love for theatre and have dedicated much of their youth to helping cultivate the performing arts in our community. Kudzu Playhouse is proud to support both of these talented young people as they pursue their dreams.

The Kudzu Playhouse Heritage Scholarship Award recognizes a student whose participation in the arts has affected significant personal growth in areas such as performance skills, technical skills, public speaking, self-confidence / esteem, or an appreciation of literature and the performing arts.

The 2016 Kudzu Playhouse Heritage Scholarship Award recipient is Jacob Vogelsang, son of Craig and Teresa Vogelsang and a recent graduate of Hernando High School. In addition to performing in numerous productions at Hernando High School, Kudzu Playhouse, and throughout the Mid-South, Jacob is always ready to lend a hand backstage and behind the scenes. “Theatre has played a big role in my life, “says Jacob. “It has helped me become a better public speaker, improved my performance skills, increased with my self-confidence, and taught me the value of teamwork and personal responsibility.” Jacob has recently begun his Musical Theatre studies at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

The Jim Anderson Legacy Scholarship Award is dedicated in honor of a longtime supporter of the arts in DeSoto County, and specifically Kudzu Playhouse. The award recognizes a student who understands the importance of maintaining and supporting arts programs in our community and/or schools and has demonstrated a commitment to maintaining and supporting these programs through participation in a variety of live performance activities.

The 2016 Jim Anderson Legacy Scholarship Award recipient is Sophi Cassino, daughter of Brian Cassino and Tobi Foster and a recent graduate of Lewisburg High School. Sophi has participated in numerous live theatrical productions throughout the Mid-South, volunteered for several years as a summer theatre camp counselor, and assisted backstage on countless productions. “The arts in our schools and our community is more than just a way for kids to stay out of trouble outside of school,” says Sophi. “It’s about supporting one another and pushing ourselves beyond the limits the world has set for us. Theatre teaches us that you can still work together despite the differences.” Sophi is a new freshman at Mississippi State University, pursuing a degree in Communications with a concentration in Theatre.

2015 Kudzu Playhouse Scholarship Winners

In response to the growing interest in, and support of, the performing arts in our community, in 2015 Kudzu formally expanded its scholarship program to provide two annual awards to local youths, naming one in honor of a long-time Kudzu supporter. While the primary criteria for both awards is involvement in Kudzu Playhouse productions, fundraising and promotion – students are also evaluated on other accomplishments or activities including non-Kudzu theater/performance experience, academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Both awards are designed to help young thespians further their educational goals.

The 2015 winners of both awards each have a deep-rooted love for theatre and have mapped out ambitious plans to make performing their life’s work. Kudzu Playhouse is proud to support both of these talented young women as they pursue their dreams.

The Kudzu Playhouse Scholarship Award recognizes a student whose participation in the arts has affected significant personal growth in areas such as performance skills, technical skills, public speaking, self-confidence / esteem, or an appreciation of literature and the performing arts.

The 2015 Kudzu Playhouse Scholarship Award recipient is Lexie Lang, daughter of Rick and Suzanne Lang and a senior at Hernando High School. Lang credits her participation in theatre with helping her find who she truly is and what she wants to do with her life. Says Lang, “Although theatre is all about opening yourself up to the world and performing for others, there is also something deeply personal found in each actor’s performance; a reason that they’re doing this for not just the community, but for themselves.” Lang has appeared in more than 30 theatrical productions and has been recognized with several Allie Award nominations as well as MTA, debate, poetry and monologue competition honors. Lang has been accepted into the Young Americans College of the Performing Arts in Corona, California, a conservatory style program of study for students who wish to combine intensive performing arts training with experiences that broaden understanding of the global community.

The 2015 Jim Anderson Legacy Scholarship Award recipient is Erica Peninger, daughter of Kim Peninger and a senior at Lewisburg High School. Peninger has participated in more than 30 live theatrical productions throughout the Mid-South and has been recognized with numerous nominations and awards for her portrayal of a wide variety of characters. Says Peninger, “I believe that it is important that all kids have the opportunity to delve into whatever artistic medium they wish so that they too can find themselves in their work.” Peninger plans to attend the University of Memphis and pursue a degree in Musical Theatre. She will travel to New York City in June to compete nationally in the Jimmy Awards held at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway as part of the National High School Musical Theatre Awards program.