IOLA, Kan. (Feb. 6, 2026) — Allen Community College brought together its Art, Music, and Theatre & Film departments Friday night for a one‑night‑only fine arts showcase featuring student work, live performances and original film projects. The collaborative event highlighted the depth of talent across the College’s creative disciplines and welcomed community members to enjoy an evening of visual and performing arts.
The program opened with visual art displays curated by Allen art students and faculty, followed by a full slate of live and recorded performances representing theatre, film, animation, vocal music and instrumental jazz. Performances included a scene from The Pillowmanby Martin McDonagh, monologues, musical numbers, improv games, and original student work such as Cooper Kiehl’s animated short film Finals Week and Natalie Goodwin’s original play Crusty White Dog.
A variety of musical performances rounded out the evening, including “Suddenly Seymour” from Little Shop of Horrors and featured selections from the Allen Jazz Band under the direction of music instructor Patrick Matarazzo. The ensemble performed “A Little Minor Blues,” “Killer Joe,” and “Andante Allegro,” showcasing the program’s range and technical ability.
Theatre students also presented readings and monologues, including “Lance’s Monologue” from The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Gabriel J.A. Wolf’s “The Challenge,” and a selection from Hamilton. Members of the Allen Improv Club performed audience‑favorite games such as Freeze, Madame Zelda and Change.
Faculty from all three departments—Graphic Design Instructor Nancy Ford, Art Instructor Tera Schultz, Music Instructor Patrick Matarazzo, Technical Theatre Instructor John Leahy, and Costume Shop Manager Ashley Shaughnessy—worked with students to prepare the multidisciplinary event. Students involved in production support included Maya Shaughnessy, Othniel Owusu‑Ansah, Godfred Divine Mensah and Thomas Docherty.
The showcase also recognized members and supporters of the 2024–2025 Fine Arts Booster Club, whose contributions help fund student performances, exhibitions and travel opportunities. Levels of support ranged from Patron to Benefactor, with community members and local businesses represented across the roster.
Upcoming events in the Arts include student recitals on March 4 and May 6, as well as performances of Our Town at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center April 24–26.
Allen Community College continues to support local and student artists by creating opportunities for collaboration, creativity and performance across multiple fine arts disciplines.
