Mesa Community College earns AriZoni Awards

MESA, Ariz. – Nov. 1, 2022 – Mesa Community College students and faculty from the Theatre and Film Arts Department and Musical Theatre Department receive recognition at the annual AriZoni Awards of Theatre Excellence, held at the Scottsdale Center For Performing Arts on Oct. 3, 2022.

The AriZoni awards are dedicated to recognizing excellence in theatrical performances while promoting the visibility, cooperation, and growth of theater in the Valley. They present awards to those who produce exceptional work in all aspects of theater.

Top honors went to MCC’s production of the musical Sweeney Todd, which won Best Overall production. Tregoney Shepherd, MCC’s Artistic Director of Musical Theatre, won Best Director for the production. These awards are on top of the numerous AriZoni awards bestowed upon the cast and crew.

Honors include:

Hayden Schnepf for Best Actress in a Major Role.

James Zanelli for Best Actor in a Major Role.

Haley McHardy for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Kendra Martinez for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Austin Stuart for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

Darin Shryock for Best Musical Direction.

Melody Stuart and Josh Lutton for Best Hair and Makeup Design.

Ashton Michael Corey for Best Lighting Direction.

MCC was also honored with twenty-eight additional nominations for Sweeney Todd, Gin Mummy, Concord Floral, and Peter and the Starcatcher.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.