Third time’s the charm for one Georgia Southern University student, who recently earned national accolades in the world of theatrical performance. Over the weekend, Gabby Burton, a senior theatre major and Honors College student, won the Voice and Speech Trainers Association Excellence Award and a $500 scholarship at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C.
“I would have never imagined four years ago that I would be celebrated on a national level like that,” she said. “My hope now is that other students from my program feel like they are capable artists who should always believe in themselves and share what they have to say.”
Burton earned a trip to Washington, D.C., after winning the organization’s Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, which provides recognition, honor and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education. The regional award not only made her a qualifier for the national competition, but also provided her with another $500 scholarship. She credits her Georgia Southern Theatre community and her stage partner, fellow theatre student Jordan Applin, for her success.
This is the third year Burton has been a contender for the Kennedy Center festival. Before leaving for the nation’s capital, Burton said she was excited about finally getting a chance to perform at the Kennedy Center. However, she knew there was more work to do.
As this is her final year, the Augusta, Georgia, native said it gave her more creative freedom to pursue pieces she was more attached to, and that may have given her the edge in her preparations.
“I knew it was the last time no matter what,” she said. “I felt more compelled to just do whatever pieces I wanted to because these pieces came from me and my own interests. I was able to tell stories that I actually care about to really one of the most engaging audiences you’ll ever find.”
The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival bestows two national prizes each year to support outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education.
Burton, who graduates on May, will be pursuing a master’s degree next fall.
