Arvada resident and Pomona High School Technical Theatre Director Thomas Michael Campbell was recently honored at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C. His original play, dREAMtRIPPIN', was performed in front of a live audience as one of four national finalists for the John Cauble Award for Outstanding Short Play.

"It was an amazing experience and such a huge honor to be recognized by this nationally renowned and respected organization," Campbell says. The KCACTF focuses on the development of theater methods, performance and playwriting throughout the country.

Local audiences will have the opportunity to see dREAMtRIPPIN' performed at Pomona High School on Wednesday, May 14, at 7p.m. The short play is about two co-workers on a road trip who keep waking up from each other's dreams.

"It's a surreal trip about who's in control, and does it really matter," Campbell says. He will also present a brief comedy, The Bearer of Bad News, which he wrote as a student at Pomona High School in 1999.

Campbell joined the Pomona theatre staff as Technical Director this year at the request of Theatre Director Gavin Mayer.

"I loved the job - the dedicated students make it so worthwhile - and it was an opportunity to give something back to Pomona," says Campbell. Although he plans to teach again in the future, Campbell says it is now time to explore the many possibilities opening up to him as a playwright. He has a degree in playwriting from the University of Wyoming and a Master of Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

dREAMtRIPPIN'

The Bearer of Bad News

Two short plays presented at Pomona High School, 8101 W. Pomona Drive, Arvada

Wednesday, May 14, 7p.m.

All proceeds and donations go to the Pomona High School theatre program. Seating is limited. For information, call 303-982-0741