© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

LCC play heads to regional Kennedy Center competition

Never Swim Alone cast photo
Courtesy photo
/
Lansing Community College Fine and Performing Arts
The cast of LCC's production of 'Never Swim Alone' (L-R): Connor Kelly, Monica Tanner, and Heath Sartorius

The theater program at Lansing Community College recently received a big honor. They were invited to perform the play “Never Swim Alone” at the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. We talk to Melissa Kaplan, coordinator of fine and performing arts at LCC, director Deb Keller, and actor Monica Tanner about how LCC’s small theater program is competing on the national stage.

The theater department at Lansing Community College may be small, but it’s in the running for some pretty big honors. Last month, its production of “Never Swim Alone” by Daniel MacIvor was selected to perform at the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. The regional competition kicks off in Milwaukee tomorrow.

Current State talks with director Deb Keller and star Monica Tanner, along with the coordinator of the fine and performing arts department at LCC, Melissa Kaplan, before they head to Wisconsin.

Related Content
Every WKAR News story you read is rooted in fact-based, local journalism, produced without commercial influence and available for free to everyone in mid-Michigan. No paywalls. Ever.

But this work doesn’t fund itself. With significant cuts to federal funding, public media is facing a critical moment. If you believe in journalism that serves the public interest, now is the time to act. Donate today.