BDACT Presents Kamps Award to Recent Graduates
June 20th, 2025
David Alan Smith
BDACT Presents Kamps Award to Recent Graduates
June 20th, 2025
David Alan Smith
The Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre is pleased to announce it has awarded the Jerome H. Kamps Memorial Scholarship to 2025 Waupun Area High School graduate Elise Clarenbach and 2025 Beaver Dam High School graduate Noah Kikkert.
Elise Clarenbach is a gifted actress and vocalist who made her theatre debut as a child in her family’s living room, creating magical stories and makeshift sets. Elise made her onstage debut in kindergarten, and her performances have been delighting audiences ever since. She’s played a variety of roles from being in an Oompa Loompa ensemble to the lead role of Rosalind in Desperate Housewives of Shakespeare. Elise has performed in theatres in Fond du Lac, Waupun and Beaver Dam, gaining experience in a variety of roles both on and offstage. Through her theatre experiences Elise has learned commitment, teamwork and to roll with the punches when things don’t go as planned, because as we all know, “the show must go on.” In fall, Elise will attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and plans to major in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with minors in Psychology and Spanish. Congratulations, Elise! We wish you all the best in your new role on the stage of life.
Our next recipient is Noah Kikkert. When it comes to our theatre and productions, Noah has done it all. Acting, singing, dancing, lights — he’s even been a stage manager. Noah is one of those rare individuals who is willing to do whatever it takes to make a show successful. Through his acting experiences over the years, he says he’s become more confident as a public speaker and more empathetic to the needs of others. While working backstage on Goosebumps, Noah developed leadership skills and enjoyed connecting with the younger actors, who looked up to him for support and guidance. Noah says theater has given him a sense of community, purpose and expression. “In the end, my theater experience matters to me because it has shown me that I will always have a place where I belong,” he says. “It’s more than just a hobby — it’s life. No matter where I go, I know that theater will always be a place I am welcome.” Noah will attend UW-Milwaukee in fall to study Film and Communication. Good luck, Noah!
A committee of theatre representatives evaluated candidates' essays and their hours committed to BDACT and other theatre experiences. The $500 award, named for one of BDACT's founding members, is presented annually to a graduating senior from Beaver Dam High School, Wayland Academy or another area high school, who is committed to post-secondary education.
BDACT Board President Emily Shier presents the 2025 Jerome H. Kamps Memorial Award to Waupun Area High School graduate Elise Clarenbach, and Beaver Dam High School graduate Noah Kikkert. The ceremony was held on the BDACT Mainstage before the opening night performance of Guys and Dolls.