You may remember when High Note ran a cover story in October about “I’ve Got Something To Say,” a showcase of student plays presented at Fisher Theater.

Shortly after the plays debuted, it was announced that the play “Last Chance,” written by ISU graduate student Greg Jerrett, would be receiving the Kennedy Center commendation for achievement in playwriting at the Regional Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KC/ACTF). In addition, the play has been invited to be performed at the regional festival in Sioux Falls, S.D.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized by people who know what they’re talking about,” said Jerrett, opinion editor of the Iowa State Daily.

The play is directed by Jane Cox and stars ISU students Ben Godar, K. T. Gobeski, Darci Horton and associate theater Professor Patrick Gouran.

Godar was nominated for an acting scholarship for his performance in the play.

Jerrett will admit that the playwriting is only part of the success; the actors have performed superbly.

“He makes my words come to life,” Jerrett said, speaking of Godar.

When the play premiered in October, a KC/ACTF respondent viewed the show and offered a verbal critique to the playwright, cast, and crew. A written critique is then given to the playwright with suggestions for changes.

“[The KC/ACTF respondent] would do things like ask questions that weren’t answered in the play, and it’s usually a good idea to change it so they are answered,” Jerrett said. “I sat down with Jane and we discussed what things would be good to change and what would work.”

In the time since its initial performance, Jerrett has re-written “Last Chance” three times.

“It’s tighter now and more poignant,” Jerrett said. “You need to hear outside input and see it acted out in order to make changes.”

Though Jerrett says he didn’t disagree with any of the comments and suggestions made about his piece, he does admit that the comments can sometimes set you back.

The purpose of the ACTF is to recognize excellence in educational theater across the country. It consists of eight regions; Iowa is in region five along with seven other states.

“Last Chance” will be presented to the festival next Saturday, Jan. 22, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Jerrett will receive feedback from Susan Gregg, associate artistic director of the Repertory Theater of St. Louis, and John Henry Redwood, playwright of “The Old Settler,” which is currently one of the most produced plays in the United States.

“It’ll be fun,” Gregg Henry, associate theater professor, said. “Fun for Greg, he deserves it.”

In case you haven’t seen “Last Chance,” it will be brought back to Fisher Theater for a one-night performance this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. before heading to South Dakota. The performance will be free of charge.