Sydney Lane wins VASTA Acting Award from the Kennedy Center

At the beginning of 2025, Henry Ford Early College alumna Sydney Lane won the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) Acting Award in Vocal Excellence) from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region 3 in Madison, WI.

“I was really dumbfounded,” said Lane. “(HFC Director of Theatre) Dr. John-Michael Sefel told me to try my hardest because this is a rigorous competition across five different states with a total of about 300 competitors. In other words, ‘Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst,’” recalled Lane. “Winning made everything real for me. I always had the self-confidence that I was good at theatre, good at acting. This award gives me the credential I need to be taken seriously. That’s very important to me.”

Lane was awarded a $500 scholarship and a year's membership in VASTA, an international organization dedicated to advancing the highest standards of voice and speech use and artistry in all professional arenas. She won the VASTA Award for her performance of Act III, Scene II (colloquially called the “We play upon this pipe” scene) from William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. She also won based on a monologue from A Renaissance, a play that she is writing about a woman who falls in love. It also deals with mental health issues and delves into what love can do to a person, good, bad, or “absolutely horrifyingly terrible.”

“Many of these students were from colleges and universities with far greater name recognition and endowments than HFC, yet HFC was the only two-year program to make it to the finals in the acting category, and the only school to win the VASTA Award!” said Sefel. “When I say Sydney's work is 'excellent," that's not just a proud teacher talking; that's a series of nine judges appointed by the Kennedy Center!”

A powerful stage presence that went far beyond acting

A KCACTF representative nominated both Lane and HFC alumna Zuri Jamal for the prestigious Irene Ryan Excellence in College Acting Scholarship based on their performances in 2024’s The Detroit Wall Project. Both Lane and Jamal were among the Top 16 Finalists at KCACTF Region 3. Jamal is a two-time nominee for this scholarship.

“Although we didn’t win, it was an honor to be nominated,” said Lane. “Zuri’s a great friend. I don’t think I would’ve won the VASTA Award, nor would’ve been nominated for the Irene Ryan Scholarship, if she weren’t my acting partner. She’s a great actor, a great partner, and a great person to work with; I have to give her my thanks.”

Sefel said Lane’s work in The Detroit Wall Project went far beyond acting.

“As a cast member, she certainly stood out for her powerful stage presence, but the play simply wouldn't have been the same if it weren't for her input and creativity during the playwriting process,” he said. “Every cast member contributed at least a little bit, but Sydney's mark is all over the play. From music to recurring themes to getting amazing interviews from the community to pushing us to explore and delve deeper than we would have otherwise, any success The Detroit Wall Project had is partly due to Sydney's passionate contributions.”

From Stanford Law Mock Trial to the stage in Michigan

A lifelong Detroiter and the youngest of two, Lane originally aspired to become an attorney, having participated in an intense mock trial at Stanford University Law School in Stanford, CA, but she always felt the pull of the stage. Lane made her stage debut when she was 6 with her cousin in the Miss USA Pageant. Her cousin represented Michigan while Lane was dressed up as her Michigan princess.

“I remember the crowd letting out a huge ‘awww!’ when I walked onstage, and I loved it!” recalled Lane. “Since then, I’ve always loved being in front of an audience.”

Lane wasn’t involved in theatre until The Detroit Wall Project, instead channeling her focus elsewhere during her time at HFEC. She was apprehensive about auditioning for The Detroit Wall Project. Her first instinct was to turn around and walk away, but some ineffable force compelled her to stay and audition.

“I often hear that students assume they have to be theatre majors to audition for our shows, but that's not true!” said Sefel. “When Sydney auditioned, she hadn't taken a single theatre class at HFC. We are always eager to welcome any HFC student. We regularly have HFEC and dual enrollment students in our plays, and most of our casts and crews are made up of students from all over campus. Theatre is an art that belongs to everyone, is great for beginners, and teaches skills that are applicable in any life and career. I really hope that Sydney's success will inspire more students of all majors to come find a home in our program.”

A “changemaker” setting her sights on Broadway

Lane graduated from HFEC in 2024, earning her high school diploma and her associate degree in liberal arts. She is taking a year off from academics, during which she has helped out at HFC with its theatre program and works at Light of Hope Deliverance Fellowship, a nonprofit organization in Detroit. She plans to continue her education in the fall at Wayne State University, where she will study theatre.

“I really enjoyed my time in the HFC theatre program,” said Lane. “Dr. Sefel is a mentor. He’s someone I can go to with my accomplishments and my downfalls. He’s a great man.”

HFEC English teacher Yousef Alqamoussi is proud of his former student.

“I'm so happy to hear that Sydney received this award,” he said. “She's an exceptional person. Sydney is a ‘changemaker.’ She steps up to the plate, delivers creatively and effectively, and garners the support of her classmates. I expect a bright and colorful future for her.”

Lane appeared in HFC’s recent production of Torn Apart, Together, where she sang three songs and also worked behind the scenes.

“Sydney is a joy,” said Torn Apart, Together director Vanessa El-Zein. “She brings a refreshing perspective to the work that she does and approaches challenges with boldness and creativity. She has an infectious energy and is a true rising talent.”

Lane’s ultimate career goal is to appear on Broadway.

“If I had to make a big headline, that’s it – Broadway,” said Lane. “I want to act in live theatre for the rest of my life. I fell in love with the stage, and I am never letting it go.”