The cast of “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train” left Monday for Southern California, where it will perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, the first time a DVC production has been chosen for the honor.

“Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train” was one of five plays selected by the KCACTF from more than 200 submissions nationwide to compete at the regional festival at California State University in Fullerton. A special, one-night showing was held Sunday in DVC’s Arena Theater to raise some of the estimated $7,000 cost of sending the cast, 35 other drama students and the set and props to Fullerton.

Student director Marlon Deleon said he didn’t know what prizes would be awarded winners of the competition, but he added, “In the industry of theater, there’s also the exposure, which all of us are welcoming.”

Mackenszie Drae, who plays Officer Valdez in the play, said, “To get recognized by KCACTF has to be one of the greatest opportunities to come my way. I still stand in disbelief sometimes.”

“Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train” is the story of two inmates locked in a maximum security prison and their road to redemption.

Angel Cruz (played by Armando Ramirez) is an atheist imprisoned for shooting a cult leader in the rear, while Lucius Jenkins (Michael Alexander) preaches about God, yet is imprisoned for the grisly murders of eight people. Officer Valdez (Drae) is head of corrections at the prison, a man whose world is black and white with no room for gray.

Last semester the production faced obstacles that included cuts in drama department funding. With little more than costumes and a few props making up the set, the power of the play rested on the sheer acting ability of the performers.

KCACTF is an organization involving college theater programs all across the nation. Its purpose is to recognize shows that demonstrate extraordinary work and to give participants the opportunity to showcase and develop their skills.