The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships provide recognition, honor, and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education. The Irene Ryan Foundation awards sixteen regional and two national scholarships annually.
Scholarship Details
- The Irene Ryan Foundation awards 16 regional scholarships and two national scholarships annually
- One nominee and acting partner from each region are invited to participate in the national festival
- Each regional nominee advancing to the national festival receives a $500 scholarship
- Each regional runner-up receives a $500 scholarship but does not advance to the national festival to audition for the national scholarship
- Additional regional awards may be available through individual KCACTF regions
- Scholarship funds are disbursed through an educational institution designated by the recipient
- Awards may be used for tuition and fees associated with further education, including programs outside theatre arts
- Auditions are evaluated on acting technique, emotional expression, vocal range, physical connection, and storytelling
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an eligible student performer participating in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship audition process
- Must demonstrate outstanding acting ability and artistic potential
- Must follow the applicable regional and national audition requirements
- Must prepare audition material that demonstrates character development, emotional range, vocal ability, and physical expression
- Must observe all audition time limits, as no grace period is provided
- Must meet any additional eligibility and participation requirements established by the applicable KCACTF region
Application Process
- Contact your KCACTF regional chair or Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions Coordinator for nomination procedures, eligibility requirements, and audition information.
- Prepare audition material suited to your acting abilities that demonstrates emotional range, vocal expression, physical connection, and character development.
- Select material that communicates a compelling story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
- Develop clear character objectives, actions, and relationships with imaginary scene partners, using specific focal points and projected imagery.
- Rehearse your audition to remain within the required time limits while allowing sufficient time for character development and audience reactions.
- Participate in the regional scholarship auditions according to the established procedures.
- If selected as a regional nominee, attend the national festival with your acting partner and participate in the national scholarship audition process.
- If awarded a scholarship, designate an educational institution to receive the funds for eligible tuition and fees.
Students and coaches are encouraged to consult their regional chair or regional Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions Coordinator for information on other regional awards. The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships are, indeed, scholarships; so the Foundation disburses the award through a school designated by the winner, to pay tuition and fees for further education, not necessarily limited to theatre arts.
