Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships

Name: Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships

Award Amount: $500 regional scholarship; $5,000 national scholarship

Information and Eligibility:

The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships, administered by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF), provide recognition, honor, and financial assistance to outstanding student performers pursuing further education in theater arts. The Irene Ryan Foundation awards sixteen regional and two national scholarships annually. Each region selects one nominee and partner to attend the national festival, with the nominee receiving a $500 scholarship. The runner-up in each region receives a $500 scholarship but does not participate in the national festival auditions.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Nomination: Students must be nominated by their institution or self-submit to participate in regional auditions.
• Performance: Participants present a 4-minute audition package, including one monologue and one scene, in all rounds of the competition.
• Partnership: Ryan participants may partner with one other participant, using a different scene for each audition package.
• Financial Disbursement: Scholarships are disbursed through the winner’s designated institution to cover tuition and fees for further education, not necessarily limited to theater arts.

Deadline: Application deadlines vary by region. Consult your regional chair or Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions Coordinator for specific dates.

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