Welcome to KCACTF Region 5 Irene Ryan Scholarship Auditions for Festival 56!
The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships provide recognition, honor, and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education. Eight regional scholarships and one national scholarship are awarded annually. Eight of the awards consist of a $500 scholarship for each regional representative. 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.
THE IRENE RYAN ACTING SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION PROCESS 2024
The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their acting ability and choices through monologues and scenes. Any student may submit to be a part of the Irene Ryans whether nominated from a production or not. Irene Ryan Nominees can serve as a partner for up to two other Irene Ryan Nominees.
The complete audition process for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship will be student preparation of a total of 6 minutes of work, consisting of two monologues and a scene with a partner, constructed as follows:
Preliminary Round:
2 contrasting monologues, time limit of 3 minutes total - recorded; submission via private YouTube link and link shared when entry form is completed. Preliminary Round submissions are due by January 6, 2024 at 5 pm.
Performed live at Festival: 1 monologue (from prelims, student’s choice) and 1 scene, time limit of 5 minutes total.
Final Round:
Performed live at Festival: 2 contrasting monologues from prelims and 1 scene from semi-finals, time limit of 6 minutes total.
Additional Information:
The complete audition process for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship will be student preparation of a total of 6 minutes of work, consisting of two monologues and a scene with a partner, constructed as follows:
Preliminary Round:
2 contrasting monologues, time limit of 3 minutes total - recorded; submission via private YouTube link and link shared when entry form is completed. Preliminary Round submissions are due by January 6, 2024 at 5 pm.
- Students (auditionee and partner) must have a paid registration before the announcement of the semifinalists on 1/16 to participate.
- Preliminary Round responses will happen prior to the festival.
- Semifinalists will be announced at the opening ceremony in Des Moines on Tuesday 1/16.
Performed live at Festival: 1 monologue (from prelims, student’s choice) and 1 scene, time limit of 5 minutes total.
Final Round:
Performed live at Festival: 2 contrasting monologues from prelims and 1 scene from semi-finals, time limit of 6 minutes total.
Additional Information:
- An Irene Ryan Nominee can serve as a partner for another Irene Ryan Nominee.
- Singing will not be allowed; it is recommended that those interested in singing participate in the Musical Theatre Intensive.
- Rules regarding rights, royalties, slating, timekeeping, uses of props and furniture will remain from previous years.
- Furniture (2 chairs and 1 table) will be provided.
- More information can be found on the Kennedy Center website: https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/opportunities-for-artists/pre-professional-artist-training/kcactf/performance/ryans/
Additional Information
Irene Ryans Coordinator: CD Adamson, adamsonc@central.edu
Irene Ryans Associate Coordinator: Dan Miller, damiller@dwu.edu
Irene Ryans Associate Coordinator: Jess Jung, jessica.jung@ndsu.edu
Irene Ryans Associate Coordinator: Dan Miller, damiller@dwu.edu
Irene Ryans Associate Coordinator: Jess Jung, jessica.jung@ndsu.edu
Be sure to check the Tips and Suggestions for information about obtaining performance rights.