Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships
Theatre scholarship guide
Scholarship details
- Funder
- Irene Ryan Foundation / Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Scholarship type
- Nationwide
- Opens
- Varies by region
- Deadline
- Set by each KCACTF region
- Typical award size
- $500 regional nominee + $500 regional runner-up; national festival scholarships additionally awarded (16 regional + 2 national scholarships annually)
- Website
- Apply or learn more
Eligibility criteria
Outstanding student performers nominated through KCACTF regional Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions. One nominee (and partner) per region advances to the national festival; regional runners-up receive scholarships but do not advance. Awards are scholarships disbursed to further education.
Application steps
- Participate in KCACTF through your college theatre program.
- Be nominated/enter Irene Ryan auditions in your region.
- Perform audition pieces per regional guidelines.
- If selected as regional nominee, attend national festival; scholarships disbursed by the Foundation to educational institutions.
Required materials
- Regional Irene Ryan audition entry
- Prepared audition material
- Partner as required by regional rules
- Institutional/KCACTF registration
Overview
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. One nominee and partner from every region will be invited to the national festival and the nominee will receive a $500 scholarship. The runner-up in each region will receive a $500 scholarship, but will not attend the national festival to audition for the national scholarship. 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. Criteria An undergraduate student* registered for at least six semester or equivalent quarter hours; A graduate student* registered for at least three semester or equivalent quarter hours; Or a continuing part-time student* enrolled in a regular degree or certificate program.
Past recipients
Regional and national Irene Ryan scholars named annually through KCACTF; many alumni continue to professional theatre careers
