What happens if I win the regional audition and advance to the National Festival in April?

There are two scholarships of $3000 each for the winners at the national festival in Washington, D.C. In addition, the student judged the Best Partner in the national auditions is awarded a cash prize of $250.  The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions 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.

Additional awards are made to Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Audition participants and their acting partners each year at the national level. Past awards include a fellowship to attend the Society of American Fight Directors' National Stage Combat Workshop, a full season in the acting company of The Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC, the Williamstown Theatre Festival Fellowship for outstanding minority candidates, the KCACTF National Partners Classical Acting Award, the Mark Twain Prize for Comic Performance, fellowships to attend the Margolis Method Summer Intensive, the Dell'Arte School of Physical Theatre and Mad River Festival, and an offer to become a member of the acting company of the Sundance Theatre Laboratory. The list of awards and student opportunities associated with the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Auditions at the national festival continues to expand each year and the auditions are now undoubtedly one of the most exciting educational and artistic opportunities for student actors in the country.  

Information forwarded to the National Festival: Within ten days of the closing of the regional festival, you will receive information from the National Office requesting your contact information and two 8”x10” photos—preferably sent electronically.

 
Samuel French Royalty information:  A royalty payment is required only if you advance to the National Scholarship Finals in Washington D.C.  You must pay a royalty fee of $15.00 for each Samuel French title performed (or $125 in the case of Neil Simon titles). Please make your check payable to “Samuel French” and be sure to include your school name, school address and title of the play along with your check. Send your check and school information to the National Office at the Kennedy Center (who will immediately mail it to Samuel French, Inc.). NATIONAL FINALISTS ARE ASKED TO NOT MAIL THESE CHECK(S) DIRECTLY TO SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Expenses:  Registration, transportation, lodging, and a per diem allowance are provided for each national festival participant and for each partner.

On Site Rehearsal:  At the national festival, an initial rehearsal and a dress rehearsal will be scheduled: the initial rehearsal is a closed rehearsal.  Only candidates, their partners, and accompanists will be allowed. Coaches may attend the dress rehearsal.

Time Limit:  You will have a maximum of six minutes in the national Evening of Scenes to present the same audition package that you presented at the regional festival.

Timing of the audition will begin with the first action or word in character following the setup and introduction and will not stop from that point onward.  Participants exceeding the time limit (plus a 15-second grace period) will be disqualified.   At the national festival, the timekeeper is not visible.  Therefore, it is your responsibility to ensure the time limit is honored.