Newsletter                           April, 2008

UpStage DownStage

Three UCA Theatre students were chosen to audition for the Irene Ryan Scholarship at the Region VI Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival held recently at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Pammi Fabert of Conway, Corey Clifford of Little Rock, and Joshua Miller of Mena, each received a nomination to participate in the audition from UCA Theatre faculty for their work in various productions during the past year. The students competed for scholarships against approximately 400 other students from the Region VI area which includes colleges and universities from Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

The Irene Ryan Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships in college theatre and is named after the late Irene Ryan, who was best known for her portrayal of Granny on The Beverly Hillbillies television series.

Each year, two students are chosen from each region to audition and perform at the Kennedy Center with the winner being granted scholarships, internships, and professional training at numerous theatrical companies throughout the country.

UCA Theatre has had three students represent Region VI including Emily Lively, Nisi Sturgis, and Chad Bradford. Ms. Sturgis won the national competition in 1999 and has gone on to become a professional actor in New York.