APPLETON, WIS. — Senior Kristen Hammargren and junior Jem Herron were selected for the 2008 Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Competition following exceptional performances in Lawrence University’s recent (Nov. 15-18) production of “Las Meninas; A Fantasia in Two Parts.” The Ryan scholarship competition is part of the annual American College Theatre Festival.
Hammargren, Bloomington, Minn., and Herron, Ann Arbor, Mich., join seniors Asher Perlman, Madison, Aram Monisoff, South Nyack, N.Y., and Ashley Korolewski, Manitowoc, who were previously selected for the Ryan competition from productions staged earlier this year. Perlman was recognized for his work last February in “Smash,” while Monisoff and Korolewski were cited following last May’s “The Whiteheaded Boy.”
More than 300 student actors are expected to compete for a $500 scholarship January 8-12 at the ACTF’s five-state regional competition in Milwaukee co-hosted by Marquette University and Cardinal Stritch College. Winners at the eight regional competitions advance to the national auditions at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in April, 2008.
In “Las Meninas,” Hammargren portrayed Princess María Teresa, the 18-year-old heir apparent to the throne of Spain while Herron portrayed Spain’s King Philip IV. Set in Madrid during the Spanish Inquisition, the play is loosely based on the life of acclaimed 17th-century Spanish artist Diego Velazquez and his famous painting “Las Meninas” (“The Maids of Honor”). Kathy Privatt, associate professor of theatre arts, directed the production.
Three other Lawrence students — senior Julia Robinson, Normal, Ill., sophomore Lauren Sholofsky, Reisertown, Md., and senior Kim Stabile, Wayland, Mass. — also will participate in January’s regional competition in the ACTF’s design competition.
Founded in 1969, the ACTF recognizes the finest and most exciting work produced in college theatre programs and provides opportunities for participants to develop their theatre skills. Conducted since 1972, the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship was established in the will of the late actress, best known for her role as the lovable and feisty Granny Clampett on the TV hit show “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
