APPLETON, WIS. — Michael Beaderstadt and Asher Perlman earned invitations to the 2008 Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Competition following exceptional performances in Lawrence University’s recent production of Jeffrey Hatcher’s social satire “Smash.” The Ryan scholarship competition is part of the annual American College Theatre Festival.
Beaderstadt, a senior from McHenry, Ill., and Perlman, a junior from Madison, will be among more than 300 student actors vying for a $500 scholarship next January at the five-state regional competition in Milwaukee co-hosted by Marquette University and Cardinal Stritch College.
Winners at next year’s eight regional competitions will advance to the ACTF’s national auditions at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in April, 2008.
In Lawrence’s four-show production of the high-style British comedy staged Feb. 15-18, Beaderstadt portrayed Chichester Erskine, a romantic poet with less-than-polished social skills. Perlman played the leading role of Sidney Trefusis, a millionaire who, shortly after taking his wedding vows, embarks on a quest to bring a socialist revolution to England.
Kathy Privatt, associate professor of theatre arts, directed the production.
“Smash” stage manager Brianna Stapleton, a sophomore from Pardeeville, also earned ACTF recognition. She was nominated to serve as stage manager of the 10 minute play festival at next January’s regional competition. Winners for the stage managing competition will be announced in December.
The ACTF was founded in 1969 to recognize and celebrate the finest and most exciting work produced in college theatre programs and provide 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.”
