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Irene Ryan Acting Auditions

The Irene Ryan Acting Auditions provide an opportunity for student actors to submit samples of their work and receive feedback from respondents across the region. The Scholarship Auditions are open to all students; anyone may self-nominate and submit their work for review and feedback. Please note that due to time and capacity, entries will be limited to the first 200 student submissions received.

 

Round 1, The Preliminary Round

What to Prepare

  • What to prepare: 2 contrasting monologues

  • Time limit: 3 minutes total beginning after slate.

  • Format: Pre-recorded submissions, Submitted to KCACTF Website 

 

What to Expect in Round 1

  • Students will submit an audition video, and their work will be reviewed by two respondents.

  • Students will be put into small groups and each group will meet via Zoom with the two respondents for feedback on their audition.

  • 32 students will be selected to participate in the Semi-Final Round, live at Festival.

  • Semi-Finalists will be announced on Wednesday morning via social media and email.

 

To Participate

  • Submit preliminary round video no later than Friday, January 6th, 2026 at 11:59 PM

  • Students must also provide their semi final round scene partner name and semi final round material selections at this time (Title of play, playwright, publisher, etc.).

  • Student auditionee must have a paid registration by Friday, January 20th, 2023 at 11:59 PM

  • Preliminary round responses (with faculty) will take place via Zoom between Monday, January 23rd, 2023 and Thursday, January 26th, 2023. A specific date and time will be assigned closer to the response week.

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Round 2, The Semi-Final Round

What to Prepare

  • 1 monologue (from preliminary round, student’s choice), 1 scene

  • Time limit: 5 minutes total.

  • Format: Performed live at festival on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023.

 

 What to Expect in Round 2

  • Students will receive feedback from the Semi-Final Round Selectors. 

  • Selectors will give feedback in two sessions – 2 groups of 16 Auditionees. Responses will take place on Friday, February 3rd, 2023 in the morning.

  • 16 students (and their partners) will be selected to participate in the Final Round, live at Festival.

  • Finals will be announced late Friday morning after responses are complete.

 

To Participate

  • Scene partners must have a paid registration by Friday, January 20th, 2023 at 11:59 PM

  • Both partners must be able to present in person.

  

Round 3, The Final Round

What to Prepare

  • 2 contrasting monologues from Preliminary Round and the one scene from Semi- Final Round

  • Time limit: 6 minutes total.

  • Format: To be performed live at festival.

 

What to Expect in Round 3

  • Students will present Saturday, February 4th

  • 2nd Alternates, 1st Alternates, and Finalist will be announced Saturday evening.

 

Additional Information

  • Any student interested in participating may submit to the Preliminary Rounds; participation is not limited to Production Nominees.

  • Further information and instructions on self-taping will be made available.

  • Candidates can serve as scene partners for each other. If both candidates advance, they will perform the scene twice – in each participant’s time slot.

  • Semi-finalists and finalists will be announced on KCACTF Region 1 social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram) and via email to all registered attendees. 

  • Participants who do not advance to the semi final round are eligible for a performance role with the National Playwriting Program. Further, a track of acting workshops is provided to help students develop their acting and auditioning skills.

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