Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Acting Competition

Every year the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival sponsors a nationwide acting competition under the auspices of the Irene Ryan Foundation. Over 160 productions from 80 colleges and universities in KC/ ACTF Region V (consisting of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota) are entered. Each production is evaluated and the top two actors are nominated to participate, an honor all by itself. At the regional competition, this year held at Iowa State University in January, five Minnesota State University, Mankato students (four undergrads) made it to the Semi-Final round of 36-the most of any school in the eight state region. (Emily Harvey made it to the Final round as well.) Each student is required to perform two selections, one with a partner. The pieces are designed to show the actor\u27s versatility and expertise and can take no more than 5 minutes