Theatre Students Take Top National Honors

Two students from Illinois State University's School of Theatre received top honors at the national Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival held April 18-23 in Washington, D.C.  The national festival featured 16 finalists from eight regional theatre festival competitions held across the United States. 

Sophomore theatre major Clayton Joyner, Springfield, was named one of two national champions and is the recipient of an Irene Ryan National Acting Scholarship.  The scholarship gives recognition, honor and financial assistance to outstanding student performers who wish to pursue further education.  The scholarship is provided by the Irene Ryan Foundation and is named for the late actress who is best known for her portrayal of Granny Clampett in the long-running television series The Beverly Hillbillies. 

Joyner's scene partner during the competition, Master of Fine Arts candidate Zachary Powell, Salina, Kansas, was named the winner of the Kingsley Colton Award for Outstanding Partner.  The award, sponsored by the Actors Equity Association, also provides scholarship support to outstanding performers who wish to continue their theatre education. 

Joyner and Powell advanced to the national competition in Washington, D.C. after being selected as finalists in a regional festival competition which included student actors from colleges and universities in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.