INDEPENDENCE — The William Inge Festival Foundation announced winners of its annual Acting and Playwriting Competition Scholarships, spotlighting talent by students from four high schools.
Students from Independence High School, Labette County High School and Paola High School were cited for outstanding performances. Students were awarded $1,400 in total scholarships, and four of the students’ scenes were selected to be performed on Thursday, April 17, during the annual William Inge Theatre Festival.
The Inge Foundation awarded individual scholarships to the following actors: Outstanding Actor awards to Leo Hoffman, Independence, whose partner was James Horning in a scene from “Biloxi Blues,” by Neil Simon; Kayleigh Johnson, Labette County, whose partner was Karyl Waun, in a scene from “Picnic,” by William Inge; Georgia Perina, Paola, whose partner was Avarie Needham, in a scene from “Bus Stop” by William Inge; and Strong Wright, Paola, whose partner was Colten Hopper, also in a scene from “Bus Stop.”
The actors in the runner-up for Best Scene award are Valerie Taylor and Elle Kehl, Labette County, in a scene from “Picnic.” The Best Scene Award went to Matthew Wright and Reagen Smith, Labette County, in a scene from “Doubt: A Parable” by John Patrick Shanley.
This year, the competition added a playwriting competition.
There were two co-winners: Abbey White, Neodesha, with the play “Everything,” and Balian Cochran, Labette County, for “ Anisotropy.”
Students were coached by instructors Elizbeth Bennin, Independence; Heather Wilson, Labette County; Cindy Henry, Neodesha; Nina Ludlum, Paola.
“We are proud that part of the mission of the Inge Festival Foundation includes support for scholarships for outstanding young actors,” said Foundation president Todd Young. “Our annual Acting and Playwriting Scholarship Competition is one of our most satisfying activities. It is a joy to identify and showcase these
See INGE, Page 4.
talented youth.”
The Inge Foundation also maintains the historic Inge House for use by visiting artists and to support theatrical accomplishment.
Four of the scenes performed during the Acting Competition will be reprised at the historic William Inge House as part of the Inge Festival. The scenes will take place starting at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 17. Admission is free and seating is first-come, first-served. The house is at 514 North Fourth St.
The scenes will be from “The Odd Couple” by Neil Simon; “Picnic” and “Bus Stop” by William Inge; and “Doubt: A Parable” by John Patrick Shanley.
The 42nd William Inge Theatre Festival runs April 1719, which is the official theater festival in Kansas.
The following public events are free admission to the public.
Thursday, April 17 Workshops and Panels on Theater: 12:30 to 2:20 p.m., Fine Arts Building, ICC Scenes at the Inge House: 4 p.m., William Inge Historic Home, 514 N. Fourth St., Independence New Play Lab Readings, Session 1: 7 p.m., William Inge Theatre, ICC Friday, April 18 Workshops and Panels on Theater: 10 a.m. to noon, Fine Arts Building, ICC New Play Lab Readings, Session 2: 2:30 p.m., William Inge Theatre, ICC Play: “Helens of Troy New York”: 7 p.m., William Inge Theatre, ICC Saturday, April 19 Guest Artist Panel and Discussion: 9:30 a.m., Independence Public Library, 220 E. Maple St.
Play: “Helens of Troy New York”: 2 p.m., William Inge Theatre, ICC “Unscripted: A Playwright’s Discussion” with Playwrights Carson Kreitzer and Tim J. Lord, moderated by Paul Molnar, professor of theater ICC. 3:30 p.m., William Inge Theatre, ICC.
