KINGSTON, R.I. –February 15, 2006—Six University of Rhode Island students nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Awards based on their performances in URI’s regular season of plays, competed in the regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival last week at Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, Mass. They were among 150 students from 36 New England colleges and universities who competed for two slots in the national competition in Washington, D.C.

At the festival’s closing, URI student Kyle Maddock of Lincoln was named “first alternate” in the Ryan competition. Should either of the two winners prove unable to participate, Maddock could advance to the nationals.

In addition to Maddock, other URI students who competed were Erin Olson of Warren, Jill Blevins of New Hope, Pa., Joe Short of Wakefield, Joe Kidawski of Framingham, Mass., and Donald Dallaire of Warren.

The six students chose other URI students to serve as partners to perform scenes in the first round of auditions. Kidawski, Short and Maddock were selected for semi-finals. Short and Maddock advanced to the final round.

Short received the “Classical Acting Award” and received a $500 scholarship. Olson was named first alternate in the “Critic’s Competition.” Patrick Cullen participated as a partner for Short’s audition. As a result of that presentation, Cullen was chosen to be a cast member in a short play during the festival competition.

“URI achieved this recognition due to the talent and dedication of its students under the professional, nurturing mentorship of its teachers,” commented Paula McGlasson, chair of URI/Theatre.

Bryna Wortman, assistant professor of theatre and Alan Hawkridge, lecturer in the theatre department, served as acting coaches.

Pictured above

URI student Kyle Maddock of Lincoln who plays Officer Lockstock in URI/Theatre’s current production of URINETOWN was named an alternate at a recent regional theatre festival. He is shown here with Amanda Ruggiero of Woonsocket who plays Little Sally. URI Photo by Randy Osga.