April 28, 1999 -- Rian Jairell of Laramie has won the American College Theatre Festival
(ACTF) national acting competition, held recently at the John F. Kennedy Center for
the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Jairell is a University of Wyoming sophomore majoring in theatre and dance. He is
a student of Lou Anne Wright, UW assistant professor.
Earlier this semester, Jairell received an Irene Ryan Acting Award at ACTF's Region
VII Northwest Drama Conference. Two student actors, male and female, are chosen in
each region for the Ryan Award, named for the late actress who is best known for her
role as "Granny" on the Beverly Hillbillies. Ryan established a trust to encourage
and honor outstanding college theatre students.
Missy Moore, a theatre and dance freshman from Carbondale, Colo., was Jairell's scene
partner at both the regional and national competitions. Their acting coach for the
Irene Ryan competitions is Leigh Selting, UW associate professor.
Posted on Wednesday, April 28, 1999