One senior will be leaving Baker University with three majors and a minor. It was this devotion to theater and vocal music that got him nominated for the Irene Ryan national scholarship.
Senior Patrick King, who has yet to have fewer than 20 credit hours a semester, will be graduating December 2013 with theater, vocal music and business administration majors and an economics minor.
“It sounds rough and yes, it’s not the typical college experience that everyone comes to college for, but at the same time, I think this will help me in the long run,” said King, who referred to his efforts as “training for the real world.”
The Irene Ryan Foundation of Encino, Cali., has been awarding scholarships to “outstanding student performers” since 1972. The generosity of the scholarships comes from the late Irene Ryan, otherwise known as ‘Granny Clampett’ from The Beverly Hillbillies.
According to the website, the scholarship “provides recognition, honor and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education.” The Irene Ryan Foundation awards 19 regional awards and two fellowships annually.
“This scholarship could literally pay for going to any acting school,” King said. “I don’t want to get too excited about it, because you never know what could happen, but I’m still honored.”
Three other Baker University students were nominated along with King. King and junior Abby Jones were recognized for their work in “Robin Hood,” while freshman Jesse Miller and sophomore Jillian Miller were recognized for “Out of Order.”
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to showcase my talents and receive feedback,” Jones said. “I’m also really excited to see others compete. It gives you a fresh perspective on what other talent is out there.”
All the nominees are required to find two duet acting pieces to perform in January. They are taken through a weeding-out process, and then winners are chosen based on performance.
The scholarship winners are then invited to attend the University/Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA) final auditions at the annual National Unified Auditions and Interviews.
“I wasn’t expecting (to be chosen,) that’s for sure,” Jones said. “But I’m honored that I was. I’m just thankful that I get to participate in January as well as see others hard work. The scholarship would definitely change things for me.”
Jones, like King, has a major other than theater. Jones is an art history major. Both agreed that the scholarship would give them a reason to further their acting careers.
King also said that he can only do what he does because of how much love he has for his majors.
“How do I find time? I don’t,” King said. “But every theater production has been a way for me to release some of my stress. Same thing with the choirs — it’s a great way to release all the pent up emotion, pent up stress and release it into something productive, beautiful, artistic.”
