Two Lincoln College theater students nominated for Ryan Award         

[May 29, 2007]  Two Lincoln College theater students, Jason Richards of Chicago and Craig Noort of Lansing, have been nominated for the prestigious Irene Ryan Award competition. Both students were nominated for their performances in "Bus Stop."

Chris Gray, Lincoln College interim fine arts chairman, said he was happy to see the nominations. "This is quite an honor for both Richards and Noort and for our program at Lincoln College," Gray said. "The Irene Ryan Award is one of the most coveted awards for collegiate actors, and Jason and Craig are incredibly deserving of this honor."

Jason Richards was selected for his portrayal of Dr. Lyman in LC's production of "Bus Stop." Richards' characterization of a college professor with a penchant for young girls both mesmerized and disgusted the audience. His suave approach was luring, but the reality of a midlife male seducing a teenage girl repulsed the audience. Lincoln Courier theatre reviewer Jan Schumacher referred to Richards' character as "a little creepy."

This was the sixth play that Richards has worked in at the college. He also performed in LC's Improvisational Comedy Troupe. He plans to attend the University of Iowa this fall and major in theater.

"Jason has shown incredible growth here at LC," said Gray. "Jason walked into auditions his freshman year and took the department by storm. He is a natural performer, and as he continues to hone his technical skills, I am sure we will see him on much larger stages."

Richards is a 2005 graduate of Mount Carmel High School and the son of Yvonne Richards of Chicago.

Craig Noort's Irene Ryan nomination was from the same production, for his lead role of Bo Decker. Noort played a rough-around-the-edges cowboy who showed raw passion and a reality that is rarely seen on stage. Noort brought the audience in and made them want to fight with him.

Noort is a freshman in the program and has already played three major parts and performed with the improvisational team.

Gray said that Noort is meticulous when preparing for a role. "Craig is an up-and-coming actor," he said. "He has a natural stage presence and is a dedicated artist. He puts in endless hours rehearsing, memorizing and asking for feedback. I am anxious to work with him again."

Noort is a 2006 graduate of Thornton Fractional South High School and the son of Connie MacDougall of Lansing.

Both Richards and Noort have an opportunity to compete next January in a regional competition.

The Irene Ryan Foundation of Encino, Calif., awards scholarships to student performers at each of 19 regional festivals. Winners of the regional competition continue to a national level, where two winners are each awarded a $2,500 scholarship. The participating college or university may nominate one or two students from a production for an Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship. These scholarships are made possible by the generosity of the late Irene Ryan, who is best remembered for her portrayal of the lovable and feisty Granny Clampett in "The Beverly Hillbillies."

[Text from file received from Lincoln College]