Huntington Beach, Calif. — Golden West College student actors Will Logan and Emily Bolden have been recognized by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) for their performances in The Diviners. As part of this honor, both students are now eligible to attend the Region VIII Festival in February 2026 to compete for Irene Ryan Acting Scholarships with the possibility of advancing to the national finals in Washington, D.C. The distinction also allows them to include “Irene Ryan Award Nominee” on their professional résumés.
KCACTF also recognized five members of the production’s backstage team for Meritorious Achievement in Technical Theater. Honorees include Scenic Designers Caitlin Fitzpatrick and Rainbow Nguyen; Costume Designers Jen McLean and Melissa Satler; and Hair and Makeup Designer Vienna Smith. Each will have the opportunity to present their work at the KCACTF Region VIII conference.
Since 1972, the Irene Ryan Foundation of Encino, California, has awarded scholarships to outstanding student performers at each regional festival. These scholarships were established through the generosity of the late Irene Ryan, best known for portraying “Granny Clampett” on The Beverly Hillbillies. Student actors in both Participating and Associate productions are eligible for consideration.
Founded in 1969 by Roger L. Stevens, the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival is a national theater program engaging more than 18,000 students from colleges and universities each year. KCACTF serves as a catalyst for improving the quality of college theater in the United States, offering students the opportunity to receive feedback, refine their craft, and gain national recognition for excellence.
The Diviners continues next Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a closing matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Golden West College. To learn more about The Diviners and other upcoming shows, or to purchase tickets, visit GWC’s performing arts website.
