4/1/09
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4/1/09 |
Zach Williams
Tinesheia Howard
Lincoln, IL – April 1, 2009–Two Lincoln College Theatre students, Zach Williams of Danvers and Tinesheia Howard of Chicago, have been nominated to participate in the prestigious Irene Ryan Award competition. Both students were nominated for their recent performances in Columbinus.
Lincoln College Fine Arts Chairman, Chris Gray said he was happy to see the nominations. “The Irene Ryan Award is one of the most coveted awards for collegiate actors and both are incredibly deserving of this honor. This is quite an accomplishment for Williams and Howard as well as it validates our tremendous program here at Lincoln College,” said Gray.
According to Gray, Williams is a very talented actor who came to Lincoln College with excellent training from Bill Deloria at Olympia High School. Williams approached this role with an intensity and commitment rarely seen in college actors. “Portraying an angry, violent young man based on one of the real Columbine shooters was challenging in itself, but Zach was able to find the many layers of the troubled youth and played the character with honesty,” said Gray. Williams succeeded in showing the audience a troubled Freak while also showing the characters cries for attention, love, and friendship. Prior to this role Williams played Seymour in LC’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” He is the son of Brian and Lynette Williams of Danvers.
Tinesheia Howard’s nomination was from the same production for her character of a Rebel ‘goth’ student. “Tinesheia’s acting has improved ten-fold in her time at Lincoln College. She has shown a passion for theatre and learning and her dedication to acting shines through in her portrayal,” said Gray. Howard has been a regular on LC’s stage with roles in Odd Couple, Sweetest Swing in Baseball, Antigone, and The Boys Next Door. Gray admires her discipline on the stage. “Tinesheia’s work ethic is wonderful and she also serves as a student leader in the theatre department,” said Gray. She is the daughter of Sylvia Howard and Ledell Strong both of Chicago.
Both students have an opportunity to compete next January in the regional competition. The Irene Ryan Foundation of Encino, California, has awarded scholarships to student performers at each of the 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.
Lincoln College was founded in 1865 as Lincoln University, the only institution of higher education named for Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime. It is a selective, two-year, private, liberal arts college located in Lincoln, Illinois. Lincoln College is designed to prepare a student for university study through a structured, supportive approach to learning. Approximately 89% of Lincoln College graduates transfer immediately to a four-year school where they succeed as well as or better than the native student. Student-teacher ratio at Lincoln College is 13:1 and the average class size is 16 students.