Dalton Native Wins Regional Acting Scholarship at National Theatre Festival

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Heather Vath, a student in the University of Central Missouri (UCM) Theatre program and native of Dalton, Nebraska, earned one of the top honors at the Region V American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) held in Rochester, Minnesota. Vath was named a Region V winner of the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship, one of the most prestigious awards presented at ACTF, which included a competition among nearly 300 student actors from a seven-state region.

Why it matters

The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship is a highly competitive award that recognizes outstanding collegiate actors and provides financial assistance to support their continued training. Vath's regional win advances her to the national ACTF competition, placing her among the top collegiate theatre performers in the country.

The details

To earn the award, Vath prepared and performed a four-minute acting package that included a monologue and a partnered scene, evaluated by theatre professionals from across the country. Performers are assessed on acting technique, emotional connection, storytelling, and stage presence through multiple rounds of competition.

• The Region V American College Theatre Festival was held January 18-24, 2026 in Rochester, Minnesota.
• Vath will advance to the national ACTF festival later this spring.

What’s next

Vath will advance to the national ACTF festival later this spring, where she will compete against other regional winners for the national Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship and additional professional opportunities.