UOG actor Joey Datuin chosen to compete in Hawaii’s Irene Ryan Festival

by ALISSA ECLAVEAin Campus, Uncategorizedon Posted on

Vice President of ALPHA PSI OMEGA and theater major Joey Datuin will be one of two students to represent Guam in the Irene Ryan Festival for the second time next year at the University of Hawaii-Manoa in February.

The Irene Ryan Festival provides an opportunity to compete for the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship. The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship offers financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education in acting. The Foundation awards sixteen regional and two national scholarships annually.

The University/Resident Theatre Association selected Datuin to represent Guam in the festival. He received the news on Oct 2 from Chris Clark, the association’s representative.

Datuin said: “When I found out I was chosen to be one the competitors, I was very speechless. In my mind, I was like, ‘second time already,’ I didn’t expect that.”

Datuin’s role as the “wood cutter” in the University of Guam’s most recent play “Roshoman” allowed him to gain recognition for the festival.
“I got to play with this character that really opened my emotions and my mind,” Datuin said. “It was very challenging.”

Datuin along with other theater students represented Guam last year for the first time in the Irene Ryan festival, and successfully made it into the final round with fellow alumni Joyce Torres. They placed top 16 out of 270 competitors.

Datuin also looks forward to working with fellow theater major Robert Wang who was also chosen to compete for the Irene Ryan Scholarship.

“I am definitely excited to partner with Robert. He’s an awesome guy and awesome actor.”

Datuin, playing the role of the Woodcutter, at a recent UOG play.
Datuin, playing the role of the Woodcutter, at a recent UOG play.

Datuin is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in theater with an emphasis in acting and expects to graduate in Spring 2016.

Datuin has been in a total of nine plays and has directed “Anything for You” by Cathy Celesia in the University of Guam’s one act plays, “Sex, Love and Pistols.” Datuin had an interest in theater since he was in high school.

Datuin’s favorite actor is Heath Ledger. “I admire Heath Ledger’s skills. He can take a character and embody it fully. I’m just glad that he has blessed us with his talent. May he rest in peace.”

Regardless of taking seven classes this semester, Datuin not only finds time for theater, but also enjoys drawing and making music during his free time.