Julia Montrond, 22 years old, from Hunter College was competing for an Intercollegiate Acting Competition. She was advanced to the next performance a week later, but lost to James Garner. In the 1950s, Philip Morris Playhouse On Broadway offered an unusual opportunity for college students. For three seasons, the Philip Morris Intercollegiate Acting Competition gave each winning student a role in one radio play and $250 for the performance. Additionally, at the end of each season, one overall winner was selected. He or she received $2,000 and an opportunity to perform in a stage production. One website reported, "Reaching out to college campuses across the nation, Philip Morris Playhouse On Broadway afforded a total of forty-two aspiring thespians the chance to perform opposite some of the finest Film and Stage performers of the era." Robert Culp was one of the competition's winners.