The nominations are out.
The 39th Ostrander Awards will be held Sunday, August 27th, to celebrate the best work in local collegiate, community, and professional theater.
Changes have been made to the structure of the awards to allow for wider consideration of the variety of productions and the presenting organizations.
Division I includes Circuit Playhouse, Germantown Community Theatre, Hattiloo Theatre, New Moon, Playhouse on the Square, Theatre Memphis, and Theatreworks @ the Square.
Division II is Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group, Duke’s Eye Productions, Harrell Theatre, Like Bamboo Productions, Quark Theatre, Rhodes Theatre Guild, Three Diamonds Productions, and University of Memphis.
The primary distinction is whether the theater company has a full-time artistic or technical staff. Those companies without a full-time staff and educational institutions are categorized as Division II.
This year’s recipient of the Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award is Ruby O’Gray. The Ostranders organization says that O’Gray’s devotion to local theater since 1977 “represents the spirit of change and evolution. Her work has been primarily in self-created companies, events, and institutions.”
In 2012, she created The Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis, Inc., a festival celebrating women’s contributions to theatre, honoring them, and creating an opportunity for their works, performances, networking, and development.
The Ostranders ceremony will be at the Halloran Center Downtown. Lobby doors, with cash bar and light refreshments, open at 6 p.m. There will be performances from the lead nominees and nominees for Outstanding Overall Musical Production. Get tickets at memphisostranders.com beginning July 30. Tickets will be $15 in advance or $20 at the door. All prior Eugart Yerian recipients are admitted free of charge.
39th Ostrander Nominees (2022-2023 Season)
Props Design, Division II
- Emily Matusik, Wire in the Garden, Rhodes Theatre Guild
- Mary Thomas Hattier, Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Summer Gallagher, Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls, University of Memphis
- Summer Gallagher, Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
Props Design, Play, Division I
- Gabrielle “Gabby” D’Arcangelo Calvert, Clyde’s, Circuit Playhouse
- Marques Brown, Wit, Germantown Community Theatre
- Jack Netzel-Yates, The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Memphis
- Laurie Boller, Misery, New Moon Theatre
Props Design, Musical, Division I
- Jack Netzel-Yates, Guys and Dolls, Theatre Memphis
- Jack Netzel-Yates, Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
- Kaylyn Nichols, Something Rotten!, Playhouse on the Square
- Melissa Andrews, Evil Dead the Musical, New Moon Theatre
- Natalie Ervolino, Sistas the Musical, Hattiloo Theatre
Scenic Design, Division II
- Brian Ruggaber, Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls, University of Memphis
- Brian Ruggaber, Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
- Chad Rhodes, Triangle, Three Diamonds Productions
- Natalie Ervolino, The Rocky Horror Show, University of Memphis
- Justin Asher & Richard Logston, Titanic: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
Scenic Design, Play, Division I
- Chris Sterling, Misery, New Moon Theatre
- Ekundayo Bandele, Master Harold and the Boys, Hattiloo Theatre
- Jack Netzel-Yates, Sherlock’s Last Case, Theatre Memphis
- Jack Netzel-Yates, The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Memphis
- Lex von Blommestein, Clyde’s, Circuit Playhouse
Scenic Design, Musical, Division I
- David Galloway, Evil Dead the Musical, New Moon Theatre
- Jack Netzel-Yates, Guys and Dolls, Theatre Memphis
- Jack Netzel-Yates, Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
- Marques Brown, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Germantown Community Theatre
- Phillip Hughen, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
Lighting Design, Division II
- Anthony Pellecchia, Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls, University of Memphis
- Becky Caspersen & Olivia Caspersen, Titanic: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Chris Hanian, Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
- Chris Hanian, Starting Here, Starting Now, University of Memphis
- Melissa Andrews, Wire in the Garden, Rhodes Theatre Guild
Lighting Design, Play, Division I
- Louisa Koeppel, Misery , New Moon Theatre
- Nicole Northington, Macbeth, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
- Nicole Northington, Sherlock’s Last Case, Theatre Memphis
- Phillip Hughen, Pass Over, Circuit Playhouse
- Sheric Hull, Clyde’s, Circuit Playhouse
Lighting Design, Musical, Division I
- J.D. Hopper, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
- Matt Webb, The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square
- Nicole Northington, Guys and Dolls, Theatre Memphis
- Nicole Northington, Sondheim Tribute Revue, Theatre Memphis
- Trey Eikleberry, Jersey Boys, Playhouse on the Square
Sound Design, Division II
- Carl Caspersen, Live Rich Die Poor, Like Bamboo Productions
- Eric Sefton, Wakey, Wakey, Quark Theatre
- Kaitlin Starnes, Wire in the Garden, Rhodes Theatre Guild
- Mike O’Nele, Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls, University of Memphis
Sound Design, Play, Division I
- Gene Elliott, Misery, New Moon Theatre
- Joe Johnson, Macbeth, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
- Joe Johnson, Sherlock’s Last Case, Theatre Memphis
- Joe Johnson, Small Mouth Sounds, New Moon Theatre
- Josh Crawford, Pass Over, Circuit Playhouse
Sound Design, Musical, Division I
- Jason Eschhofen, Guys and Dolls, Theatre Memphis
- Jason Eschhofen, Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
- Jason Eschhofen, Sondheim Tribute Revue, Theatre Memphis
- Joshua Crawford, Jersey Boys, Playhouse on the Square
- Joshua Crawford, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
Hair, Wig, & Makeup Design, Division I
- Amie Eoff, Sondheim Tribute Revue, Theatre Memphis
- Buddy Hart & Rence Phillips, Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
- Buddy Hart, Kelly McDaniel & Rence Phillips, Guys and Dolls, Theatre Memphis
- Ellen Ring, Arsenic and Old Lace, Theatre Memphis
- Kathleen Kovarik, Sherlock’s Last Case, Theatre Memphis
Costume Design, Division II
- Ann Perry Wallace, Live Rich Die Poor, Like Bamboo Productions
- Cole Hudson, Starting Here, Starting Now, University of Memphis
- Heather Duzan , The Rocky Horror Show, University of Memphis
- Lucia Hall, Wire in the Garden, Rhodes Theatre Guild
- Newman Jones, Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
Costume Design, Play, Division I
- Amie Eoff, Arsenic and Old Lace, Theatre Memphis
- Amie Eoff, Macbeth, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
- Marsena Sellers, School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls Play, Hattiloo Theatre
- Rekitha Morris, Master Harold and the Boys, Hattiloo Theatre
- Waverly Strickland, Pass Over, Circuit Playhouse
Costume Design, Musical, Division I
- Amie Eoff, Guys and Dolls, Theatre Memphis
- Amie Eoff, Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
- Amie Eoff, Sondheim Tribute Revue, Theatre Memphis
- Lindsay Schmeling, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
- Lindsay Schmeling, The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square
Music Direction, Division II
- Matthew Morrison, Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Nathan Thomas, Starting Here, Starting Now, University of Memphis
- Nathan Thomas, The Rocky Horror Show, University of Memphis
- Tammy Holt, Titanic: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
Music Direction, Division I
- Dustin Pappin, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
- Gary Beard, Sondheim Tribute Revue, Theatre Memphis
- Jeffery Brewer, Guys and Dolls, Theatre Memphis
- Jeffery Brewer, Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
- Tamatha Holt, The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square
Choreography/Fight Choreography, Play, Division I
- Courtney Oliver, The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Memphis
- Emma Crystal, Shakin’ the Mess Out of Misery, Hattiloo Theatre
- Six Carolino, Macbeth, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
Choreography, Musical, Division I
- Christi Hall, Guys and Dolls, Theatre Memphis
- Courtney Oliver, Jersey Boys, Playhouse on the Square
- Daniel Stuart Nelson, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
- Emma Crystal, The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square
- Jordan Nichols & Travis Bradley, Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
Featured Performer, Division II (Only One Nominee)
Featured Performer, Play, Division I
- Art Oden & Lindsey Roberts, Much Ado About Nothing, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
- Cameron Massengale, Shanktown, POTS@TheWorks
- Caroline Simpson, Macbeth, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
- Hugh Raup, Arsenic and Old Lace, Theatre Memphis
- Jaclyn Suffel, Macbeth, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
Featured Performer, Musical, Division I
- Courtney Sage, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Germantown Community Theatre
- Dorian Davis, The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square
- Karl Robinson, The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square
- Marvin Holt, The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square
- Tracy Thomas, Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
Supporting Actor, Play, Division II
- Bryan Kenton, Triangle, Three Diamonds Productions
- Jeremiah McDonald, Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
- Leland Odom, Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
- Marvin Holt, Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
- Prince Djae, Triangle, Three Diamonds Productions
Supporting Actress, Play, Division II
- Charisse Mackey, Triangle, Three Diamonds Productions
- Epiphany Aiken, Wire in the Garden, Rhodes Theatre Guild
- Lauren Mathews, Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
- Madilyn Mobbs, Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
- Nolita Palomar, Wire in the Garden, Rhodes Theatre Guild
Supporting Actor, Play, Division I
- Bruce Huffman , The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Memphis
- Christopher Tracy, Macbeth, Theatre Memphis
- Gabriel Kestrel, The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Memphis
- Jesse Dunlap, Master Harold and the Boys, Hattiloo Theatre
- J.S. Tate, Clyde’s, Circuit Playhouse
Supporting Actress, Play, Division I
- Amy Rush, The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Memphis
- Annie Freres, Pride and Prejudice, Germantown Community Theatre
- Hiawartha Jackson, Immediate Family, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
- Donita Johnson, School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls Play, Hattiloo Theatre
- Jessica “Jai” Johnson, Clyde’s, Circuit Playhouse
Supporting Actor, Musical, Division II
- Aiden Saunders, Titanic: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Caleb Bryant, Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Jacob Mohler, Titanic: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Kent Fleshman, Titanic: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Will Draper, The Rocky Horror Show, University of Memphis
Supporting Actress, Musical, Division II
- Amy P. Nabors, Titanic: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Ashleigh Williams, Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Axyl Langford, The Rocky Horror Show, University of Memphis
- Eliana Mabe, Once Upon a Mattress, Rhodes Theatre Guild
- Nichol Pritchard, Titanic: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
Supporting Actor, Musical, Division I
- Daniel Stuart Nelson, Jersey Boys, Playhouse on the Square
- Jimbo Lattimore, The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square
- John Maness, Something Rotten!, Playhouse on the Square
- Nathan McHenry, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
- Stephen Garrett, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Germantown Community Theatre
Supporting Actress, Musical, Division I
- Brooke Papritz, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
- Caroline Simpson, The Wizard of Oz, Playhouse on the Square
- Haley Wilson, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
- Lynden Lewis, Something Rotten!, Playhouse on the Square
- Rebecca Johnson, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
Leading Actor, Play, Division II
- Adam Remsen, Wakey, Wakey, Quark Theatre
- Christopher Tracy, Lungs, Quark Theatre
- J.S. Tate, Triangle, Three Diamonds Productions
- Marques Brown, What Happens to Hope at the End of the Evening, Quark Theatre
- Nathan Kruse, Wire in the Garden, Rhodes Theatre Guild
Leading Actress, Play, Division II
- Ann Perry Wallace, Live Rich Die Poor, Like Bamboo Productions
- Bianca McMillian, Triangle, Three Diamonds Productions
- Eileen Kuo, Lungs, Quark Theatre
- Emily Seatvet, Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
- Kathryn Dressel, Wire in the Garden, Rhodes Theatre Guild
Leading Actor, Play, Division I
- Cleavon Meabon IV and Marc Gill, Pass Over, Circuit Playhouse
- Cristian S. Nieves, Clyde’s, Circuit Playhouse
- Kellan Oelkers, Master Harold and the Boys, Hattiloo Theatre
- Kevar Maffitt, The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Memphis
- Paul “PA” Arnett, Master Harold and the Boys, Hattiloo Theatre
Leading Actress, Play, Division I
- Alice Rainey Berry, Wit, Germantown Community Theatre
- Courtney Noisette, Clyde’s, Circuit Playhouse
- Courtney Oliver, Who’s Holiday, Circuit Playhouse
- Kim Justis, Misery, New Moon Theatre
- Natalie Jones, Macbeth, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
Leading Actor, Musical, Division II
- Garrett Whitworth, Starting Here, Starting Now, University of Memphis
- Jacob Greer, Once Upon a Mattress, Rhodes Theatre Guild
- Johnathon Lee, The Rocky Horror Show, University of Memphis
- Marvin Holt, The Rocky Horror Show, University of Memphis
- Nic Luter, Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
Leading Actress, Musical, Division II
- Axyl Langford, Starting Here, Starting Now, University of Memphis
- Campbell Williams, Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Christina Hernandez, I Love You Because, Duke’s Eye Productions
- Jasmine Gillenwaters, The Rocky Horror Show, University of Memphis
- Maggie Emmendorfer, Once Upon a Mattress, Rhodes Theatre Guild
Leading Actor, Musical, Division I
- Bruce Huffman, Evil Dead the Musical, New Moon Theatre
- Cristian Nieves, Something Rotten!, Playhouse on the Square
- John Brenton Strauss, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
- Justin Raynard Hicks, The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square
- Russell Lehman, Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
Leading Actress, Musical, Division I
- Cassie Thompson, Evil Dead the Musical, New Moon Theatre
- Katy Cotten, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
- Lynden Lewis, Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
- Nichol Pritchard, Guys and Dolls, Theatre Memphis
- Patsy Detroit, The Wizard of Oz, Playhouse on the Square
Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award: Ruby O’Gray
Ensemble, Division II
- Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
- Starting Here, Starting Now, University of Memphis
- Titanic: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Triangle, Three Diamonds Productions
- Wire in the Garden, Rhodes Theatre Guild
Ensemble, Play, Division I
- Clyde’s, Circuit Playhouse
- Master Harold and the Boys, Hattiloo Theatre
- School Girls; Or The African Mean Girls Play, Hattiloo Theatre
- Small Mouth Sounds, New Moon Theatre
- The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Memphis
Ensemble, Musical, Division I
- Five Guys Named Moe, Hattiloo Theatre
- I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Germantown Community Theatre
- Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
- Sondheim Tribute Revue, Theatre Memphis
- The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square
Best Original Script
- Ann E. Eskridge, If Pekin Is A Duck? Why Am I In Chicago?, Theatreworks @ The Square
- Ann Perry Wallace, Live Rich Die Poor, Like Bamboo Productions
- Marques Brown, One Man’s Christmas Carol. Germantown Community Theatre
- Cesar Montelongo, So, You Are Dating a Latino … Now What?, Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group
- Eliana Mabe, You’ll Grow Into It: A Collection of Short Plays, Rhodes Theatre Guild
Excellence in Direction, Division II
- Holly L. Derr, Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis
- Julia Hinson, Wire in the Garden, Rhodes Theatre Guild
- Justin Asher, Titanic: The Musical, Harrell Theatre
- Tony Isbell, Lungs, Quark Theatre
- Tony Isbell, Wakey, Wakey, Quark Theatre
Excellence in Direction, Play, Division I
- Ann Marie Hall, The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Memphis
- Claire D. Kolheim, Clyde’s, Circuit Playhouse
- Garry Yates, Master Harold and the Boys, Hattiloo Theatre
- John Maness, Arsenic and Old Lace, Theatre Memphis
- Thomas L. King, Immediate Family, Next Stage, Theatre Memphis
Excellence in Direction, Musical, Division I
- Dave Landis, Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, Playhouse on the Square
- Jaclyn Suffel, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Germantown Community Theatre
- Jared Johnson, The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square
- Jordan Nichols & Travis Bradley, Mary Poppins, Theatre Memphis
- Whitney Branan, Sondheim Tribute Revue, Theatre Memphis
Outstanding Overall Production, Division II
- Elf: The Musical, Harrell Theatre; Director: Chris Luter; Stage Manager: AK Lewellyn
- Lungs, Quark Theatre; Director: Tony Isbell; Stage Manager: Leslie Lee
- Sense and Sensibility, University of Memphis; Director: Holly L. Derr; Stage Manager: Luke Dabney
- Titanic: The Musical, Harrell Theatre; Director: Justin Asher; Stage Manager: Taylor Daniels
- Wakey, Wakey, Quark Theatre; Director: Tony Isbell; Stage Manager: Kristi Wong
Outstanding Overall Production, Play, Division I
- Clyde’s, Circuit Playhouse, Director: Claire D. Kolheim; Stage Manager: Emma White
- Master Harold and the Boys, Hattiloo Theatre, Director: Garry Yates; Stage Manager: Sherronda Johnson
- Misery, New Moon Theatre, Director: Justin Asher; Stage Manager: Mystie Watson
- Pass Over, Circuit Playhouse, Director: Jared Johnson; Stage Manager: Cydnie Trice
- The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Memphis, Director: Ann Marie Hall; Stage Manager: Elizabeth Perkins
Outstanding Overall Production, Musical, Division I
- I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, Germantown Community Theatre; Director: Jaclyn Suffel; Stage Manager: Meredith Serna
- Mary Poppins; Theatre Memphis; Directors: Jordan Nichols & Travis Bradley; Stage Manager: Chelsea Robinson
- Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812; Playhouse on the Square; Director: Dave Landis; Stage Manager: Tessa Verner
- Sondheim Tribute Revue, Theatre Memphis; Director: Whitney Branan; Stage Manager: Taylor Daniels
- The Scottsboro Boys, Playhouse on the Square; Director: Jared Johnson; Stage Manager: Tessa Verner
