Jason Gerhard

Jason Gerhard joins as a new judge in the Ostrander College Division after working as a freelance actor, director, and educator for over the last decade. Jason earned his BFA in Theatre Performance from The University of Memphis and is currently finishing his MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) from the University of Central Florida (UCF). Jason has worked as an educator with the Orlando Repertory Theatre and UCF, was the Education and then Associate Director for Stage Door Productions here in Memphis, and has worked as freelance actor, director, and educator with several other Memphis theatres. He currently works as the Assistant Director of Education for Playhouse on the Square. Jason's directorial focus is on new work development with a special focus on news works for TYA. By joining the Ostrander judges committee, Jason hopes to give back to the College Division which is where he was first recognized as a performer with a few nominations and an award for Best Cameo when he was a student. Jason understands the value of recognition for the work that students and educators put into their productions while also teaching/attending classes, working jobs, and developing and perfecting their craft. He is excited to see what the community of Memphis colleges/universities has to share with its audiences this season.