Fun Facts

• Ostrander Judge for over 10 years
• ​Theatre degree from Rhodes
• High school theatre teacher for 10 years

What is your background?
​I have been involved in theatre for over 35 years. I majored in theatre at Rhodes college and have acted, directed, stage managed, designed sets and lighting, technically directed, produced, and stage managed. I currently teach theatre at the high school level.
What do you love most about serving as an Ostrander judge?
I love seeing the variety of shows and watching the Memphis theatre scene grow, develop, and become stronger. Since I teach at the high school level, it helps me stay hooked into theatre at the community and city level. 
What do you hope for the future of the Ostranders?
That it continues to grow and continues to be a welcoming, supportive, vibrant place to create stories that resonate and inspire. We have something very special in this town.
Anything else you want to tell us?
A great deal of work goes into the entire Ostrander process, especially from Elizabeth Perkins and Annie Kistenmacher. We all serve because we love theatre.

Over the next several weeks, we'll be introducing you to our judges. Even though we haven't been able to get to the theatre lately (don't you miss it!?), we are ready to resume our "judginess" as soon as we can!

We've launched a new calendar feature on our website! We will keep it updated with information from the Ostrander-participating theatres AND you can submit events, too.

​Be sure you check it out. Now, more than ever, each of these organizations need your support. If you can livestream, Zoom, FaceChat, Duo-Meet, or attend in person, please do so!

If your organization has an event to submit, just click here:

Yesterday, I went to the bank and actually opened a business checking account for The Ostranders! This feels like such a big moment in our history...but it's just a checking account, right? Well, yes... and no. For the past 36 years, The Ostrander Awards have existed as a line-item under ArtsMemphis. ArtsMemphis appointed our directors and donated a small stipend to cover hard expenses for the director, but we certainly were not part of the "mission" or "vision" for their organization. Since we weren't our own organization, fundraising was limited and it has been unclear how the organization can flourish in the future.
So, one baby step was to open our checking account! Last December, we filed for our non-profit corporation status with the state of Tennessee and the next step is to file for our 501(c)3 tax-exempt status with the IRS. Thanks to many of you and your generous support of the Ostranders, we can pay that filing fee and make plans to serve the Memphis-area theatre community for the NEXT 36 years!
We hope you are all staying safe and well in this crazy time. We can't wait to see you at the theatre again!