PR2017 Aug 21

Theatre Tuscaloosa 9500 Old Greensboro Road #135 • Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405 • (205) 391-2277 • FAX (205) 391-2329 • theatretusc.com

August 21, 2017

Contacts:

Adam Miller, Managing Director

205.391.2925 / amiller@sheltonstate.edu

Harley Sabbagh, Media Contact

205.391.2277 / hsabbagh@sheltonstate.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THEATRE TUSCALOOSA ANNOUNCES 2016-17 T. EARLE JOHNSON AWARD WINNERS

TUSCALOOSA, AL – Theatre Tuscaloosa held the 21st annual T. Earle Johnson Awards Ceremony on Sunday, August 20, 2017 in the Bean-Brown Theatre to acknowledge the 2016-17 winners.

Each year, Theatre Tuscaloosa holds its version of the Tony's: The T. Earle Johnson Awards, which we lovingly shorten to "The T. Earles." This program strives to recognize excellence demonstrated by our performers, technicians, volunteers, patrons, sponsors, and contributors.

Our audience members are encouraged to vote for the performance-related categories during and immediately after the summer musical each season.

Over the years, this program has grown with new categories and awards being added to recognize more and more people who sacrifice their time, treasure, and talent to make Theatre Tuscaloosa the amazing organization it has become.

Caleb Adams received The Charles Prosser “Straight Flush” Award for being involved in every mainstage production this season; Zoe Lassiter received the Paul K. Looney – “Our Ox is in the Ditch” Award for making an extraordinary contribution for her role as Little Coalhouse in Ragtime at the last moment due to unforeseen circumstances; Newcomer of the Year was awarded to Anna Lee Hawkins for her roles in The Marvelous Wonderettes and Ragtime; Jessica Prather received the Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award for her time and dedication in the Costume Shop; Max Blevins received the Charlie Dennis “Bear It” Award for Technical Service.

The acting awards included:

• Margaret Carr - Outstanding Featured Actress for her role as Ghost of Christmas Past in Christmas Carol

• Josh Kauffman - Outstanding Featured Actor for his role as Henry Ford in Ragtime

• Kathy Wilson - Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Jenny in Company and Emma Goldman in Ragtime

• John Walker - Outstanding Supporting Actor for his role as Brother in Ragtime

• Carli Hardon - Outstanding Leading Actress for her role as Sarah in Ragtime

• Willie Williams - Outstanding Lead Actor for his role as Coalhouse in Ragtime

Ten actors were inducted into the new All-Star Cast for receiving three or more T. Earles. Those actors include Drew Baker, Glen Johnson, Wheeler Kincaid, Terry Olivet, Charles Prosser, Ray Taylor, Lisa Waldrop, Jeff Wilson, Lauren Wilson, and Gary Wise. They received an All-Star Cast medal and are acknowledged on a plaque in the Wilson Carr Rehearsal Hall.

More details about the categories and history are available at www.theatretusc.com or at 205.391.2277.

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Theatre Tuscaloosa is a 501c3 not-for-profit community theatre located on the Martin Campus of Shelton State Community College. Theatre Tuscaloosa has been enriching the greater Tuscaloosa community since 1971 through quality theatrical productions and educational outreach.