Conceived by David Allen and established with the 2006 Ostrander Awards, nominees for this award shall represent an individual who offers on-going and invaluable contributions in time, talent, skill or financial support to theater organizations located in the Greater Memphis area. The Behind the Scenes Award is given to a member of the theatre community who, more often than not, does not appear onstage or in a directorial capacity. It is meant to celebrate the hardworking people behind the scenes of local shows.
2006 - Melinda Bott
Playhouse on the Square, Stage Manager
2007 - Michael Compton
Theatre Memphis, Production Manager
2008 - Alvin Miller
Germantown Community Theatre, Volunteer
2009 - Elsie Yates & Patsy Kiefer
Theatre Memphis, Costume Shop Volunteers
2010 - Sue Binnie
Theatre Memphis, Volunteer
2011 - Amy Salerno Hale
Theatre Memphis, Stage Manager
2012 - Whitney Jo
Playhouse on the Square, Managing Director
2013 - Pat Bogan
Playhouse on the Square & Theatreworks, Volunteer
2014 - Cathy & Harold Richardson
Theatre Memphis, Auditions
2015 - Andrew Clarkson
The Jeniam Foundation, Philanthropist
2016 - Bea Miller
Theatre Memphis, Volunteer (Posthumously)
2017 - Katherine Hughen
Playhouse on the Square, Resident Stage Manager
2018 - Andy Saunders
Germantown Community Theatre, Volunteer
2019 - Michael Lupfer
Theatre Memphis, Board Member (Posthumously)
2020 - Kristina Hendricks
Theatre Memphis, Stage Manager
2021 - Lena Wallace Black
Theatre Memphis & The Orpheum Group, Education
2023 - Curtis C. Jackson
Playhouse on the Square
2024 - P.A. Bomani
Hattiloo Theatre
2025 - Dabney Coors
Community Benefactor & Volunteer
To be nominated, the recipient…
Must represent a “behind the scenes” activity not recognized by the present Ostrander awards - These could be stage managers, floor managers, audition coordinators, lighting crews, sound crews, fundraisers, costume shop personnel, theater auxiliary groups & public relations specialists
May function in a paid or non-paid status; however, any nominee in a paid status must demonstrate activity or support above and beyond required performance
Does not have to work exclusively with any one organization or theatre. A wide base of activity is encouraged.