Established by the Excellence in Memphis Theatre Judges in 1994, the Larry Riley Award is given to a person who shows potential to be a star in the world of the theatre. The award was named in honor of a beloved educator and friend. A scholarship accompanies the award to encourage an artist possessing outstanding talent within their chosen theatrical field. The stipend is to be used to advance his/her theatrical career or theatre education.
1994 - Andrea Faith Darnell
1995 - Leslie Churchill Ward
1996 - Marquez Rhyne
1997 - Shannon Convery
1998 - Amanda Sisk
1999 - Rainey Harris
2000 - Steven Burk
2001 - Renee Davis
2002 - Nate Eppler
2003 - Jordan Nichols
2004 - Kyle Hatley
2005 - Andrew Weir
2006 - Stephanie Kim
2007 - Crystin Gilmore
2008 - Ken Friedhoff
2009 - Alvaro Francisco
2010 - Laura Stracko
2011 - Ed Porter
2012 - John Dylan Atkins
2013 - Olivia Wingate
2014 - Morgan Howard
2015 - Chelsea Robinson
2016 - Gabe Beutel-Gunn
2017 - Austin Blake Conlee
2018 - Breyannah Tillman
2019 - Karl Robinson
2020 - Jason Eschhofen
2021 - Donald Sutton & Abby Teel
2024 - Mac White
2025 - Marvin Holt
To be nominated, the recipient…
Must participate in at least one production at a participating theatre in that season
Is pursuing a career in theatre
Can be an actor, technician, props master, stage manager, designer, or any other theatre profession in which it is deemed possible to make a future living in their chosen area
Can be a young professional who has a bright future in their chosen area, or an older professional either just coming into or having established a good start to his/her career
Can pursue a future as a theatre professional anywhere. He/she can choose to continue living in Memphis or go all the way to New York (or anywhere in between). The judges will make their decision based on the fact that they feel this person is a rising star in their chosen area, not simply because they are moving to a city with a larger theatre community.