T. Earle Johnson Awards
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, and the awards ceremony is usually held in the early evening on the third Sunday in August.
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.
Award Categories
Performance Awards
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Outstanding Leading Performance - Musical
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Outstanding Supporting Performance - Musical
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Outstanding Featured Performance - Musical
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Outstanding Leading Performance - Play
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Outstanding Supporting Performance - Play
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Outstanding Featured Performance - Play
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Outstanding Leading Performance - SecondStage
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Outstanding Supporting Performance - SecondStage
Newcomer of the Year
Awarded to a performer who has not previously worked with Theatre Tuscaloosa but gave one or more noteable performances during the season.
The Paul K. Looney "Our Ox is in the Ditch" Award
Awarded to an individual who made an extraordinary contribution to a production, often at the last moment, due to unforeseen circumstances.
Patron of the Year Award
Selected by the Theatre Tuscaloosa Board of Directors, this recipient individual or corporation will have demonstrated outstanding support.
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award
This award, named for one of our most outstanding volunteers, is given to an individual whose volunteer work in any area was truly outstanding and/or significant.
The Doug Perry Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award
This recognition is given to an individual or corporation that has gone above-and-beyond to further the interests of Theatre Tuscaloosa. In 2019, the award was renamed in honor and memory of retired managing director Doug Perry.
Charlie Dennis "Bear It" Award for Technical Service
This award, named for our beloved, late technical director, is reserved for volunteers who worked backstage in less-than-ideal situations but managed to get the job done despite the challenges presented.
The Charles Prosser "Straight Flush" Award (Started in 2015)
Named for a performer renowned for his regular, reliable participation in our shows, this award is given to a performer or technician who worked on every mainstage production during a particular season.
One-Time Special Awards
Occasionally, a person or company is recognized with a one-time special award due to an outstanding deed or contribution that doesn't fit into our other "established" categories.
All-Star Cast (started in 2017)
When an individual has been recognized with three T. Earle Awards (regardless of category), that person is inducted into the All-Star Cast. While members of the All-Star Cast are not eligible to receive future T. Earle Award nominations, their votes are given extra weight for future awards.
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Drew Baker (2017)
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Ava Buchanan (2018)
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Kenyatta "YaYa" Browne (2023)
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Carol DeVelice (2018)
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Russell Frost (2018)
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John Hisey (2019)
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Glen Johnson (2017)
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Lindsey Jones (2023)
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Wheeler Kincaid (2017)
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Terry Olivet (2017)
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Kim Palm (2019)
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Charles Prosser (2017)
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Lisa Waldrop Shattuck (2017)
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Dianna Brown Shaw (2022)
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Ray Taylor (2017)
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George Thagard (2019)
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John Walker (2019)
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Jeff Wilson (2017)
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Kathy Wilson (2020)
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Lauren Wilson (2017)
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Gary Wise (2017)
Historical Listing of Honorees
2022-2023 (27th) Click to see photos of the winners
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Performance Awards
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Outstanding Leading Performance - Musical - Shannon Dionne as Deloris van Cartier (Sister Mary Clarence) in Sister Act
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Outstanding Supporting Performance - Musical - Ally Marie Skelton as Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act
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Outstanding Featured Performance - Musical - Lindsey Jones as Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours in Sister Act
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Outstanding Leading Performance - Play - Kenyatta "YaYa" Browne as Ann Atwater in Best of Enemies
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Outstanding Supporting Performance - Play - Kazarious "Biscuit" Brown as Brylo in Launch Day
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Outstanding Featured Performance - Play - Ernie Turley as Porter Padget in The Hallelujah Girls
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Outstanding Leading Performance - SecondStage - N/A
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Outstanding Supporting Performance - SecondStage - N/A
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Newcomer of the Year - Mileidy Crespo-Jones
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The Paul K. Looney "Our Ox is in the Ditch" Award - Valerie Trull for stepping in as Mavis Flowers in The Hallelujah Girls
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Patron of the Year Award - Ralph and April Lane
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Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award - Kathy Grissom
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The Doug Perry Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award - Cast, Designers, and Crew of World Premiere and AACT National Finalist Play – Launch Day: Love Stories from the Year 2108
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Charlie Dennis "Bear It" Award for Technical Service - Riley Coker
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The Charles Prosser Straight Flush Award - Ebony Wesley and DeAnthony Mays
2021-2022 (26th)
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Performance Awards
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Outstanding Leading Performance - Musical - Reagan Branch as Sophie in Mamma Mia!
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Outstanding Supporting Performance - Musical - Lindsey Jones as Tanya in Mamma Mia!
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Outstanding Featured Performance - Musical - Meredith Vaughn as Lisa in Mamma Mia!
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Outstanding Leading Performance - Play - Dianna Brown Shaw as Ethel Thayer in On Golden Pond
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Outstanding Supporting Performance - Play - Baker Jones as Billy Ray in On Golden Pond
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Outstanding Featured Performance - Play - Cooper Shattuck as Charlie Martin in On Golden Pond
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Outstanding Leading Performance - SecondStage - Jessica Briana Kelly as Callie in Stop Kiss, and the Mother in On the Menu
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Outstanding Supporting Performance - SecondStage - Elizabeth Ward as Mel, Pearl, and Linda in Check Please!
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Newcomer of the Year - Jamie Shannon Ferguson Ertle
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The Paul K. Looney "Our Ox is in the Ditch" Award - Lindsay Sockler Troha
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Patron of the Year Award - AFFLINK
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Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award - Bryne Zuege
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The Doug Perry Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award - Cartography Consulting
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Charlie Dennis "Bear It" Award for Technical Service - Ebony Wesley
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One-Time Special Award - Live Stream: Survive & Thrive Award - The Cast of Motherhood Out Loud (2021)
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The Charles Prosser Straight Flush Award - N/A
2020-2021 (No Awards Ceremony Held due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
2019-2020 (25th)
Outstanding Leading Actresses (Tie): Kenyatta “YaYa” Browne as “Clairee” in Steel Magnolias & Kathy Wilson as “M’Lynn” in Steel Magnolias
Outstanding Lead Actor: Josh Kauffman as “Bertram Cates” in Inherit the Wind
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Crystal Lassiter as “Wilona” in The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Taril Slater as “Daniel” in The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963
Outstanding Featured Actress: LaQuenteshia Whitfield as “Mrs. Alums” in The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 and as “Mrs. Loomis” in Inherit the Wind
Outstanding Featured Actor: Khalifa Nunn as “Dancer” in The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963
Outstanding SecondStage Actress: NorQuina “Q” Rieves as “Karla” in Sentences & Words (3rd Annual Festival of One Acts)
Outstanding SecondStage Actor: D’Mar Tarront-Milton as “Eli” in One Lane Bridge (3rd Annual Festival of One Acts)
Community Awards
New Comer(s) of the Year: Alex Momoh as “Kenny” in The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963 & Katonio “KJ” Crews as “Byron” in The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963
Paul K. Looney – “Our Ox Is In the Ditch” Award: Jenny Ryan (for serving as "the third Mrs. Brady" in Inherit the Wind)
Patron of the Year Award: Ryan Alford for being our Super Fan
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award: Ian Akins
Doug Perry Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award: Butch Chandler for providing many years of climate-controlled costume storage
Charlie Dennis “Bear It” Award for Technical Service: Alexandra Smith
The Charles Prosser Straight Flush Award: N/A
Special Awards
The Show that COVID Quarantined: The Cast of Father of the Bride
The Phantom of Tuscaloosa Award
Jeanette Waterman for masking everyone she knew (and everyone she didn't) in West Alabama and beyond
2018-2019 (24th)
Outstanding Leading Actress: Callie Walker for “Sandy” in Grease
Outstanding Lead Actor: Nolan McKinney for “Danny” in Grease
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Margaret Carr for “Rizzo” in Grease
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Cole Cabiness for “Kenickie” in Grease
Outstanding Featured Actress: Meredith Vaughn for “Frenchy” in Grease
Outstanding Featured Actor: John Walker for “Teen Angel” in Grease
NEW Outstanding SecondStage Actress: Kathy Wilson for “Stella Cooper” in Love & Cheese Toast
NEW Outstanding SecondStage Actor: Ernie Turley for “Roland Cooper” in Love & Cheese Toast
Community Awards
New Comer of the Year: Kenyatta “YaYa” Browne
Paul K. Looney – “Our Ox Is In the Ditch” Award: George Thagard
Patron of the Year Award: Kim Palm
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award: Sontonia Stephens
Doug Perry Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award: Dianna Brown Shaw
Charlie Dennis “Bear It” Award for Technical Service: Sarah Kathryn Bonds
The Charles Prosser Straight Flush Award: N/A
Special Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Hisey
2017-2018 (23rd)
Outstanding Leading Actress: Autumn Fuller for “Princess Winifred” in Once Upon a Mattress
Outstanding Lead Actor: Colton Crowe for “B Flat” in Second Samuel
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Grace Conner for “Lady Larken” in Once Upon a Mattress
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Alex Freeman for “Sir Harry” in Once Upon a Mattress
Outstanding Featured Actress: Carol DeVelice for “Marcela” in Second Samuel
Outstanding Featured Actor: Royce Garrison for “The Wizard” in Once Upon a Mattress
Community Awards
New Comer of the Year: Sue Hansen
Paul K. Looney – “Our Ox Is In the Ditch” Award: Elizabeth Ward
Patron of the Year Award: Claire Friday
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award: Camille Mendle
Doug Perry Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award: Cooper Shattuck
Charlie Dennis “Bear It” Award for Technical Service: Ann Weeden
The Charles Prosser Straight Flush Award: N/A
2016-2017 (22nd)
Outstanding Leading Actress: Carli Hardon for Ragtime
Outstanding Lead Actor: Willie Williams for Ragtime
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Kathy Wilson for Company & Ragtime
Outstanding Supporting Actor: John Walker for Ragtime
Outstanding Featured Actress: Margaret Carr for A Christmas Carol
Outstanding Featured Actor: Josh Kauffman for Ragtime
New Comer of the Year: Anna Lee Hawkins
Paul K. Looney – “Our Ox Is In the Ditch” Award: Zoe Lassiter for Ragtime
Patron of the Year Award: The Jim Harrison Family
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award: Jessica Prather
Doug Perry Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award: Cissy Fuhrman
Charlie Dennis “Bear It” Award for Technical Service: Max Blevins
The Charles Prosser Straight Flush Award: Caleb Adams
Special Awards
SecondStage Award: Kiera Gillock for bringing back the SecondStage Program
2015-2016 (21st)
Outstanding Leading Actress: Rosie Webber for The Producers
Outstanding Lead Actor: John Walker for The Producers
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Lisa Waldrop for Regrets Only
Outstanding Supporting Actor(s) (TIE): Ray Taylor for The Producers & Dylan G. Davis for The Producers
Outstanding Featured Actress: Kim Palm for The Producers
Outstanding Featured Actor: Brodrick Santeze Ryans for The Producers
New Comer(s) of the Year: Hope and Faith Bonitz
Paul K. Looney – “Our Ox Is In the Ditch” Award: Dianna Brown Shaw
Patron of the Year Award: Easty Lambert Brown
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award: Grace Conner
Doug Perry Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award: Yvonne Thomas
Charlie Dennis “Bear It” Award for Technical Service: Tyler Afflerbach
The Charles Prosser Straight Flush Award: N/A
2014-2015 (20th)
Outstanding Leading Actress: Drew Baker for Wit
Outstanding Lead Actor: Charles Prosser for Fiddler on the Roof
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Kate Gates for Little Women/Fiddler on the Roof
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Wesley Rorex for Fiddler on the Roof
Outstanding Featured Actress: Danielle Molina for Hands on a Hardbody
Outstanding Featured Actor: Justin Barnett for Hands on a Hardbody/Fiddler on the Roof
New Comer of the Year: James Dean Moretz
Paul K. Looney – “Our Ox Is In the Ditch” Award: Kari Killingsworth
Patron of the Year Award: Ron and Tedi Nolen
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award: Terry and Linda Olivet
Doug Perry Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award: George Thagard
Charlie Dennis “Bear It” Award for Technical Service: Dave Lewis
The Charles Prosser Straight Flush Award (1st Award): Carol DeVelice
2013-2014 (19th)
Outstanding Featured Actress: Destiny Stewart
Outstanding Featured Actor: Glen Johnson
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Kaylee MacKnight
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Will Travis
Outstanding Leading Actress: Emily Hoppe Brunson
Outstanding Lead Actor: Charles Prosser
New Comer of the Year: Clemmie Lashaun Hilton
Paul K. Looney “Our Ox Is in the Ditch” Award: Leslie Poss & Ray Taylor
Charlie Dennis “Bear It” Award for Technical Service: Kim Palm
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award: Hiroko Smith
Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award: Tommy Hester & Peggy Collins
Patron of the Year Award: Judi Rabel
2012-2013 (18th)
Outstanding Featured Actress: Taylor Coffman for Ursula in Bye Bye Birdie
Outstanding Featured Actor: Jameson Vaughn for Hugo in Bye Bye Birdie
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Drew Baker for Bye Bye Birdie
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Brent Jones for Bye Bye Birdie
Outstanding Leading Actress: Bridget Winder for Bye Bye Birdie
Outstanding Lead Actor: Gary Wise for I Hate Hamlet
New Comer of the Year: Matthew Eubanks for Bye Bye Biride
Paul K. Looney “Our Ox Is In the Ditch” Award: Lindsey Kennedy Jones
Charlie Dennis “Bear It” Award for Technical Service: Bucky Clements
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award: Louise Manos
Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award: Dr. Mark Brown
Patron of the Year Award: Terry Simpson – Ameriprise Financial
2009-2010 to 2011-2012 (No Awards Ceremony Held)
2008-2009 (17th)
Best Leading Actress: Lisa Waldrop
Best Lead Actor: Jeff Wilson
Best Featured Actress: Drew Baker
Best Featured Actor: Zacc Kimbrell
New Comer Of The Year: Doff Procter
Paul K. Looney – “Our Ox Is In The Ditch” Award: Terry “Doc” Olivet
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of The Year Award: Ray Taylor
Outstanding Student of The Year: Ashlyn Lambert
Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award: Dennis Harkey
Patron of the Year Award: Jeff Binford
2007-2008 (No Awards Ceremony Held)
2006-2007 (16th)
Best Leading Actress: Michelle Bunch
Best Lead Actor: Jeff Wilson
Best Featured Actress: Drew Baker
Best Featured Actor: Ray Taylor
Best Design: Wheeler Kincaid
New Comer of the Year: Noah Schatzline
Best Stage Manager: Amanda Manos
Outstanding Work-Study: Jonathan Tubbs
Outstanding Work-Study: Cindy Jade Waldrop
Paul K. Looney “Our Ox Is In the Ditch” Award: Julie Arrington & Andy Fitch
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year Award: John Hisey
Outstanding Service to the Theatre Award: Kip Tyner
Patron of the Year Award: Verta Barr Meherg
2005-2006 (15th - included both 05-06 & 06-07 awards)
Ava Buchanan
Jeff Wilson
Sara Catherine Thomason
Gary Wise
Judy Holland
Marla Donour
A.J. Kuntz
Susie Johnson
Pam & John Hisey
Kenny Smitherman
“Our Ox is in the Ditch”: Russell Frost
Volunteer of the Year: Tommy Hester
Hall of Fame: Charlie Dennis
Patron of the Year: Ronald T. Olivet
2004-05 (14th)
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Kristy Conroy (Stevenson)
Patron of the Year: Thomas Dedrick, Sr.
Paul K. Looney "Our Ox is in the Ditch" Award: Tina Fitch (Turley)
2003-04 (13th)
Laura Jean Allen
Lisa Bordelon
Jerrell Bowden
Sara-Margaret Coker
Glen Johnson
Shannon Lynch
Mindy Norton
Jamison Sanford
Rosie Webber
Jeff Wilson
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Paula Dennis
Patron of the Year: Linda Grote
Paul K. Looney "Our Ox is in the Ditch" Award: Crew for Complete History
2002-03 (12th)
John Paul Snead
Jonathan Pate
George Thagard
Cheryl Connelly
Joey Lay
Lisa West
Rhonda Wooley-Faulkner
Gary Wise
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Dr. Ronald T. Olivet
Patron of the Year: Dr. Rick Rogers
Paul K. Looney "Our Ox is in the Ditch" Award: Janet Moore
2001-02 (11th)
Jonathan Cobb
Betsy Meadows
Wheeler Kincaid
Jessica Horton
Brent Jones
Patti Miller
Lisa Waldrop
Charles Prosser
Season Contribution
Charles Prosser
Jessica Horton
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: David Ford
Paul K. Looney "Our Ox is in the Ditch" Award: The cast of ART
2000-01 (10th)
Daniel Meredith
Janet Hernandez
Rhonda Wooley
Brad Williams
Steven Williams
Karen Konzen
Joey Dodson
Aliesha Dennis
Wescott Youngson
Season Contribution: Ray Taylor, Kenny Smitherman
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Russell Frost
1999-2000 (9th)
Eric Curtis
Beth Stomps
Nat Gunter
Charles Prosser
Benjamin Middaugh
Gary Wise
Susie Johnson
Russell Frost
Jessica Smith
Amanda Sullivan
Stacy Sudge
Season Contribution: Jessica Smith, Benjamin Middaugh
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Thomas E. Umphrey
1998-99 (8th)
Drew Baker
Louis Janes
Wheeler Kincaid
Candace Stephens
Jeanette Robertson
Ruth McKinzey
Lauren Carr
Sandi Burnett
Lisa Waldrop
Paul Crook
Kip Tyner
Amanda Anderson
Season Contribution: Drew Baker, Louis Janes
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Jean Hinton
1997-98 (7th)
Stephanie Fitts
Lauren Carr
John King
Ray Taylor
Ben Boyer
David Jones
Rebecca Tingle/TCD
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Sandra Ray
1996-97 (6th)
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Charles Prosser
1995-96 (5th)
Kate Graham
Courtney Allsbrook
Ashley Evans Snyder
Brian Seale
Daryl Harris
Butch Thompson
Barbara Sullivan
Jon Atkinson
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Kellee Reinhart
1994-95 (4th)
Angela Covington
Jenny McKnight
Scott Prouty
Janet Holeman
Ava Buchanan
Rob Bullington
Kevin Austin
Glenn Johnson
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Andrew Carr
Knox Hagood - Theatre Tuscaloosa Hall of Fame: David Ellis
1993-94 (3rd)
Christina Beagle
Scott Prouty
Rosalyn Horton
Ava Buchanan
Shannon Sparks
Charlie Dennis
Susan Looney
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Candace Stephens
1992-93 (2nd)
Danny Walker
Emily Burge
Michael Carr
Lauren Carr
Allison Snow
Carol DeVelice
Robb Fanning
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Robert Campbell
Knox Hagood - Theatre Tuscaloosa Hall of Fame: Morris Friedman, John Moehler
1991-92 (1st)
Danny Smalley
Paula Dennis
Erin Hisey
Eric Gray
Pat Ross
Gary Wise
Don Speed
Jake Leigeber Volunteer of the Year: Bill Stewart
Knox Hagood - Theatre Tuscaloosa Hall of Fame (For founding members): T. Earle Johnson, Knox Hagood, Jake Leigeber