FLIPPING THE LENS
Introducing
Mary Ann Washington
Artistic Director
I am just a hometown Memphis girl with a passion and a dream, giving other hometown people with like passions and dreams opportunities. I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his anointing on my life.~ Mary Ann
Mary Ann Washington was born in Memphis, Tennessee. Inspired by her family's love for daytime soap operas, 'Lil Ann" started acting and writing at a very young age. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Mary enrolled at Shelby State Community College and studied acting under Ron Gephart. Mary was in numerous plays at Shelby State, including Black Girl, Everybody loves Opal, The Odd Couple, and was nominated for a Memphis Theatre award (Ostrander's Award) for her performance in Hager's Children, directed by Deborah Frazier. After taking a 20-year absence from the stage to raise her family, Mary joined her childhood church, now renamed World Overcomers Outreach Ministry, under Apostle Alton R. Williams. It was at World Overcomers Church that Mary discovered her ministry gift. Under the Artistic leadership of Myra Moses. Mary joined the Drama Ministry where her gift was able to 'make room for her' (Proverbs 18:16), through her acting and creative writing. Although Mary's passion is fuel by acting, she took great ease in transitioning creativity behind the scenes, specifically directing. Throughout the years, Mary had the honor and the opportunity to direct several theatrical performances at World Overcomers, most notably, 'The Blood Covenant', written by Apostle Alton R. Williams.
Mary has worked/performed for Southwest Tennessee Community College, Blues City Cultural Center, Bluff City Tri-Art Theatre, Inner City South, and was at Hattiloo Theatre for 5 years. Mary reentered College in 2014 where she met Levi Frazier Jr. whom she credits to giving her, her 'Artistic Wings'. It was at Southwest Tennessee Community College that the vision for The Actor's Renaissance was created.
Mary has written and directed all original productions for The Actor's Renaissance Theatre.
Mary Ann's civic duties include being a member of The Ostrander Judging Committee for 5 years, and an Associate Company Member and board member at Theatre Works @ The Evergreen Theatre.
Mary Ann holds an AS in Speech & Theatre and received her BA from The University of Memphis in Professional Studies.
Mary is currently a grad student at The University of Memphis Public Administration Master's program.
'The Actor's Renaissance Theatre
To contact Mary Ann Washington please email:
The Actors Renaissance Theatre is an Independent Theatre Company. As you consider sowing a financial seed, we thank you in advance for your energy, service, and donation.
CashApp:
$ActorsRenaissance
Contact Mary Ann Washington
Email:
Why We Do What We Do?
DRIVEN BY PASSION
'There is something brave about starting theatre from a new form'.-Mary Ann Washington
This is what I do, this is who I am.
The Actors Renaissance Theatre First Annual Honorary Community Actor Award 2020 goes to
JESSE DUNLAP
Thank you Jessie for your years of commitment to the Memphis Theatre Community.
Jesse Dunlap
Mary Ann Washington
World Overcomers Outreach Ministry Church
Apostle Alton R.Williams
Elder Sherilyn Williams
Trecie Williams
Sheronda Williams
Myra Moses
Sherri Walker
Black Butterfly Media TV
Doug Bedford
Tramaine Morgan
Que Huelett
Tim & Dee Dotson
Tomecka N. Freeman
Latrell Freeman
Jimmy Ray Freeman Jr.
Lashondra Y. Washington
Akya Washington
Emmanual Washington
Ron & Karen Gephart
Darlis Armstrong
Ruby O' Gray
Hattiloo Theatre
Ekundayo Bandele
Levi Frazier Jr.
Deborah Frazier
Southwest Tennessee Community Collage
Inner City South
University of Memphis Department of Theatre & Dance
Latoya 'A Plus' Slater
Le Tekay
Evelyn Little
Holly Lau
Debra Toombs
Crews Center for Entrepreneurship & The University of Memphis
The Evergreen Theatre @ Theatre Works
SPECIAL THANKS
