FLIPPING THE LENS
A Cultural Professional
Introducing
Mary Ann Washington
Artistic Director
I am just a hometown Memphis girl who wants to work in the performing arts. 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, Under the Artistic leadership of Myra Moses. Mary joined the Drama Ministry, at her place of worship, where her gift was able to 'make room for her' (Proverbs 18:16), through her artistic gifts which included acting, creative writing, and artistic collaborations/teamwork.
Mary has worked/performed for Southwest Tennessee Community College, Blues City Cultural Center, Bluff City Tri-Art Theatre, Inner City South, and was at The Black Repertory Theatre in Memphis 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 received an Ostrander nomination for Best Director in a college production for THE AMEN CORNER, at Southwest Tennessee Community College. She also received a Mtenzi Award for Best Stage Activist for, THE SEX PLAY. In 2020, Mary won Best Actress in a College production for her performance in A RAISIN IN THE SUN.
So far, 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:
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
Myra Moses
Sherri Walker
Black Butterfly Media TV
Doug Bedford
Tramaine Morgan
Patsy Fancher
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
Levi Frazier Jr.
Deborah Frazier
Southwest Tennessee Community College Theatre
Inner City South
University of Memphis Department of Theatre & Dance
Latoya 'A Plus' Slater
Le Tekay
Evelyn Little
Holly Lau
Ekundayo Bandele
Hattiloo Theatre
The Evergreen Theatre @ Theatre Works
SPECIAL THANKS
