FLIPPING THE LENS
A Cultural Professional
Introducing
Mary Ann Washington
Artistic Director/ Executive Director/ Founder : The Actors Renaissance Theatre
I am just a hometown Memphis girl who wants to work in the Performing Arts, forever. There were no opportunities, so I had to create one. I thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his anointing on my life. I am more than just a conqueror, I am a World Overcomer. ~ Mary Ann
Favorite Actor: Leonardo Dicaprio/ Denzil Washington
Favorite Actress: Angela Bassett/ Farrah Fawcett- Majors/ Sarah Joy Brown
Favorite Movies: FRIDAY 1, 2, & 3
What's Love Got to Do with It, Casino, Goodfellas, Malibu Most Wanted, The Wolf of Wall Street, The Ten Commandments. The Burning Bed, Diary of A Mad Black Woman, House Party.
Favorite Show: Curb Your Enthusiasm/General Hospital/ Saturday Night Live/The Office/ My Name is Earl/ Frasier/
Real Husband of Hollywood
Favorite Musicals:
Anything Goes
Favorite
Comedians
Mike Epps
Kevin Hart
Jon Stewart
Katt Williams
Sebastian Maniscalco
Favorite Singer
Rick Springfield
Favorite Playwrights:
Tyler Perry
Katori Hall
Lynn Nottage
James Baldwin
Ruby O' Gray
August Wilson
Levi Frazier Jr.
A wrong connection will give you shock throughout your life, but the right one will light up your life~ Leonardo Dicaprio
Why We Do What We Do part ll?
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.
Mary Ann Washington is the Founder and Artistic Director of Actors Renaissance Theatre, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Memphis dedicated to accessible arts education, community storytelling, and the development of emerging local talent. Born and raised in Memphis, Washington’s artistic foundation began early, shaped by a family culture rich in music and dramatic arts. A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Mary refined her craft through formal training at Shelby State Community College and Southwest Tennessee Community College, earning an AS in Speech & Theatre and later a BA in Professional Studies from the University of Memphis.
Washington’s performance and directing career spans major Memphis institutions including Southwest Tennessee Community College Theatre, Blues City Cultural Center, Bluff City Tri‑Art Theatre, Inner City South, and Hattiloo Theatre. Her work has earned multiple recognitions, including Ostrander Award nominations for directing (The Amen Corner) and ensemble performance (Five Women Wearing the Same Dress), a Mtenzi Award for Best Stage Activist (The Sex Play), and the 2020 Best Actress award for A Raisin in the Sun.
Her leadership extends beyond the stage. Washington has Twelve years on the Ostrander Judging Committee and is an Associate Company Member and board member at TheatreWorks @ The Evergreen Theatre. She is also an alumna of the Assisi Foundation’s Before You Ask program, strengthening her capacity in nonprofit development, community engagement, and organizational sustainability.
In 2022, Washington secured 501(c)(3) status for Actors Renaissance Theatre, formalizing her vision of a community‑centered arts institution that nurtures local talent, produces original works, and expands cultural access across Memphis and Shelby County. She has written, directed, or produced every original production at the theatre, demonstrating consistent artistic output and organizational leadership.
Washington is a mother of four and grandmother of nine, grounding her work in family, community, and generational impact.
'What sets people apart is their vision, and how they see their art. Everyone deserves an opportunity to pursue their God-given talent through their own lens, their own voice, and their own life
experience. '-Mary Ann Washington
The Actors Renaissance Theatre
Founding Board Members
Latricia 'Pat' Parks- President
Que Hulett- Vice President
Janice Joslin- Secretary
Chi Chi Mason- Treasurer
Renwick Malone- At Large
SPECIAL THANKS
World Overcomers Outreach Ministry Church
Apostle Alton R. Williams
Elder Sherrilyn Williams
Trecie Williams
Sheronda Williams
Myra Moses
Sherri Walker
Black Butterfly Media TV
Ekundayo Bandele
Eric Brooks
Doug Bedford
Tramaine Morgan
Patsy Fancher
Que Huellétt
Tim & Dee Dotson
Tomecka N. Freeman
Latrell Freeman
Jimmy Ray Freeman Jr.
Lashondra Y. Washington
Akya Washington
Emmanual Washington
Eboni Rideout
Ron & Karen Gephart
Darlis Armstrong
Ruby O' Gray
Levi Frazier Jr.
Deborah Frazier
Hattiloo Theatre
Leslie Reddick
Patricia Smith
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
Larry Clark
Cam Mtenzi
Jackie Nichols
Sam Weakley
Chris Blank
Annie Freres
Hal Harmon
The Evergreen Theatre
Theatre Works at The Square
Germantown Community Theatre
Honey Baby Productions
Gregory Anthoney Jones
Anita Holmes
Deshel Valley
YAMS
