ACT Awards
Nomination Form for ACT Awards
Each year, the Alabama Conference of Theatre honors outstanding individuals who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on theatre in our state. These prestigious awards are only given when a truly deserving candidate is identified—so your thoughtful, well-supported nomination is essential!
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right category for your nominee:
Hall of Fame Award – Honoring Pioneers in Alabama Theatre
Who to Nominate:
Someone at or near the end of an extraordinary theatre career in Alabama.
What We’re Looking For:
This award is reserved for those who have created something original or ground breaking in Alabama theatre—innovative work that’s had a lasting and wide-reaching impact, possibly even beyond state lines. This person sets the standard and inspires others through their legacy.
Tip for Nominators:
Focus on originality, influence, and long-term significance. This award is not for general contributions or service (see Marian Gallaway Award for that).
Marian Gallaway Award – For Contributions to Theatre in Alabama
Who to Nominate:
An individual with a sustained history of service and contribution to Alabama theatre.
What We’re Looking For:
Nominees should have made significant, verifiable contributions that have had both local and statewide impact. They may have served on the ACT Board or held roles in organizations like SETC, KCACTF, or theatre unions. Their efforts might include scholarship, leadership, workshops, or competitions that raise the profile of Alabama theatre.
Tip for Nominators:
Nominees should be mid-to-late career professionals with a clear record of involvement and influence over time.
Dorothy Schwartz Outstanding Educator Award
Who to Nominate:
Any outstanding theatre educator or mentor—inside or outside a school setting.
What We’re Looking For:
This award honors educators who go above and beyond in mentoring and teaching theatre arts. While it often goes to academic teachers, it can also recognize directors, artists, or professionals who educate through practice. The key is a verifiable commitment to fostering learning, creativity, and growth in others.
Tip for Nominators:
Include evidence of mentorship, student impact, and dedication to theatre education. Administrators, technicians, and artist-mentors are welcome candidates, too!
Let’s honor the best in Alabama theatre—nominate someone extraordinary today! Nominations close July 30, 2025.
Theatre Hall of Fame Award
1978 – Telfair B. Peet, Auburn University
1979 – Bill Ozier, Birmingham Actor’s Theatre
1980 – Walter and Willilee Trumbauer, University of Montevallo
1981 – Guy Downey, Birmingham and Marian Gallaway, University of Alabama
1984 – T. Earle Johnson, Tuscaloosa
1985 – Saunders Walker, Tuskegee
1988 – Florence Pass, Ensley High School
1989 – Irving Stern, Birmingham Jewish Community Theatre
1990 – Lois Garren, Auburn University
1992 – Hugh Moore, Jefferson County Schools
1993 – James Hatcher, Birmingham Town and Gown Theatre
1994 – Jim Rye, Birmingham Children’s Theatre
1995 – David Dye, Troy University
1996 – A. Cleveland Harrison, Auburn University
1997 – Allen Bales, University of Alabama
1998 – Newton Neely, University of Montevallo
1999 – Harold L. Hunt, Samford University
2000 – Arnold Powell, Birmingham Southern College, Birmingham Festival Theatre
2001 – Charles Harbour, University of Montevallo
2002 – R. Eugene Jackson, University of South Alabama
2003 – Bob. G. Smith, University of Mobile
2004 – Ward Haarbauer, University of Alabama, Birmingham
2005 – Randy Marsh – Alabama School of Fine Arts
2008 – Julia Matson, Birmingham Southern College
2009 – Michael P. Howley, Alabama State University
2010 – Ann M. Everett, Northeast Alabama Community College
2011 – William Shanks, Birmingham Community Theatre
2013 – Colleen Campbell Forrer, Red Door Theatre, Union Springs
2017 – Roberta “Bobbie” Gamble, Greenville
2018 – Tina Turley, Theatre Tuscaloosa
2019 – Lonny Harrison, St James School, Montgomery
2020 – Charles Kilian, Alabama Shakespeare Festival
2021 – Eleanor Kerr Davis
2022 – Mike Winkelman
2023 – Tori Lee Averett, Troy University
2024 – Paul Looney
Marian Gallaway Award
1977 – James Hatcher, Birmingham Town and Gown Theatre
1978 – W. T. Chichester, University of Montevallo
1979 – Arnold Powell, Birmingham Southern College
1980 – Father Anthony Zoghby, Mobile Theatre Guild
1981 – Allen Bales, University of Alabama
1984 – Dorothy Schwartz Outstanding Educator Award
1985 – Winton and Carolyn Blount, Montgomery
1988 – David Dye, Troy University
1989 – Martin Platt, Birmingham Repertory Theatre
1990 – Charles Harbour, University of Montevallo
1991 – Ward Haarbauer, University of Alabama at Birmingham
1993 – John Ross, University of Alabama
1994 – Victor Fitchner, Jefferson County Schools
1995 – Michael McKee, Mobile Theatre Guild
1996 – Newton Neely, University of Montevallo
1997 – Frank R. Trechsel, Jr., Birmingham Festival Theatre
1998 – Sandra Taylor, Hoover High School
1999 – Ed Williams, University of Alabama
2000 – Ron Harris, Lee High School Magnet
2001 – Martha Haarbauer, The Seasoned Performers
2002 – Kent Thompson, Alabama Shakespeare Festival
2003 – Carl Stewart, Terrific New Theatre
2004 – Michael P. Howley, Alabama State University
2005 – Martha P. Summey, Altamont School
2008 – Jesse Bates, Alabama School of Fine Arts
2009 – Chris Rich, Troy University
2010 – Will York, University of Alabama at Birmingham
2011 – Kristy Meanor, Wetumpka Depot Players
2012 – Michael Flowers, Birmingham Southern College
2013 – Greta Lambert, Alabama Shakespeare Festival
2015 – Donnie Bryan
2016 – Alan Litsey, Birmingham Southern College
2017 – Adena Moree, Troy University
2018 – Katie Pearson, Auburn University at Montgomery
2019 – Sue Ellen Gerrells, South City Theatre, Pelham
2020 – Neil David Seibel, Auburn University Montgomery
2021 – Georgette M Norman, Cloverdale Playhouse
2022 – Yvette Jones-Smedley
2023 – David Callaghan, University of Montevallo
2024 – Keith Cromwell, Red Mountain Theatre
Dorothy Schwartz Outstanding Educator Award
1993 – Julia Matson, Birmingham Public Schools
1994 – Hal McIntosh, Hewitt-Trussville High School, Trussville
1995 – Laura Wilson Roberts, UMS-Wright Preparatory School Mobile
1996 – Anita Smelley, Hillcrest High School, Tuscaloosa
1997 – Ron Harris, Lee High School, Huntsville
1999 – Vic Fichtner, Jefferson County Schools
2000 – Roy Hudson, Shades Valley High School
2001 – Suzanne Mann, Crestline Elementary School
2002 – Donnie Bryan, Bradshaw High School
2003 – Flynn Murphy, Lee High School , Montgomery
2004 – Barton Dwayne Craft, Bob Jones High School
2005 – Jesse Bates, Alabama School of the Fine Arts
2018 – Jeff Glass, Wetumpka High School
2019 – Rebecca Britton, University of South Alabama
2020 – Patricia Putman, Past Director, Alabama Conference of Theatre
2021 – Roy Lightner, University of Alabama at Birmingham
2022 – Randy Foster
2023 – Revel Gholston, Opelika High School
2024 – Amy Pugh Patel, James Clemens High School
High School Theatre Teacher of the Year
2008 – Jesse Tilton, Spain Park High School
2009 – Connie Voight, The Randolph School
2010 – Pat Yates, Mountain Brook High School
2011 – Patricia Putman, Corner High School
2012 – Gary Weatherly, Mountain Brook High School
2013 – Amy Patel, James Clemens High School
2014 – Revel Gholston, Opelika High School
2015 – Eric Reid-St John, Spain Park High School
2016 — Michael Clint Merritt, James Clemens High School
2017– Jamie Stephenson, Vestavia Hills High School
2018 – Sara Argiro, DeKalb County Schools
2019 – Alex Silva, Alma Bryant High School
2020 – Jeff Glass, Wetumpka High School
2021 – Meghan Phelps, Huntsville High School
2022 – Amy Patel, James Clemens High School
2023 – Eric Browne, Baker High School
2024 – Mary Davis – Bob Jones High School