Lafayette County Theater Students Earn Multiple Awards at Regional Conference

Theatre Oxford's production of "Almost, Maine!" returned from Chattanooga, Tennessee with two more honors to add to a season already stacked with recognition, capping a regional run that began with top prizes at Ole Miss in January.

Directed by Debra Anderson, the production won the Spirit of the Road Award at the American Association of Community Theatre Region IV/Southeastern Theatre Conference earlier this month. Actors Gavin Lane and Justin Wadkins were named to the conference's All-Star Cast for their individual performances.

The Spirit of the Road Award carries a distinction that sets it apart from adjudicated honors: it is chosen not by judges but by the house crew at the venues where productions are performed. "The criteria is that our company members were the most enjoyable to work with, most appreciative, and brought such a positive attitude to our rehearsal and production," Theatre Oxford wrote in an Instagram post following the awards. "We are so proud to have this amazing team as part of our community."

The Chattanooga recognition came on the heels of Theatre Oxford's strong showing at the Mississippi Theatre Association regional competition at Ole Miss, held January 15-18. The company took home Best Production, Outstanding Achievement in Acting, and Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role at that event.

Across both competitions, the "Almost, Maine!" production collected five awards, a run that underscores the strength of the company's current season and the work Debra Anderson and her cast put into the production.