Theatre Oxford's 'Almost, Maine!' Cast and Production Win More Awards

The play's director and two actors honored at regional theatre conference

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:51pm

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The cast and production of Theatre Oxford's play 'Almost, Maine!' continued to gather awards at the American Association of Community Theatre Region IV/Southeastern Theatre Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee earlier this month. The play, directed by Debra Anderson, won the coveted Spirit of the Road Award, and Theatre Oxford actors Gavin Lane and Justin Wadkins were named 'All-Star Cast' for their performances.

Why it matters

Theatre Oxford has established itself as a leading community theatre in the region, earning top honors at multiple competitions. The continued recognition of its productions and performers highlights the high-quality work being done to bring engaging live theatre to the Oxford, Mississippi community.

The details

The Spirit of the Road award is selected by the house crew where the productions are performed, and the criteria includes being the most enjoyable to work with, most appreciative, and bringing a positive attitude to rehearsals and the production. This comes after Theatre Oxford earned awards for Best Production, Outstanding Achievement in Acting, and Outstanding Performance in a supporting role at the annual Mississippi Theatre Association regional competition at Ole Miss in January.

  • The American Association of Community Theatre Region IV/Southeastern Theatre Conference took place earlier this month in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
  • Theatre Oxford earned top prizes at the annual Mississippi Theatre Association regional competition at Ole Miss on January 15-18.

The players

Debra Anderson

The director of Theatre Oxford's production of 'Almost, Maine!'

Gavin Lane

A Theatre Oxford actor named to the 'All-Star Cast' for his performance in 'Almost, Maine!'

Justin Wadkins

A Theatre Oxford actor named to the 'All-Star Cast' for his performance in 'Almost, Maine!'

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What they’re saying

“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 (Instagram)

The takeaway

Theatre Oxford's continued recognition at regional theatre competitions demonstrates the high caliber of its productions and performers, solidifying its reputation as a leading community theatre in Oxford, Mississippi that is dedicated to bringing quality live entertainment to local audiences.