top of page

​OCTA Hall of Fame Inductees

Each year, all groups are encouraged to nominate an individual, theater group, or business for the OCTA Hall Of Fame. Honorees are chosen by a committee for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of theatre arts in Ohio.

 

Nominations for 2026 OCTA Hall of Fame are officially open! Fill out the online application!

 

What you will need before you submit: 

  • Completed google application form

  • 500 word or less essay about why this candidate should be inducted into the Hall of Fame

  • 2 letters of recommendation

  • Headshot of the nominee

​​

Deadline to submit is July 1, 2026. Questions? Contact chair Jane Culp: jane.c@octa1953.org

​​​

​

​

​

The class of inductees from each year are below:

​

2025

  • Connie Murphy, Central Region

  • Cathy Lutts, Southwest Region

  • Susan Metz-Guthrie, East Region

​

2024

  • John Falkenbach, West Region

  • Carleton B. Underwood, East Region

  • Ron & Freida Houck, Southwest Region

  • Pam & Ira Scheer, Central Region

​

2023

  • Jerry Zimmerman, Northwest Region

  • Peg Dietrich, West Region

  • Burt McCollom, Southwest Region

  • Bruce & Darla Revennaugh, East Region

​​

2022

  • Bob Welly, Northwest Region

  • Dave Myers, Southwest Region

  • René Saxton, Central Region

​

2021

  • Peggy Kenney, Southwest Region

  • Wayne Kirsch, Southwest Region

  • Gerri Nichols, West Region

​​

2020

  • Stagecrafters, Southwest Region

  • Toledo Repertoire Theatre, Northwest Region

  • Madge Levinson, Northwest Region

​

2019

  • Gary Buerk, Northwest Region

  • Norma Niinements, Southwest Region

  • Jim Schmitt, Central Region

​

2018

  • Mike Burke, Southwest Region

  • Fig Jankowski, Northeast Region

  • Bettsy Gauerke, Southeast Region

​

2017

  • Syd Spate, Northwest Region

  • Arny Stoller, Southwest Region

  • Mark & Betty Peters, Central Region

​

2016

  • Dee Dunn, Southwest Region

  • Bob & Judy Slater, Central Region

  • Willard Misfeldt, Northwest Region

​

2015

  • Pat Furterer, Southwest Region

  • Harold Eisenstein, Central Region

​

2014

  • Elston Hurst, Southwest Region

  • Al & Jean Rodin, Central & West Regions

  • Reuben & Dorothy Silver, Northeast Region

​

2013

  • Williams Co. Community Theatre, Northwest Region

  • John H. Lee, Southeast Region

​

2012

  • Marilyn Stocker, Central Region

  • Ted & Jane Mixer, Central Region

  • Waterville Playshop, Northwest Region

​

2011

  • Sally Bowlin, Southwest Region

  • The Mariemont Players, Inc., Southwest Region

  • Shirley Goldsmith, Northwest Region

​

2010

  • Carol Mills, Southwest Region

  • Michael Schacherbauer, former Central Region

  • Sam Macera, Northwest Region

​

2009

  • Eleanor Heyman, Northwest Region

  • Dr. Donald Rosenberg, Southwest Region

  • Robert DeBenedictis, Central Region

​

2008

  • Ginny Chizer, Southwest Region

  • Fred L. Wise, Central Region

​

2007

  • Suzanne Bayley, Southeast Region

  • Roger Grooms, Southwest Region

  • Steve Haskins, Southeast Region

​

2006

  • Cecil W. Goldsmith, Northwest Region

  • Gib & Lou Reese, Central Region

  • Eleanor Smith, Central Region

​

2005

  • Association of Community Theatre (ACT) Cincinnati, Southwest  Region

  • Rondalee Derry, Northwest Region

  • Cele Klein, Northeast Region

​

2004

  • Anne Matousek, Northeast Region

  • Mary Beth Schulz, Northeast Region

  • Patricia Shannon, Central Region

​

2003

  • Valerie Gerstenberger, Northeast Region

  • Janet Michel, Northwest Region

  • Gene White, Central Region

​

2002

  • Bob Belfance, Northeast Region

  • Mary Haas, Southwest Region

​

2001

  • William Allman, Northeast Region

  • Ohio Valley Summer Theatre, Southeast Region

  • Dr. Philip Wilson, Central Region

​

2000

  • Jim Ponchot, Southwest Region

  • Art Rouse, Southwest Region

  • Robert Winters, Southeast Region

bottom of page