Stage Set: Theatre Memphis' Helping Hands  

Stage Set was created as an organization with the vision to “promote, assist and sustain the programs of Theatre Memphis through volunteer service.”  Based upon an idea of Ms. Charlotte Abbott, developed and organized by Ms. Maureen Overman, this auxiliary organization has played a major role in the Theatre’s growth since 1965.  Through these years Stage Set accomplishments in support of its mission to support Theatre Memphis have been many: one of the first women’s club in the city to offer membership open to everybody; has sponsored fundraising trips to some European countries as well as to various cities in the United States, including its regular theatre trips to New York City; initiated a Community Relations Project to produce traveling productions on family life that performed at local clubs and organizations; created a School Theatre project that produced children’s plays and sent them on tour to local schools. Today this is our ShoWagon school and education program.  For many years members of Stage Set helped with many events, including lunch and dinners for the cast and crew of the Theatre’s productions.  Stage Set has provided catering, flowers and servers for opening night receptions, for ShoWagon benefits, and for many other special occasions.  Stage Set’s financial contributions to the Theatre have been a major factor in its success.  Through the years Stage Set has raised over seventy thousand dollars for the building fund for our present building and its expansion.  It has also provided funding for new play competitions and has co-sponsored three musical productions, at a cost of thousands of dollars each, until our corporate sponsorship was created.  Stage Set has supplied the Theatre with much-needed equipment, including a hydraulic lift and other furnishings for the Theatre’s survival and success.  Stage Set members have helped make costumes and sets, have searched for props and furniture for the plays, and have also helped with many office and administrative tasks.  Stage Set is proud of its many accomplishments in securing the future of Theatre Memphis and we invite you to join us. 

Membership: Stage Set meets the second Monday of the month from September through May, at Theatre Memphis.   Membership dues are $20 for individual members; $30 for family members—two active members; and $25 for sustaining members--members who wish to participate infrequently. To join contact Annelle Roachell at either 901.372.0243 or aroachell1935@att.net or Jo Hume at 901.726.1841.

Events: We host a Christmas dinner for the Theatre’s staff, take group trips all over the country and the world and hold an annual fundraising event to compliment the general fund.

Current Board: President, Annelle Roachell; 1st Vice President, Vicki Walling; 2nd Vice President:, Jo Hume; 3rd Vice president, Marge Palazzolo; Recording Secretary,Pat Williams; Corresponding Secretary, Janice Oliver; Treasurer, Pat Winburne; Assistant Treasurer, Sandra Ashley 

Appointed Chairs: Program Chair, Nancy Kresko; Luncheon and Sunshine Chair, Barbara Hartman

Stage Set Presidents: Louise McRae (1965), Jane Strauch (1965-66), Bea Miller (1967-69), Linda B. Lewis (1969-71), Mickey Laukhuff (1971-73), Marge Utterback (1973-75), Barbara Lawhead (1975-77), Marilee Hanson (1977-78), Evelyn Palmer (1978-80), Gloria Kahn (1980-82), Dorothy Collier (1982-83), Libby Neitzel (1983-85), Betsy Reeder (1985-87), Patricia Hall (1987-89), Libby Neitzel (1989-90), Thelma Hall (1990-91), Freddie Ashley Smith (1991-93), Betsy Reeder (1993-95), 1995-96 Governing Board, Sarah Short (1996-98), Annelle Roachell (1998-2000), Barbara Roberts Schneider (2001-04), Annelle Roachell (2004-08), Barbara Roberts Schneider (2009-2012), Juan J. Fuentes (2013- 15 )