Jefferson's Opera House Theatre Players is hosting the annual membership meeting and Ynot Awards Dinner on Thursday, August 5 at The Stillwater Inn in Jefferson beginning 5:30 pm.
   Highlight of the evening will be the awarding of Ynot acting trophies in several categories for both male and female actors as well as for young people. All nominees were participants in the theatres 21st season and appeared in such shows as "Mahalia!," "The Last of the Red Hot Lovers," and "The Boy Friend."  Members of the theatre support group vote anonymously on their choice of the best in each category.  The trophies are called the Ynot Award similar to the famous Tony Award (but spelled backward) that is awarded each year in New York City to the best of Broadway theatre.
   Those nominated for Best Lead Actor include Trini Green, Joe Todaro, and Rone Ramirez.  For Best Lead Actress, Denice Wilson, Brittai Tress Allee, Sara Whitaker and Dian Beaird.  For Best Supporting Actor is Doug Elder, Conner Skinner and Tyler Smith.  Best Supporting Actress nominees are Karen Raines, Sherry Elder and Dian Beaird.
   The nominees for Rising Star Teen (13-17) includes Megan Craver, Catherine LeBell, Cristiana McMullen, Erica Tanksley, Phillip Burns, Haley Hanks and Elizabeth Lee.  For Rising Star Jr. (8-12) is Kirstee Wallace, Katherine Tomayo and Molly Dzick.   The best production of the season is also voted on and all productions were directed by Marcia Thomas.
   The Players board selects a person or organization to be awarded the Lucille M. Terry Cultural and Performing Arts Award each year and that selection is profiled in the groups new season brochure due out in October.
   The cost of the dinner is $25 per person and includes a three course dinner, beverage and gratuity. Persons may purchase additional beverages on their on. Reservations must be paid in advance with checks made payable to The Stillwater Inn and mailed to OHTP, PO Box759, Jefferson, Tex 75657 by the
deadline of August 1. Family, friends and the general public are invited to attend the awards dinner and more information can be obtained by calling 903/665-2310.

   Jefferson's Opera House Theatre Players has announced the winner of the Drama Scholarship for the 2009-2010 season.  He is 17-year-old Conner Skinner, a graduating senior of Hallsville High School.
   Conner has worked with the Players for several season and began with a supporting role the musical-comedy "Bye, Bye, Birdie."  He has since appeared in several plays including "The Man Who Came To Dinner," "The King and I" and "Singin' in the Rain."  His was last seen in July's production of "The Boy Friend."
    Excelling in all that he does, Conner participated in school drama productions  and was part of the Hallsville High School cast that went to the State regional competition earlier this year.  He has also paritcipated in several workshops and summer theatre schools in the last two years.  He is
currently working at a job in Jefferson during the summer and will be enrolled in Austin College at Sherman, Texas this fall.
    The $250 scholarship is given to a student selected from among several area schools and students may apply for next seaons scholarship later in the year through the school counselors office.  Dian Beaird, an actor with the thespian group and retired school marm, is chair of the OHTP Scholarship Committee.