The glitterati of Nashville's theater community took to the red carpet Sunday night, September 19, prior to the start of the First Night Nashville Theatre Honors. Held at the Troutt Theatre at Belmont University, the First Night Honors recognized eight leaders of the Nashville theater community for their lifetime achievements and contributions to the art form.
Paying tribute to the honorees -- who included Scot Copeland, producing artistic director at Nashville Children's Theatre; Paul Gatrell, chair of the department of theatre and dance at Belmont University; Kathleen O'Brien, president and CEO of Tennessee Performing Arts Center; A. Sean and Robert A. O'Connell, co-founders of ACT 1 and GroundWorks Theatre; Mac Pirkle, founder of Southern Stage Productions and Tennessee Repertory Theatre; Barry Scott, actor/director/producer and faculty member in the department of speech and theatre at Tennessee State University; and Shannon Wood, owner and co-founder of Darkhorse Theatre -- was a veritable who's who of Nashville stage talent.
Photographer Stacy Battles, one of Nashville's best known celebrity photographers, was on hand to shoot the red carpet arrivals that heralded the return of First Night, after an absence of some 14 years. First Night is presented by Jeffrey Ellis, who covers Nashville theater for BroadwayWorld.com, and who is the founder of the awards celebration that was first held on September 17, 1989.
First Night revelers gather outside the Troutt Theatre prior to the start of festivities.
2010 Most Promising Actress Rosemary Fossee
The Troutt Theatre at Belmont University
The Macy's Red Carpet event gets under way.
Red Carpet hosts Jennifer Richmond & Trey Palmer
Red Carpet hosts Jennifer Richmond & Trey Palmer
Red Carpet hosts Jennifer Richmond & Trey Palmer, with Tim O'Brien and guest
Tim O'Brien, his guest and Jennifer and Trey.
Tim O'Brien, the husband of honoree Kathleen O'Brien, is interviewed by Jennifer Richmond and Trey Palmer.
Fashion commentators Richard Browder and Cary Street, with First Night founder and executive producer Jeffrey Ellis.
Fashion commentators Richard Browder and Cary Street, with First Night founder and executive producer Jeffrey Ellis.
Fashion commentators Richard Browder and Cary Street, with First Night founder and executive producer Jeffrey Ellis.
Mariah Parris and Frank Gaiters on the upper balcony of the Troutt Theatre
Travis Harkins, Jennifer Richmond, Trey Palmer
Rosemary Fossee and her mother talk with Jennifer and Trey.
Rosemary Fossee and her mother talk with Jennifer and Trey.
Rosemary Fossee
Rosemary and her mother go through the fashion gauntlet.
Jennifer Richmond, Trey Palmer and Amanda Lamb.
Jennifer Richmond, Trey Palmer and Amanda Lamb.
Jennifer Richmond, Trey Palmer and Amanda Lamb.
Jennifer Richmond, Trey Palmer and Amanda Lamb.
Jennifer Richmond, Trey Palmer and Amanda Lamb.
Lisa Marie Wright in Vera Wang.
Lisa Marie Wright strikes a pose on the Red Carpet.
Richard Browder, Amanda Lamb, Daron Bruce and Cary Street.
Richard Browder, Amanda Lamb, Daron Bruce and Cary Street.
Richard Browder, Cary Street and Maryanna Clarke
Cary Street and Maryanna Clarke
Anthony Just, Lisa Marie Wright, Jennifer Richmond and Trey Palmer
Mike Baum, Jennifer Richmond & Trey Palmer
Mike Baum, Jennifer Richmond and Trey Palmer
Richard Browder, Kelvin Amburgey and Cary Street
Richard Browder, Kelvin Amburgey and Cary Street
Honoree Kathleen O'Brien
Alyssa Runyeon
Mary Celeste Byrd and Alyssa Runyeon
Alyssa Runyeon and Cary Street
Linda Sue Simmons and Corrie Miller
Richard Browder, Kathleen O'Brien and Cary Street
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