Tickets on Sale for Arts For Life’s Theatre Mask Awards April 25

Tickets on Sale for Arts For Life’s Theatre Mask Awards April 25

Professional Actress Amy Holland Pennell Will Host

John K. Mefford to posthumously receive the Lifetime Achievement Award

Clayton Community Theatre leads all community theater groups with 22 nominations for this year’s 11th annual Theatre Mask Awards, followed by Kirkwood Theatre Guild with 17, Monroe Actors Stage Company in Waterloo, Ill., with 14, and O’Fallon Theatre Works” with 10.

Sponsored by the non-profit organization Arts For Life, the TMAs will take place starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Royale Orleans banquet center, 2801 Telegraph Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63125. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

The Theatre Mask Awards, which began in 2015, honors comedies and dramas produced by local community theatre companies. Awards will be presented in 17 categories in production, performance and creative design.

Among the 2025 plays garnering the most nominations are CCT’s “Who Killed Aunt Caroline?” with 11 and “The Graduate” with 9; KTG’s “Into the Breeches” with 8 and “God of Carnage” with 7; OTW’s “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged” with 9; and MASC’s “Outside Mullingar” with 8 and “Crimes of the Heart” with 5.

Goshen Theatre Project in Collinsville’s production of ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” earned six nominations. Other theater companies participating in AFL include Act Two Theatre, Alfresco Productions, Hawthorne Players, KTK Productions and Theatre Guild of Webster Groves.

Nominations are listed at artsforlife.org

This year’s master of ceremonies is award-winning actress Amy Holland Pennell, and the Lifetime Achievement Award winner is John K. Mefford, who died in January after supporting community theater as a performer, volunteer and patron throughout adulthood.

Amy Holland Pennell

A native of Granite City, Ill., Pennell is a professional actress who has appeared in movies, television shows and on stage in plays and musicals.

Amy Holland Pennell

She earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in theatre and communication at Saint Louis University, honored as the outstanding graduate for performance and academic excellence. During her days here, she was a captain of the NFL St. Louis Rams Cheerleaders.

She has had recurring and guest-starring roles on HBO’s “The Newsroom,” Nickelodeon’s “Instant Mom,” Disney’s “Mighty Med,” CBS’s “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “How I Met Your Mother,” FX’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and ABC’s “Scandal.”

Her movie roles include “I Am,” “The Importance of Doubting Tom,” “Game Day” and “Exorcist House of Evil.”

On stage, she has played such iconic characters as Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady,” Abigail in “The Crucible,” and Annie Sullivan in “The Miracle Worker.”.

Pennell said she remains deeply grateful for her faith, family, and friends, and continues to bring passion, heart, and humor to everything she does—onstage, on camera, and in life.

.John K. Mefford

John K. Mefford

Mefford, a lifelong resident of southern Illinois and longtime Granite City resident, passed away on Jan. 31, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of storytelling, service, and unforgettable characters—both on and off the stage.

 For 25 years, John served the Six Mile Regional Library District, where generations came to know him fondly as “the bookmobile guy.” He considered libraries were living places—vehicles of imagination, history, and connection—and he brought books, curiosity, and kindness to every stop he made.

 A lifelong lover of history, John immersed himself fully in the past. He was a dedicated historical reenactor with the Milice de Ste. Famille, a member of the Victorian Mourning Society of St. Louis.

That same passion for embodiment and storytelling carried naturally onto the stage. An accomplished actor who performed with Masquers, Summerstage, Alfresco Productions, and many others.

In recent years, John became a beloved part of St. Charles Christmas Traditions, portraying Clement Moore, author of “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” His readings of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” enchanted audiences with warmth and humor.

Among his favorite roles were in “1776,” “The Rocky Horror Show” and “Alice in Wonderland.”

He was a cherished father, grandfather, husband, brother, friend and colleague who will be remembered for his generosity, creativity, and unmistakable spirit.

Tickets for Sale

Combination tickets for both TMAs and BPAs are available for $50 with a $2 service fee but must be purchased by April 10. After that, each event is $30 plus the $2 service fees.

Tickets are available at: https://arts-for-life-2.square.site/. Table seating is available at 10 per table. Cocktail attire is suggested. A buffet meal will be served, and a cash/card bar will be available.

The menu includes top round of beef with special LaFitte sauce, chicken parmesan, home-style green beans, pasta primavera, potatoes royale, salad and fresh bakery bread with butter. Special cupcakes from the Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery in Kimmswick, Mo., are dessert.

Arts For Life is a local not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to the healing power of the arts through its work with youth, the underserved, and the community, with its goal of “Making a Dramatic Difference.”

AFL is dedicated to promoting public awareness of local community theatre, encouraging excellence in the arts, and acknowledging the incredible people who are a part of it.

For more information, email [email protected] or visit the website.

Take Ten with Ryan Cooper

Take Ten with Ryan Cooper

By Lynn Venhaus
Managing Editor
It might be July, but actor Ryan Cooper is thinking Christmas. And Halloween. Well, he’s an accomplished performer at any time of year, but it’s during those holiday seasons where he really shines.
For the upcoming season of St. Charles Christmas Traditions, he will return to his blue-lipped, blue-clad jester-like character Jack Frost for the 13th year.
He auditioned for the first four or so years, but now is contracted for the part.

“One of the perks of longevity is that many of the old-timers that have been the same role for a number of seasons get to return to our holiday alter-egos without the audition process,” he said. “But I’m just a baby in the whole scheme of things. We have cast members that have been involved in the festival for 20 years.”

St. Charles Christmas Traditions involves 80 characters who make the season bright, along with many special activities, along the town’s historic Main Street. Hours are Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, Nov. 23 – Dec. 24.
Two years ago, Ryan created the sister festival for the Halloween season called Legends and Lanterns.
“It celebrates Halloween by looking at the origins of the customs associated with the holiday. We have interactive villains from history and folklore — Lizzie Borden, the Big Bad Wolf, Medusa, and so forth, a Victorian mourning museum, and many other fun attractions and activities,” he said.
He also participates in the annual Voices of Valhalla event at Valhalla Cemetery in north St. Louis County, where narrated hayrides travel the grounds and actors portray some of the noteworthy individuals who reside there.
“It is a really wonderful event. Larry Marsh does all of the research and writes the scripts, and has such a talent for finding the most fascinating characters to portray,” he said. “We recently did ‘Echoes of Valhalla,’ a one-night ‘greatest hits’ of some of the most memorable characters from over the years, onstage at the Florissant Civic Center theatre.”
Ryan is truly a man of many hats.
This summer, Ryan starred in “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure” for Stages’ Theatre for Young Audiences. He played Zeke, King Julien, Mason and Foosa. It’s his third year in the children’s musical, having played the Mad Hatter in “Alice in Wonderland” and the Cat in the Hat in “Seussical.”
“I absolutely adore working with Stages. I pinch myself every time I get to do a show with them, because I have been such a big fan of the company since I saw my first Stages’ show in 2005 – “Man of La Mancha.” It is incredible the amount of love and dedication the staff puts into their theatre for young audience shows, just as they would for any of their mainstage productions. It is a joy to be a part of,” he said.
He particularly likes performing theater for youngsters.
“There is just something so special about doing shows for families and young audiences. There is always an electric energy. And knowing that there are people in the audience who are experiencing live theatre for the first time, and that I get to be a part of it is the cherry on top of the cake,” he said.
Another summer activity he enjoys is hosting the annual Best Performance Awards on the second Sunday in June, which is produced by non-profit organization Arts for Life. Awards for excellence in community and youth musical theater are presented.

In addition to an opening monologue and introducing presenters, Ryan inserts comic bits that are often sight gags and involving theater or familiar characters. He returned as master of ceremonies June 10 after taking a break last year. He had emceed in 2014 – 2016. Because he is so popular with the crowd, AFL has locked him in for the 20th awards in 2019.
As a teenager, Ryan began getting noticed in community musical theater, especially for being funny. He won three BPA awards for Best Performance by an Actor in a Comedic Role — as Bud Frump in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” Carmen Ghia in “The Producers” and Hysterium in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
“Hosting is such a sincere honor for me. This year before the show started, while I was getting ready, I thought back to how my first BPA ceremony I attended was in 2006, where I volunteered as an usher,” he said.
“So, to get to act as master of ceremonies was a surreal moment where I realized how lucky I am to get to be a part of this community. I don’t get the chance to be as directly involved with the wonderful community theatre scene like I once was, so to have Arts for Life as an opportunity to be with old and new friends that make up the vibrant and talented St. Louis theatre family is such a privilege.”
He had moved away in 2013, hired to work in the long-running Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and the short-lived Storybook Circle Giggle Gang shows at Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.
Upon his return, he was hired as a tour guide for the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.
“It’s where I get to take on my biggest acting challenge — acting like I know anything at all about sports,” he said.
“Seriously, it’s great. I’ve been giving tours there for four and a half years, and even though I am not a sports guy, as a native St. Louisan, you grow up with at least a great admiration and appreciation for the history of the St. Louis Cardinals,” he said. “I am happy to share their stories and hear the stories of the people from around the world that I get to interact with every day. Plus, as a performer, I get to have a captive audience for an hour at a time while on tour — what’s not to love?”
In addition, he is a docent at the Holocaust Museum and Learning Center.
“So, between that, and getting ready for the third season of Legends & Lanterns, and my 13th season with Christmas Traditions, that’s what the rest of my 2018 looks like, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love it!” he said.

Here are Ryan Cooper’s answers to our questions:
Why did you choose your profession/pursue the arts?
I feel that it’s something that happened organically over time. I had done shows at school when I was younger and had always enjoyed them, but I think the real formative moment was when ‘The Producers’ came through the Fox on its first national tour. I was hooked, and said to myself, ‘that’s what I want to do.’ My poor mother had to put up with me marching around the house singing tunes from the show for months after that.
How would your friends describe you?
Ha! I think my friends would definitely describe me as quirky — though they assure me they mean it in an endearing way.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
I am crazy about going to museums. I love history and I love learning, so I try to go to every exhibit I can. History museums, science museums, art museums — I can’t get enough. A few years ago, I was vacationing in St. Petersburg, Fla., and my first stop was not to their beautiful beaches, but to the Florida Holocaust Museum. That about sums it up.
What is your current obsession? 
My current-yet-long-running obsession is all things Titanic. I’m a total nerd. When I traveled Ireland in 2009, I visited the final port where the ship was docked at, and did a one-man re-enactment of James Cameron’s epic three-hour film in 30 seconds — video proof of which I post on Facebook every April 10 for “Titanic anniversary week.”
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
Every spring, I travel over to the nation’s capital, where I give multi-day tours of Washington D.C. to school groups from around the country. A fascinating town — not to mention the abundance of excellent museums!
Can you share one of your most defining moments in life?
That would hands down have to be working for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I am a huge Disney fan, and used to go to the parks every year with my mom. I have wanted to work there since I was four, and in 2013, I was lucky to see that dream realized as I joined the casts of the long-running Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and short-lived Storybook Circus Giggle Gang shows. While I didn’t get to stick around for as long as I had hoped, it was a phenomenal experience, both personally and professionally. I got my Actors Equity card with “Hoop,” and for the first time, really experienced up-close the “business” side of show business — both the good and not-so-pretty parts. It’s an experience I treasure.
Who do you admire most?
Since I was in second grade, I have had an enormous admiration for Anne Frank. She has been an inspiration to me for my entire adult life, and her words have provided countless moments of peace and hope in times of need. I have a well-worn photo of her in my wallet that goes with me everywhere.
What is at the top of on your bucket list?
Speaking of Anne, the tippy-top of my bucket list is visiting the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. I will for sure be there June 12, 2029 for her 100th birthday — but hope to get a visit in well before then.
What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?
Oh gosh! That is a tough one. I am crazy about this town and feel that there is still so much I’ve got to explore. With that being said, every time I go to Shaw’s Garden (Missouri Botanical), and it doesn’t matter how many hundreds of times I’ve gone, I am in awe. Now if only I could get my backyard to look that good!
What’s next?
I’ve recently dipped my toes in the water of being on the director/producer side of things. In 2016, I created “Legends & Lanterns: A ‘Spirited’ Journey Through Halloween History,” a festival that takes place along Historic Main Street in St. Charles and delves into the origins of our most beloved All Hallow’s Eve traditions, while allowing visitors to rub elbows with some of the most infamous villains in history and folklore. So, I’ll be back directing that this October, then on to my 13th season as Jack Frost for the “St. Charles Christmas Traditions” festival.
All About Ryan Cooper
Age: 28Birthplace: St. LouisCurrent Location: Unincorporated North St. Louis CountyFamily: Only child to my awesome “Mommie Dearest,” Cindy CooperEducation: Trinity Catholic High School, Fontbonne University (B.A. Performing Arts)Day Job: Tour Guide for the St. Louis Cardinals (among many other jobs)First Job: Jack Frost at St. Charles Christmas Traditions when I was 17.First Role: Royal Child #4 in Riverview Gardens High School’s “The King and I” in 1998Favorite Roles: So many! Including: Man in Chair (The Drowsy Chaperone), Bud Frump (How to Succeed…), and Thenardier (Les Miserables).Dream Role: This is a total cop-out answer, but I truly don’t have one — yet. I’m working on it.Awards: Three-time Arts for Life Best Performance Award winner for Bud Frump (How to Succeed), Hysterium (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), and Carmen Ghia (The Producers)Words to live by: “No individual has any right to come into this world and go out of it without having left behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.” –George Washington CarverA song that makes you happy: “It Had to be You”

Photo Credits: AFL BPAs Gerry Love, Stages St. Louis, The Producers and St. Charles Christmas Traditions provided by Ryan Cooper, and featured image by Lynn Venhaus.