Nancy Ray believed in the importance of community, and supporting that community was her mission. This truth was reflected throughout her personal and professional life. A fearless individual who loved being in the mix, Nancy worked to make the world a better place. She loved her community and wanted to make it not only attractive but accessible to all. She also believed in the importance of Theatre. And she believed in the 10-Minute Play Festival as one way of supporting her community and the people in it.

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Nancy became a fan of the Play Fest in 2014 when she attended a production as a guest of Tom and Yancy Ackerman. She immediately recognized the Play Festival as an opportunity for making theatre accessible to folks who may not have had much exposure, and she quickly went from fan to benefactor to enthusiastic participant. She enjoyed being a part of the decision-making process during play selection. She absolutely relished watching the actors, directors, crew, and designers come together for the Night of Readings (as part of the selection process). Always supportive, always encouraging, always looking forward to the next one.

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The Play Festival has continued to be a part of this community because of the generosity and passion of Nancy Ray. It’s impossible to put into words how much she has meant to all of us. She was fierce and fearless and the best kind of person you could have on your side. Nancy passed away in 2022, just before Opening Night of that year’s Play Festival. We miss her laughter, her energy, her brilliant and mischievous mind – but she will always be in our hearts, and always be a part of the Play Fest family. She never wanted the spotlight, but we thought you should know a little bit about her.