Women Working It: Ann Perry Wallace is Ready for Her Second Act
In a compelling display of resilience and ingenuity, native Memphian, Ann Perry Wallace provides a beacon of hope for individuals yearning for fresh starts and reinvention later in life. As she steps into her second act, Wallace shows no signs of slowing down, shattering preconceived notions about age and creativity.
From Memphis to Chattanooga to Chicago, and Back
Born and bred in Memphis, Wallace has been at the center stage since her seventh-grade days. After earning a theater degree from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, she moved on to Chicago to hone her acting chops. However, the pull of her hometown proved irresistible, drawing her back to explore exciting acting opportunities and reinvigorate her writing ventures in Memphis.
After conquering countless stages in both Tennessee & Illinois, she eventually penned down “Live Rich, Die Poor,” a one-person play about author Zora Neale Hurston’s life. This play not only resonated with audiences but also earned her the 2023 Ostrander Award for Outstanding Original Script.
Current Endeavors and Future Plans
Even as she basks in the glory of her recent triumph, Wallace continues to nurture her craft. She is currently leading the Neighborhood Play Program at the Orpheum Theatre, where she conducts workshops for Binghampton’s residents to help them narrate the story of their community through a play. Slated to be performed later this fall, this play promises to be a testament to the vibrancy of Binghampton’s community.
When asked about her future projects, Wallace mentions reprising her award-winning play and launching a tour by adding a new actress to share performances. She also disclosed her plans to pen down her first screenplay. With not a single public show officially on the books for now, she’s working to rectify that with plans to perform at Barnard College – a nod to Zora Neale Hurston’s academic pursuits.
Shelia Turns 50 – A Movement for Maturing Women Artists
Undeniably, Wallace’s most ambitious undertaking is “Shelia Turns 50,” a movement targeted at maturing women artists. Through this initiative, she aims to galvanize this demographic, encouraging continuous reinvention and affirming the relevance of their talents in today’s cultural landscape. By fostering a community that empowers and validates the experiences of these artists, she hopes to underscore the message that age doesn’t necessarily signify the onset of limitations.
Wallace is eager for people to stay connected with her via her website. She is equally excited to delve into the narrative of Binghampton’s neighborhood, which she thinks is rich enough to materialize into an inspiring play. Despite dawning on her second act, Wallace’s enthusiasm for life and her craft remains undiminished.
As she bravely delves into new territories, focusing not only on acting but writing and teaching, she sets a precedent for age not being a barrier to achieving dreams. So get ready Memphis, because Ann Perry Wallace is only getting started with her second act!
