Ed-Ro-Char

The Ed-Ro-Char Award for Technical Excellence
Established 1996

Ed Payne was an architect who enjoyed using his design skills to create innovative sets within the parameters of the playwrite's intent, the director's thrust and the limitations of the stage. He designed sets and lights, directed and was a fine actor and singer as well. Ed worked with many of the theatre companies in the Washington Metropolitan area.

Robert "Rolo" Nickerson was a mentor and coach to many of the actors and technicians in the area. He worked with many groups, including The Burtonsville Players, P.G.L.T., Rockville Musical Theatre and The Adelphians. He appeared with Ed Payne many times and excelled in the technical aspects of theatre craft.

Char Harre was a brilliant costume designer as well as a director, actress and set designer. Char knew what look would be right for what scene and how to achieve that look on a shoestring budget. She worked with almost all the groups in the area at one time or another, especially when she owned a costume shop in Hyattsville. She worked with both Ed and Rolo when she directed them both in Paint Your Wagon and Oklahoma, and the three worked on many productions over the years.

Past Recipients