Art Rouse is remembered for promoting theatre in general-- specifically striving to improve the quality of community theatre in the Greater Cincinnati area, as well as the state level. It is in his memory and to the ideal of service to community theatre that we annually honor an individual who best exemplifies this exceptional commitment and dedication.

It is with great pleasure and admiration that I present this award tonight to a recipient who is a perfect example of the ideals set in the criteria for this award. In honoring Art Rouse I have made tonight's recipient's worthiness of this award apparent by using the letters in Art Rouse's name as I describe the attributes that make this person the perfect candidate to receive this coveted award.

Tonight's recipient is:

A - Artistic,   Advocate,  Achiever,  Ambassador, Advisor,  Administrator and Actor
R - Respected, Regionally  Recognized , Resolute.
T - Talented Theatre Technician, Teacher, Tireless

R - Reliable, Remarkable, Regionally Recognized, Resourceful & Representative to ACT & OCTA
O - Outstanding, Organizer, Originator 
U - Untiring, Uniter, Understanding, Unflagging, Unique
S - Showman, Steadfast , Supporting, Sustaining, 
E - Enlightened, Enthusiastic, Encourager, Extraordinary, Exceptional

As a  co-founder of one of our own ACT community theatres our recipient tonight has gained the respect of all who have had the privileged of working side by side with tonight's Art Rouse Recipient. Let us give it up to the 2009 Art Rouse Award Winner…Linda Roll

[As announced at Saturday night's award dinner.]