Union Street Players
Walk of Fame

In 2008, the USP Board of Directors established the Union Street Players Walk of Fame to recognize outstanding contributions to our theatre community.

The term “Walk of Fame” was carefully chosen over “Hall of Fame” because a hall typically celebrates those who have retired, while a walk represents an ongoing journey! Fittingly, many members of the USP Walk of Fame continue to contribute to our productions in meaningful ways, embodying this spirit of active engagement.

The Walk of Fame is our way of honoring individuals who have gone above and beyond in contributing to the success of USP. Individuals meeting the following criteria may considered for the Walk of Fame:

Initially, the Board intended to honor one individual each year at an annual awards dinner. However, the Board has chosen to honor more than one person in certain years (three in 2008, two in 2009 and 2013) and none in others, such as in 2012, when we celebrated all members in recognition of USP’s 25th anniversary.

Anyone can nominate individuals for consideration. However, Walk of Fame inductees are selected by the Board of Directors. (You can find the USP Walk of Fame nomination form at the bottom of this page.) Once nominated, a person remains in consideration each year until they are inducted, or the Board of Directors determines that the nominee does not meet the basic criteria.

2025 Inductee – Ann Wilkinson

Ann Wilkinson is a Pella native. After graduating from Pella High, she made her way to Hollywood and found success as an actress and as a Casting Director. She returned to Pella just after the turn of the century. Between 2001 and 2014, Ann made an indelible mark on USP and on the theatre community in Pella and Iowa. Her induction in USP’s Walk of Fame is long overdue.

About Ann:

Ann returned from Hollywood with professional experience. Combined with her amazing theatre instincts and undeniable talent, Ann raised the bar for production quality directing shows like The Fantasticks and K.O.L.D. Radio. She blazed new trails creating USP’s first-ever local playwriting contest, seeking to expand the growth and impact of theatre within our community from actors and directors to writers, as well. Of the eight shows Ann directed for USP, five of them were written by local playwrights (The Dominie’s Wife, Of Wooden Shoes & Windmills, Tulip House, Letters from Pella, Ham Buns and Potato Salad).

Her love and support of USP was unwavering for well over a decade, but what made Ann special was that her love of theatre could not be confined to USP. Ann started Pella Shakespeare Company, helping foster collaboration between USP, Theatre Central, and other theatre organizations in an annual summer Shakespeare festival. Ann became an adjunct Professor at Theatre Central, continuing to build bridges between USP and our local college theatre community. Ann was instrumental in the Iowa Film Office and helped many USP members audition for, and secure, roles in films being produced in Iowa.

When Central’s administration chose not to renew Ann’s contract, she moved to take a position at a college in Yuma, Arizona. She recently retired from teaching and continues to live in Yuma. Ann will not be able to attend the Awards Night in person, but we look forward to utilizing video to channel Ann into the event to address everyone and give her acceptance of this year’s Walk of Fame induction.

Past Inductees:

Nominations

Would you like to nominate someone to the Union Street Players Walk of Fame?

You may do so by completing the form below: