 |
 |
 |
by Kevin S. Trowbridge '96
Tamara Trexler Robinson doesn't sit still very often.
She doesn't have the time. Actor, business woman, writer, wife and mother,
Tamara usually has her Daytimer and cell phone with her at all times.
It's the only way she can keep up with all the activity in her life.
| It was this type of unbridled energy that launched Tamara on a whirlwind
career path that encompasses her two greatest professional passions
– politics and theatre. Armed with a B.A. degree in English-journalism
from Union in 1984, Tamara started her first job the day after graduation,
as an intern for then-Congressman Albert Gore, Jr.
She later worked as an advance coordinator for former Tennessee Governor Ned McWherter's campaign, while at the same time completing her master's degree in political communication at the University of Memphis. After McWherter was elected and she completed graduate school, Tamara married Jack W. Robinson and gave birth to one child, Ashley, who is now six years old. While enjoying a two-year break from her fast-paced career to care for her new baby, Tamara discovered a way that she could combine her two greatest professional loves. She, along with John Guerra, co-founded the Tennaissance Theatre Company, Inc. in 1995. The Nashville-based group of professional actors and singers was formed to help celebrate and participate in the State of Tennessee's Bicentennial. "It's our vision that historical characters should be depicted in an entertaining yet educational manner to bring the voice of America's history to audiences across the country," Tamara said. She and her partner, Wesley Motley, III, direct a traveling troupe of 18 professional actors, singers and musicians. They travel across the country portraying historical characters to bring the voice of America's history to young adult and family audiences at schools, churches, colleges and community events. Tamara is co-writer, director and producer of the musical titled Tennessee's Music and Heritage which was produced as part of the state's historical celebration. The show takes an audience on a journey into the past to meet W.C. Handy, Rachel and Andrew Jackson, Davy Crockett, Sgt. Alvin C. York and other Tennessee notables. She is not content to simply write, direct and produce. Her passion extends to the stage as well. In a segment of the musical, titled "Dearest Heart," Tamara plays Rachel Jackson. In addition to Tennessee's Music and Heritage, the theatre company has three other one-hour productions. America's Music and Heritage portrays selected historical figures in America's history while A Tale of Three Triumphs is an African and Native American show featuring the triumphant figures who worked to conqueror prejudice and injustice. Tamara also co-wrote Yellow Roses, a one-hour show portraying the struggles of equality for women. Having performed often on Union's stage, Tamara's interest in theatre on a college level led to the transition to acting on a professional level. Her Nashville stage appearances include leading roles in The Little Mermaid and Siamese Twins. She has also appeared in television specials, commercials and industrial video productions. It was also on Union's campus where Tamara saw her passion for politics, government and history evolve. She played active leadership roles in student government and other campus organizations. One of her greatest accomplishments as a student came with her service as Lt. Governor of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL). At TISL, she authored the Seatbelt Bill in 1984 which required all Tennesseans to "buckle up." Tamara's Seatbelt Bill went to the General Assembly and with some revisions was adopted. This year, Tamara was recognized at Union's 1997 Homecoming with the Outstanding Young Achiever award. "My achievements would not have been possible if it had not been for the love, guidance and wisdom that my Union University professors and administrators bestowed upon me during my four years in Jackson," she said. Tamara dedicated the award to two Union administrators who greatly influenced her life — Dr. James Baggett, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and to the memory of Dr. Robert E. Craig, former president of Union University from 1967 until 1986. As her audience sits back and watches the excitement in Act I of Tamara's life, they realize that intermission and the next act are not even in sight. With the energy of this young Unionite, one can hardly imagine the events and intensity that will surface when she reaches the next act.
Tennaissance Theatre Company, Inc. can be found on the Internet at www.public.usit.net/motomot/tennaissance.htm. They tailor their performances for any organization in any state of the U.S. For more information, contact Tamara at P. O. Box 2040 Antioch, TN 37011-2040, (615) 296-5018. |
