Most Valuable Players

Everett Skaggs

On the scene since: 1993

MVP for: State Theater Company

Recent Roles: Gonzalo, The Tempest, State Theater Co., 2001; Henry, The Fantasticks, Austin Playhouse, 2001; Hang Town Fry, Austin Theatre Co., 2001; Duncan, A Macbeth, State, 2000; Sly, The Taming of the Shrew, State, 1999; Pete, The Young Man From Atlanta, State, 1999; Pickering, My Fair Lady, State, 1999; various, Gypsy, Austin Musical Theatre, 1998; The Gentleman, Beast on the Moon, State, 1998; Tobias, A Delicate Balance, State, 1997.

Honors: Payne award, The Fantasticks; Critics Table nomination, Taming of the Shrew; Critics Table nomination, Young Man From Atlanta; Critics Table nomination, Delicate Balance; Critics Table award, Shadowlands.

"Woody" might seem an unfortunate nickname for an actor, but such is the artistry and skill of Everett "Woody" Skaggs that linking the sobriquet to his stage work is inconceivable. Skaggs' performances brim with life, as if he's connected to an internal dynamo. Like a thespian of the old school, he commands a splendidly well-modulated voice and has a gift for extravagant gesture, traits that he employed to delightful comedic effect as a foolish fop in Mirandolina and the drunkard Sly in Taming of the Shrew. But in a naturalistic drama, he'll shine just as brightly, as with the haunted Tobias in Albee's Delicate Balance or the folksy, compassionate Pete in Horton Foote's Young Man From Atlanta, illuminating their humanity in simple, poignant expressions.