Author Profile:  Tyrone J.  Butler

Tyrone J.  Butler, a native of Augusta, Georgia, founded the Augusta Mini Theatre Community Arts School in 1975 and is currently serving as its Executive Director.  A 1971 graduate of Albany State University, Mr. Butler holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology.  A self-taught playwright, director, lyricist, and vocalist, Mr. Butler has received additional training as a writer by attending creative writing sessions at Augusta College through the school's Continuing Education Program.

Mr. Butler has received numerous awards for his work including the Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts (Georgia, 1984) and the Sandhills Writers Conference Honorable Mention for The Johnny Williams Story.  His plays, Pickin’ and Last Chance were published in 2003 and 2006 by Pioneer Drama Service, Englewood, Colorado and Heuer Publishing LLC in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, respectively.  In addition to the two plays Mr. Butler has already published, he has another, Before the Storm, being considered by publishers at present.

Mr. Butler's plays reflect the negative living conditions some of our young people are forced to dwell, as well as how those conditions shape their attitude toward life.