The NEPTA Award Nominations have been announced! The Northeastern Pennsylvania Theatrical Alliance presents this annual event, held every spring, which highlights and honors the very best in Community Theater. The categories mirror those of the Tony Awards, including Best Actor and Actress in a comedy, drama and musical. There are awards for supporting actors, directors, and technical work as well. And of course there are awards for Best Comedy, Best Drama, Best Musical and Best Overall show of the year.
Worthington Players, the artistic arm of The Shawnee Institute and whose “home stage” is The Shawnee Playhouse, received a total of 20 nominations this year!! The awards ceremony will be held at the beautiful Ehrhardt's Waterfront Banquet Center in Hawley Pa.
Eight of The Worthington Players Productions from 2015 have been nominated. Congratulations to all the directors, casts, crews and creative teams!! The nominees are listed below by show and include some of the best local talent seen in Theatre.
Little Shop of Horrors:
ï¶ Best Lead Actor in a Musical – Brandon Hanks as Seymour Krelbomï¶ Best Lead Actress in a Musical – Kaitie Kaiser as Audreyï¶ Best Director of a Musical – Midge McCloskyï¶ Best Musical Director – Amy Rauï¶ Best Lighting Design – David SchappertBarefoot in the Parkï¶ Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy – Marty Courtney as Victorï¶ Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy– Sarah McCarroll as Mrs. Banksï¶ Best Lead Actor in a Comedy – Josh Keller as Paul
The Crucibleï¶ Best Lead Actress in a Drama – Taylor Rupp as Abigail Williamsï¶ Best Supporting Actress in a Drama – Michelle Backus as Titubaï¶ Best Director of a Drama – Gillian Turner and Vanessa Rosas ï¶ Best Dramaï¶ Best Overall Show
High School Musical Jr.ï¶ Best Teen Actor (13yrs to 18yrs) –Kristopher Sanchez as Ryan Evans
Cinderellaï¶ Best Youth Actress (12 and under) – Michaela Raub as Stepsister Luluï¶ Best Family Show
Rapunzelï¶ Best Youth Actor (12 and Under) – Bobby McClosky as Prince Jimï¶ Best Youth Show
The Dead Indian Museumï¶ Best Original Production
LAPSeD by Dan Eashï¶ Best One Act