Tag Archives: Ohio Community Theatre Association

June 24, 2024 · 6:02 pm

2023-2024 Orchid & OCTAfest Convention Awards

Scroll down for links to Orchid Awards by Group

NAMED AWARDS 

  • ART ROUSE AWARD – Mary Stone
  • MARIO PITOCCO AWARD – Julie Beelman
  • ROGER GROOMS AWARD – Linda Abbott
  • PRESIDENT’S AWARD – Betsy Obermeyer
  • RISING STAR AWARD – Caleb Redslob (ACTUP), Laura Eaton (BPI), Sean Walker-Mize (CSP), Alex Shaw (CMT), Beth Boland (FLI), Olivia Lovett (GTP), Davis Byrd (INNOVA), Michael Yarick (LSC), Natasha Boeckmann (MPI), Mike Pateras (MCP), Michelle Bellany (QCP), Logan Dunn (SSP), Clare Hingsbergen (TDW) & John Leo Meuthing (VP)
  • SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY THEATRE AWARD – Jennifer Richardson and Greg Schaper

OCTA_logoEXCERPTS INVITED TO REPRESENT THE SOUTHWEST REGION AT STATE

  • ONLY ROSE – CenterStage Players
  • THE TIN WOMAN – The Drama Workshop
  • THE BOOK OF WILL – Mariemont Players
  •  Agatha Christie’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS – Footlighters, Inc. (Alternate)

EXCERPT AWARDS 

Below is the list of OCTA awards for the shows that excerpted over the weekend.

DOUBLEWIDE, TEXAS
Village Players of Fort Thomas

  • Merit in Acting – Helen Merritt as Larken Barken
  • Merit in Acting – Jimmy Jackson as Norwayne “Baby” Crumpler
  • Merit in Acting – Susan Smith as Caprice Crumpler

ONLY ROSE
CenterStage Players

  • Outstanding in Acting – Nick Dunker as Tom
  • Outstanding in Acting – Mary Jo Bissmeyer as Rose
  • Outstanding in Duo Acting – Nick Dunker and Mary Jo Bissmeyer
  • Outstanding in Original Script – Dennis Murphy
  • Outstanding in Costumes – Dennis Murphy
  • Outstanding in Directing – Dennis Murphy
  • Excellence in Set Design -Dennis Murphy
  • Excellence in Ensemble – Cast of Only Rose         
  • Merit in Acting – Amy Eyers as Edwina

Agatha Christie’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS
Footlighters, Inc.

  • Outstanding in Direction – Becky Collins
  • Outstanding in Costumes- Sophie Grant
  • Outstanding in Acting – Fred Murrell as Hercule Poirot
  • Excellence in Acting – Jennifer Day as Helen Hubbard
  • Excellence in Acting – Hope Pauly as Greta Ohlsson
  • Excellence in Ensemble- Cast of Orient Express
  • Merit in Acting – Barb Timmons as Princess Dragomiroff
  • Merit in Sound Design – Jason Cox

THE TIN WOMAN
The Drama Workshop

  • Outstanding in Acting Dan Maloney as Jack
  • Outstanding in Acting – Christie Bishop as Hank
  • Outstanding in Acting – Jessie Faye as Sammy
  • Outstanding in Ensemble – Cast of The Tin Woman
  • Excellence in Direction – Jerry Wiesenhahn
  • Excellence in Acting – Rose Vanden Eynden as Alice
  • Merit in Acting – Kendra Dunahugh as Joy

ABOVE THE SAND
Mason Community Players

  • Outstanding in Costumes – Gail Rudolph and Linda Geering
  • Excellence in Orchestra – Orchestra of Above the Sand
  • Excellence in Original Script – Thomas Davis
  • Excellence in Musical Theatre Performance – Corey Meyer as Wilbur Wright
  • Merit in Musical Theatre Performance – Eva Bower as Katharine Wright
  • Merit in Vocal Ensemble – Cast of Above the Sand

THE RED VELVET CAKE WAR 
Loveland Stage Company

  • Excellence in Costuming- Carissa Sloan
  • Merit in Acting – Lauren Rinner as Peaches Verdeen Belrose
  • Merit in Acting – Nancy Rzonca as Jimmie Wyvette Verdeen
  • Merit in Acting – Justin Hanks as Newt Blaylock
  • Merit in Acting – Charlie Raider as Purvis Verdeen

THE OUTSIDER
Sunset Players

  • Excellence in Acting – Ray Smith as Ned Newley
  • Excellence in Acting – Brian Costa as A. C. Peterson
  • Excellence in Direction – David Roth
  • Merit in Acting – Rachel Brzezinski as Louise Peakes
  • Merit in Ensemble – Cast of The Outsider

THE 39 STEPS, EVEN MORE ABRIDGED
Tri-County Players

  • Outstanding in Acting – Evan Beckmeyer as Richard Hannay
  • Outstanding in Duo Acting – John Dorney and Kathleen McDaniel as Clown
  • Excellence in Direction – Sarah Hoback and Dane Rogers
  • Excellence in Costumes – Betty Coulter and Cast
  • Excellence in Props – Mindi Emmons, Sarah Hoback, Dane Rogers, and Gregory Smith

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME 
INNOVAtheatre

  • Outstanding in Musical Theatre Performance – Jacob Nichols as Quasimodo
  • Excellence in Musical Theatre Performance – Jason S. Lakesas Dom Claude Frollo
  • Excellence in Costumes – Poleena Greely
  • Merit in Musical Theatre Performance – Grace Goodwin as Esmerelda
  • Merit in Vocal Ensemble- Cast of The Hunchback of Notre Dame
  • Merit in Canine Performance – Blaze the Dog as Dog
  • Merit in Choreography – Isadore Karick
  • Merit in Lighting Design- Richard Lee Waldeck

GLADYS NIGHTS
Beechmont Players

  • Outstanding in Acting – Maggie Ingram King as Gladys
  • Excellence in Acting – Scott Unesas Ray
  • Merit in Acting- Pamela Blessing as Pepper
  • Merit in Acting – Mark Waldfogle as Man
  • Merit in Acting- Lisa Marie White as Techie 1
  • Merit in Acting – Lisa Kuhn as Techie 2
  • Merit in Direction – Steve Phelan
  • Merit in Sound Design – Jason Cox

THE BOOK OF WILL
Mariemont Players

  • Outstanding in Direction- jef Brown
  • Outstanding in Costumes- Linda Roll and Faye Crawford
  • Outstanding in Acting -Keith Cassidy as Henry Condell
  • Outstanding in Acting- John Conrard as John Heminges
  • Excellence in Ensemble -Cast of The Book of Will
  • Excellence in Acting – Mary Stoneas Emilia Bassano Lanier
  • Excellence in Dialect Coaching – Ann Nixon
  • Excellence in Lighting Design – Alan Jeffries
  • Merit in Acting – Wayne Kirsch as Ralph Crane

ORCHID AWARDS

The Orchid Awards are presented at the end of each season determined by an adjudication system of providing three judges per production for each of the ACT of Greater Cincinnati member groups. Orchid awards for the 2023-2024 Season:

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December 21, 2023 · 5:29 pm

2024 ACT/OCTAFest is Moving

ACT_theatreACT Cincinnati, you spoke, and we listened! We have super exciting news to share with you about the 2024 ACT/OCTAFest Regional Convention that we know you’re going to absolutely love.

For ACT’s 69th anniversary, we are proud to announce that we have two brand-new venues, both within the I-275 loop and both right next door to one another. 

We will be using Princeton High School’s gorgeous, state-of-the-art, and recently renovated Matthews Auditorium for the 2024 excerpts. Our Saturday night banquet, awards ceremony, and party will be right across the street adjacent to the parking lot at the Delta Hotels by Marriott—an easy 10-minute walk from Princeton High. 

ACT_BanquetThe Marriott’s banquet room has significantly more room than the Embassy Suites and will allow those who are only attending the awards and party to sit at a table versus having to sit along the side of the room. The hotel room rates remain low at $119 a night, and we’ll be having a buffet-style dinner instead of a sit-down dinner to allow people to pick and choose their meal for one low price.

We are giddy about this year’s regional convention, and we owe it all to our masterful and tenacious negotiator, 1st VP Amanda Emmons Shumate. She took your feedback to heart and made all these wonderful changes happen! 

Mark your calendars now for June 15 – 17, 2024, and start preparing for an amazing regional convention!

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November 27, 2023 · 12:47 pm

The Passing of John Anthony Falkenbach

MISC_John Anthony Falkenbach-Beavercreek Community Theatre

BCT is devastated by the unexpected loss of a treasured family member. We are shocked and saddened by the passing of John Falkenbach this morning. If you were involved in Dayton community theatre, or OCTA, you knew and loved John. John’s contributions to Dayton theatre were enormous and BCT will not be the same without him. We will share any information about arrangements as they become available. Rest well John, to say you will be missed is an understatement.

– Obituary from Littleton & Rue

John Anthony “Tigger” Falkenbach, 65, of Dayton, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023. He was born on July 23, 1958, in Mansfield, Ohio, the son of John C. Falkenbach and Mary Ann (Torlina) Hudson.

John’s journey through life was marked by a profound love for the arts, and his passion for theatre was unmistakable. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in the class of 1976 and was an alumnus of Ohio Northern University. He worked as a financial consultant/ accountant for over 40 years, most recently working for Robert Haff International and was assigned to various companies throughout the Miami Valley Region during his 16 years of service.

However, it was the stage that truly captured Johnnie’s heart. He was involved in community, educational, and professional theatre for almost 50 years. He was active onstage and behind the scenes where he was a director, lighting designer, producer, actor, and techie. He was a cherished member of the following theater communities: Beavercreek Community Theatre (BCT), Dayton Playhouse, Troy Civic Theatre, Xenia Area Community Theatre, Dayton Theatre Guild, Little Theatre Off Broadway, and the Springfield Civic Theatre. He was a 51-time Daytony winner including 40 awards for Lighting Design and four for Set Design. John was inducted into the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame in 2018. He was the Treasurer on the BCT Board of Directors and was active in the Ohio Community Theatre Association for over 35 years serving in many capacities. Among his favorite productions were “Company” and “Godspell,” where he shared his talent and creativity with countless audiences.

Johnnie was instrumental in opening the first Little Caesar’s Pizza franchise in Springfield, Ohio. He loved the character, Tigger, from Winnie the Pooh, and enjoyed playing Chess, cards and games with his family and friends. Johnnie is credited with inspiring his siblings, niece and nephews to also sing, dance and perform.

Johnnie leaves behind a legacy of love and creativity. He is survived by his loving mother, Mary Ann Hudson, stepmother, Carol Falkenbach, as well as his siblings: David Michael (Debbie) Falkenbach, Mary Beth (Mark) Goodin, and Gary Joseph (Rita) Falkenbach. He also leaves behind a brother-in-law Robb Butterfield and nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart: Bradley, Jeremy (Caleb), Seth (Matt), Kayla (Mike), Justin (Julie), and one great nephew Syre, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, John C. Falkenbach and sister Amy Butterfield (Falkenbach).

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, December 1st, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME, with a service to begin at 7:00 p.m. Following the service, a meal will begin at 8:00 p.m. in The Landing at Littleton & Rue, providing an opportunity for loved ones to come together, share memories, and celebrate John’s life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.

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September 5, 2023 · 6:02 am

OCTAFest State Convention Awards for Cincinnati Music Theatre

CMT_logoKINKY BOOTS

  • Merit in Acting as George – John Michael Durnil
  • Merit in Ensemble – The Cast
  • Excellence in Musical Accompaniment – The Orchestra
  • Outstanding in Musical Theatre Performance as Lauren – Rebecca Wall
  • Outstanding in Musical Theatre Performance as Charlie Price – Robert Breslin IV
  • Outstanding in Musical Theatre Performance as Lola/Simon – Garrett Klaas

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June 21, 2023 · 5:45 am

2022-2023 Orchid & OCTAfest Convention Awards

ACT_logoScroll down for links to Orchid Awards by Group

NAMED AWARDS 

  • ART ROUSE AWARD – Judy Berrens
  • MARIO PITOCCO AWARD – George Fee
  • ROGER GROOMS AWARD – Charles Wilhelm
  • PRESIDENT’S AWARD – Amy Waldfogle
  • RISING STAR AWARD – Emily Nickles (ACTUP), Zak Kelley (CSP), John Michael Durnil (CMT), Megan Horton (FLI), Pollen Greely (INNOVA), Pettrina Barresi (LSC), Kelly Holtgrefe (MPI), Dana Davis (MCP), Nick Dunker (SSP), Chris & Amy Evers (TDW)
  • SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY THEATRE AWARD – Cathy Lutts and Kent Smith

OCTA_logoEXCERPTS INVITED TO REPRESENT THE SOUTHWEST REGION AT STATE

  • A GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER – Footlighters, Inc.
  • KINKY BOOTS – Cincinnati Music Theatre
  • A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE – Tri-County Players
  •  THE GODS OF COMEDY – Mariemont Players (Alternate)

EXCERPT AWARDS 

Below is the list of OCTA awards for the shows that excerpted over the weekend.

The three shows chosen to attend the Labor Day conference are: A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE and KINKY BOOTS. The alternate show is Ken Ludwigs’ THE GODS OF COMEDY..

THE MATCHMAKER
Beechmont Players

  • EXCELLENCE IN COSTUMES – Kathy Beiting
  • EXCELLENCE IN COSTUMES – Adria Bentley
  • EXCELLENCE IN COSTUMING – Faye Crawford
  • EXCELLENCE IN ACTING AS BARNABY – Zak Slemmer
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS CORNELIUS – Michael Blessing
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS DOLLY – Jody Hart
  • MERIT IN ENSEMBLE – The Cast
  • MERIT IN DUET ACTING PERFORMANCE – Zak Slemmer
  • MERIT IN DUET ACTING PERFORMANCE – Michael Blessing

THE LARAMIE PROJECT: Ten Years Later
CenterStage Players

  • MERIT IN ACTING AS CATHERINE CONNOLLY – Tobie Braverman
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS DAVE O’MALLEY – Joel Lind
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS MARGE MURRAY – Betty Coulter
  • MERIT IN AUDIOVISUAL – Fred Hunt
  • MERIT IN AUDIOVISUAL – Chris Vassaux

KINKY BOOTS
Cincinnati Music Theatre

  • OUTSTANDING IN MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE AS LOLA/SIMON – Garrett Klass
  • OUTSTANDING IN MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE AS LAUREN – Rebecca Wall
  • OUTSTANDING IN DUET PERFORMANCE FOR NOT MY FATHER’S SON – Robert Breslin
  • OUTSTANDING IN DUET PERFORMANCE FOR NOT MY FATHER’S SON – Garrett Klass
  • OUTSTANDING IN CHOREOGRAPHY – Jules Breslin
  • OUTSTANDING IN SET DESIGN – Matt Santeler
  • OUTSTANDING IN ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANC – The Kinky Boots Band
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS DON – Jamie Sivrais
  • EXCELLENCE IN VOCAL PERFORMANCE – Robert Breslin
  • OUTSTANDING IN DIRECTION – Aubrey E. Wilson
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS GEORGE – John Michael Durnill
  • OUTSTANDING IN MUSICAL DIRECTION – Alan Masters
  • OUTSTANDING IN VOCAL DIRECTION – Madelaine Wilkerson
  • OUTSTANDING IN WIGS AND HAIR – Madelaine Wilkerson
  • OUTSTANDING IN WIGS AND HAIR – Sierra Magill

RADIUM GIRLS
The Drama Workshop

  • MERIT IN ENSEMBLE – The Cast
  • EXCELLENCE IN COSTUMES – Amanda Borchers
  • EXCELLENCE IN SET DESIGN – Adam Borchers
  • EXCELLENCE IN COSTUMES – Dennis Murphy
  • MERIT IN TRIO ACTING ENSEMBLE IRENE, KATHRYN, AND GRACE – Collette Thomas
  • MERIT IN TRIO ACTING ENSEMBLE IRENE, KATHRYN, AND GRACE – Cassandra Homan-Wall
  • MERIT IN TRIO ACTING ENSEMBLE IRENE, KATHRYN, AND GRACE – Izz Allison

A GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER
Footlighters

  • OUTSTANDING IN DIRECTING – Chad Brinkman
  • OUTSTANDING IN MUSIC DIRECTION – Alan Masters
  • OUTSTANDING IN SOUND – Forrest Goodwin
  • OUTSTANDING IN CHOREOGRAPHY – Amanda Marasch
  • OUTSTANDING IN ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE – The Orchestra
  • OUTSTANDING IN MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE AS D’YSQUITH FAMILY – Wayne Wright
  • OUTSTANDING IN ENSEMBLE – The Cast
  • OUTSTANDING AS PRODUCER – Jennifer Day
  • OUTSTANDING AS PRODUCER – Cathy Lutts
  • OUTSTANDING IN COSTUMES – Kristie Marasch
  • OUTSTANDING IN COSTUMES – Carolyn Martinez
  • OUTSTANDING IN SET DESIGN – Chad Brinkman
  • OUTSTANDING IN VOCAL ENSEMBLE – The Cast
  • OUTSTANDING IN TRIO PERFORMANCE AS MONTY/SIBELLA/PHOEBE – Alex Devore
  • OUTSTANDING IN TRIO PERFORMANCE AS MONTY/SIBELLA/PHOEBE – Delaney O’Toole
  • OUTSTANDING IN TRIO PERFORMANCE AS MONTY/SIBELLA/PHOEBE – Hope Pauly

TWELFTH NIGHT
Loveland Stage Company

  • EXCELLENCE IN ACTING AS MALVOLIO – Joe Simmons
  • EXCELLENCE IN MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE AS FESTE – Mike Yarick
  • EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTORIAL CONCEPT – Kiya Fix
  • EXCELLENCE IN ENSEMBLE – The Cast
  • EXCELLENCE IN COSTUMES – Kate Arnold
  • EXCELLENCE IN COSTUMES – Becky Jones

Ken Ludwig’s THE GODS OF COMEDY
Mariemont Players

  • OUTSTANDING IN ACTING AS DIONYSUS – Eric Day
  • EXCELLENCE IN ENSEMBLE – The Cast
  • EXCELLENCE IN DIRECTION – Jennifer Day
  • EXCELLENCE IN COSTUMES – Elaine Michael
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS THALIA – Matasha Boeckmann
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS DEAN TRICKETT – Debbi Berlon
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS BROOKLYN – Ashley Herbert
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS DAPHNE – Anna Hazard
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS ARES – Alex Saldano

NUINSENSE 
Mason Community Players

  • MERIT IN ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE – The Monk-ee’s Band
  • MERIT IN MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE AS REV. MOTHER – Julie Poux
  • EXCELLENCE IN PUPPET DESIGN – Wes Ledyard
  • EXCELLENCE IN MUSICAL THEATRE DUET AS SR. MARY AMNESIA – Kelley Flaugher
  • EXCELLENCE IN MUSICAL THEATRE DUET AS SR. MARY ANNETTE – Sister Mary Annette

BE MY BABY
Sunset Players

  • MERIT IN ACTING AS JOHN CAMPBELL – Dennis Murphy
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS MAUD KINCH – Elaine Michael
  • MERIT IN  DOOR MALFUNTION AD-LIB AS DIMETRI – Michael Kiser

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
Tri-County Players

  • OUTSTANDING IN ENSEMBLE – The Cast
  • OUTSTANDING IN ACTING AS BEATRICE CARBONE – Mary Stone
  • OUTSTANDING IN ACTING AS EDDIE CARBONE – Keith Cassidy
  • OUTSTANDING IN DIRECTION – Tom Peters
  • EXCELLENCE IN FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY – Jonn Baca
  • EXCELLENCE IN ACTING AS MARCO – Thurman Allen
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS RUDOLPHO – Ellis Quinne

HOLIDAZED
Village Players

  • EXCELLENCE IN ORIGINAL PLAY – Bill Brohaugh
  • EXCELLENCE IN ORIGINAL PLAY – Lisa Holt
  • EXCELLENCE IN ORIGINAL PLAY – A.K. Forbes
  • EXCELLENCE IN ORIGINAL PLAY – Eric Thomas
  • EXCELLENCE IN ACTING AS BOY/AMY NOELLE – Stephanie Klein Garvey
  • EXCELLENCE IN ACTING AS SCROOGE – Wayne Kirsch
  • OUTSTANDING IN ACTING AS NARRATOR – Arny Stoller
  • EXCELLENCE IN TRIO ENSEMBLE ACTING – Stephanie Klein Garvey
  • EXCELLENCE IN TRIO ENSEMBLE ACTING – Wayne Kirsch
  • EXCELLENCE IN TRIO ENSEMBLE ACTING – Arny Stoller
  • EXCELLENCE IN COSTUMES – Linda Rolle
  • EXCELLENCE IN COSTUMES – Stephanie Klein Garvey
  • EXCELLENCE IN ACTING AS WINTER – Mark Waldfogle
  • MERIT IN DIRECTING – Angela Klocke Forbes
  • MERIT IN ACTING AS JOAN – Rose Van Eynden

ORCHID AWARDS

The Orchid Awards are presented at the end of each season determined by an adjudication system of providing three judges per production for each of the ACT of Greater Cincinnati member groups. Orchid awards for the 2022-2023 Season:

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