Celebrating Excellence in Orange County’s Artistic Community
This past Monday night in Costa Mesa, California, the spirit of live theater radiated through the Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts during the third annual OC Theatre Guild Awards. The event, which was packed to capacity, served as a vibrant celebration of the theatrical talent sprawling across Orange County, showcasing a night filled with performances, recognition, and community spirit.
A Growing Tradition of Recognition
This year’s awards ceremony marked an expansion in the celebration of theatrical arts, with 20 categories recognized—an increase from the previous editions. Notably, the inclusion of four gender-neutral acting categories underscored the progressive approach the OC Theatre Guild is adopting. The total of 24 awards, with multiple recipients in some categories, illustrated the depth and diversity of talent within the local theater scene.
Major Winners of the Night
The evening saw several theater companies emerge prominently. Chance Theater took the lead, securing nine awards for their productions including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Ride the Cyclone, and Matinicus: The Story of Abigail Burgess. Curtis Theatre followed with seven awards for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, demonstrating their knack for engaging and dynamic productions. Costa Mesa Playhouse claimed five awards for Clybourne Park, reflecting its critical and popular acclaim. Not to be overlooked, Ophelia’s Jump Productions and American Coast Theater Company were also honored, for Nevermore and Forever Plaid respectively, showcasing the range of dramatic and musical talents across the county.
The Creative Forces Behind the Ceremony
Directed by Shinshin Tsai, the ceremony was brilliantly hosted by Brooke Aston Harper, with Kim Le enchanting attendees as the musical director and pianist. The evening was enriched with musical performances and heartfelt insights from members of the nominated productions, creating a truly immersive experience for all present. The behind-the-scenes efforts were seamlessly coordinated by Production Stage Manager Bebe Herrera, with projection designs crafted by Kristin Campbell.
Why You Should Attend Future OC Theatre Guild Awards
The OC Theatre Guild, founded in 2015 and officially organized in 2019, has consistently worked towards nurturing and promoting live theater in Greater Orange County. Their events not only celebrate artistic achievements but also foster a sense of community and collaboration among artists and theater lovers. Attending the OC Theatre Guild Awards offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the passion and creativity that define the local arts scene. It’s a chance to see emerging talents and seasoned artists alike, all while supporting the broader mission of enhancing cultural richness and diversity through live theater.
Plus, the Guild believes that theater plays a crucial role in creating a healthy, passionate, and multicultural society. Their commitment is reflected in the increasing scope and scale of the awards ceremony, which serves as a platform for artists to grow, connect, and inspire. For anyone passionate about the arts, attending the OC Theatre Guild Awards is not just a night out; it’s an investment in the cultural fabric of Orange County, promising personal enrichment and a deeper connection to the community.
2024 OC Theatre Guild award recipients are:
Outstanding Production of a Play
Clybourne Park, Costa Mesa Playhouse
Outstanding Production of a Musical
Nevermore, Ophelia’s Jump Productions
Outstanding Direction of a Play
Darryl B. Hovis, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Chance Theater
Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Jonathan Infante & Tara Pitt, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Curtis Theatre
Outstanding New Play
Jenny Connell Davis, Matinicus: The Story of Abigail Burgess, Chance Theater, Playwright
Outstanding Ensemble of a Play
Clybourne Park, Costa Mesa Playhouse
Outstanding Ensemble of a Musical
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Curtis Theatre
Outstanding Lead Performance in Play (two recipients)
Aaron Lipp, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Chance Theater
Cody Hanify, Clybourne Park, Costa Mesa Playhouse
Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical (two recipients)
Chris Russo, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Curtis Theatre
Paul Zelhart, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Curtis Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Play (two recipients)
Peter Hilton, Clybourne Park, Costa Mesa Playhouse
Taj Young, Clybourne Park, Costa Mesa Playhouse
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical (two recipients)
Em Flosi, Ride the Cyclone, Chance Theater
Wyatt Hatfield, Ride the Cyclone, Chance Theater
Outstanding Scenic Design
Antonio Beach & Bradley Kaye, Ride the Cyclone, Chance Theater
Outstanding Costume Design
Michael Mullen, Nevermore, Ophelia’s Jump Productions
Outstanding Lighting Design
Andrea Heilman, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Chance Theater
Outstanding Sound Design
Darryl B. Hovis, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Chance Theater
Outstanding Choreography
Hannah Simmons & Susan K. Berkompas, Forever Plaid, American Coast Theater Company
Outstanding Music Direction
Stephen Hulsey, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Curtis Theatre
Outstanding Projection Design
Nick Santiago, Ride the Cyclone, Chance Theater
Outstanding Wig Design
Susan Gonzales & Laarnie Barcelon, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Curtis Theatre
Outstanding Properties Design
Kerri Hellmuth & Cari Noel, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Curtis Theatre
For more information, visit octheatreguild.org
This event took place in Segerstrom Center for the Arts: 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa
.
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of Francis Gacad
