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2026 Perry Awards Winners

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 10/12/2026

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- The 53rd Annual Perry Awards were presented by NJACT (The New Jersey Association of Community Theatres) on October 4, 2026 at The Strand Theater. Some notable winners: The Community Theater of the Year went to Studio Players; Kevin Gunther received a Lifetime Achievement Award; John Wells received the David P. McMenemie Award; and the Reviewer of the Year Award went to Richard Siegel.

The Perry Awards are named in honor of Wm. Perry Morgan. Perry, as his friends have always known him, was a gifted director, actor, composer, and musician who was once a driving force in New Jersey Community Theater. During his time in New Jersey, Perry and several of his close colleagues realized the need to recognize the many great accomplishments of their fellow thespians, who gave so freely of their talents to enrich the lives of theater patrons. And so the AVY Awards were born in 1973, named after the town of Avenel, NJ, where Perry lived. The AVY Awards were held every June, and the announcement of each year’s nominees was always a much-anticipated event throughout New Jersey’s theater community. Perry continued to produce the AVY Awards for more than 20 years until, in 1994, he announced that he and his wife were relocating to Memphis, TN.

After Perry’s departure and the AVY Awards’ retirement, a small group of individuals decided to keep the AVY Awards’ spirit alive by creating the ACT Awards. This awards program continued for several years until 1998, when it was renamed the Recognition of Excellence in Community Theater Award, or RECT Award for short, and with Perry’s permission, the awards were named the “Perry Awards.” Then, in 2004, the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters, or NJACT Perry Awards, was formed to take over the awards program, and the tradition continues to this day.

At that time, Wm. Perry Morgan stated, “The acknowledgment of excellence in Community Theater by any award serves only to reinforce that which is already known: that some of the finest theatrical productions ever produced are done so year after year in community theaters throughout New Jersey.”

The complete list of nominees and categories winners is listed below with the winner presented in bold text.





 

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Outstanding Production of a Play

ARMS AND THE MAN, Shakespeare 70, Jake Burbage, Hannah Rapaport-Stein-Producers, Janet Quartarone -Director

HARVEY, Nutley Little Theatre, Mead Winters-Producer/Director

SEASCAPE, Bergen County Players, Sharla Herbert-Producer, Dottie Fischer-Director

THE 39 STEPS, Maurer Productions OnStage, Diana Gilman Maurer, John M. Maurer-Producers, John M. Maurer-Director

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, Westfield Community Players, Leslie Schwartz-Producer, Sharon Coyle-Director

THE SHARK IS BROKEN, CDC Theatre, Sean Lough-Producer, Mike Burdick-Director




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THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, Chester Theatre Group, Ellen Fraker-Glasscock-Producer, George LaVigne-Director




Outstanding Production of a Musical

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, Phoenix Productions, Inc., Tom Hessman-Producer, Anthony Viera-Director

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Bergen County Players, Michele Roth, Kathleen Ruland-Producer, Alyson Cohn-Director

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Phoenix Productions, Inc., Anthony Viera-Producer, James Grausam-Director

FROZEN THE MUSICAL, ShowKids Invitational Theatre, Diane Lehnert, Carol Newman-Producers, Kristen Nasto, Carol Newman-Directors

MARY POPPINS, Villagers Theatre, Villagers Theatre-Producer, Jack Tomy-Director

SOMETHING ROTTEN, Pebble Players, Jayne Myers-Producer/Director

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, The Premier Theatre Company, Kitty Cleary, Ellen Ruane-Producers, Donna Battaglia-Director

 







 

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Outstanding Direction of a Play

Steve Bell, THE 39 STEPS, Bergen County Players

Mike Burdick, THE SHARK IS BROKEN, CDC Theatre

Sharon Cullen Garry, THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE, Chatham Community Players

Richard Curcio, THE MOUSETRAP, Levoy Theatre

George LaVigne, THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, Chester Theatre Group

Darren Nye, ON TIME, Villagers Theatre

Janet Quartarone, ARMS AND THE MAN, Shakespeare 70

Mead Winters, HARVEY, Nutley Little Theatre




Outstanding Direction of a Musical

Donna Battaglia, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, The Premier Theatre Company

Alyson Cohn, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Bergen County Players

James Grausam, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Phoenix Productions, Inc. 

Jayne Myers, SOMETHING ROTTEN, Pebble Players

Kevin Ohlweiler, FIRST DATE, Studio Players

Emily Steen, PIPPIN, StageWorks Theatre Group

Mike Trujillo, DIARY OF A SIMPY KID, Villagers Theatre




Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play 

Thomas Balne, THE BIRDS, Masquerade Theatre

Ashley Basile, HOLIDAY SPIRITS, Thinkery & Verse





 

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Al Caggiano, THE MOUSETRAP, Levoy Theatre

Alex Fritsch, THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE, Chatham Community Players

Judi Parrish, THE 39 STEPS, Maurer Productions OnStage

Mark Reilly, THE SHARK IS BROKEN, CDC Theatre

Allan Seward, SEASCAPE, Bergen County Players




Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical

Eric Baker, JAGGED LITTLE PILL, Haddonfield Plays & Players

Glenn Burroughs, GODSPELL, CHAOS Theatre Company

Christian Confalone, ANYTHING GOES, Villagers Theatre

Sam Franz, ASSASSINS, StageWorks Theatre Group

Sam Lazofsky, ALICE BY HEART, BAC Community Players

Emily Lovell, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Phoenix Productions, Inc. 

Judi Parrish, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Maurer Productions OnStage

Kyle Santopadre, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Phoenix Productions, Inc. 




Outstanding Sound Design of a Play

Eric Collins, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, The MTM Players

Aster Kiesche, ON TIME, Villagers Theatre

Gary Kochey, Natasha Thompson, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Village Playbox

Chris Loos, ARMS AND THE MAN, Shakespeare 70

Judi Parrish, THE 39 STEPS, Maurer Productions OnStage

Don Schlachter, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, Westfield Community Players

Craig Tiede, THE SPOILS, StageWorks Theatre Group

Drew Villafuerte, THE LARAMIE PROJECT: 10 YEARS LATER, OffBook Productions




Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical

Nate Burwell, Christopher Vehmas, Emily Steen, SCHOOL OF ROCK, StageWorks Theatre Group

Ashanty Gil, Aaron Little, AS ABOVE, SO BELOW, Ferrell Studios

Anthony Graceffo, DIARY OF A SIMPY KID, Villagers Theatre

Tom Hessman, Zack Tenety, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Phoenix Productions, Inc.

Marcus Orozco, Chris Rocco, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, The Premier Theatre Company

Jason Rand, IF/THEN, Playhouse 22

Mike Russell, GHOST THE MUSICAL, The Blue Moon Theatre

Noah Schwartz, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Maurer Productions OnStage




Outstanding Costume Design of a Play

Donna Allen, Anita Rowland, Natasha Thompson, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Village Playbox

Melissa Hommes, COME BLOW YOUR HORN, Somerset Valley Players

Autumn Hyun, ALL MY SONS, Trilogy Repertory

Brianna Martinez, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, The Maplewood Strollers

Dina Martini, John Rattacasa, THE MOUSETRAP, Levoy Theatre

Muriel Rand, FENCES, Playhouse 22

Heather Tumbleson, THE SHARK IS BROKEN, CDC Theatre




Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical

Derek Alfano, Alefiyah Danish, Anna Espinoza, Andi Kern, Hilary Pearson, Maria Printon, Jared Milian, MARY POPPINS, Villagers Theatre

Derek Alfano, Anna Espinoza, Charles Milian, Alyson Pemoulie, Maria Printon, LEGALLY BLONDE, Villagers Theatre

Hailey Aversa, Jenn Pifher, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, Porch Light Productions

Kitty Cleary, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, The Premier Theatre Company

Kathy Ferrigno, CHRISTMAS IN NEVERLAND, Main Street Theater Company

Joanne Penrose, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Phoenix Productions, Inc.

Adrienne Skokan, SOMETHING ROTTEN, Pebble Players

Sarah Wiessner, PIPPIN, StageWorks Theatre Group




Outstanding Properties in a Play

Rich Ciero, Tina Marie Ferrara, THE CAKE, Bergen County Players

Jennifer Cooper, Corina Lupp, Mead Winters, HARVEY, Nutley Little Theatre

Justine DeNicola, Kelly Weeden, ARMS AND THE MAN, Shakespeare 70

Diana Gilman Maurer, John M. Maurer, THE 39 STEPS, Maurer Productions OnStage

Joanne Guerriero, COME BLOW YOUR HORN, Somerset Valley Players

Joe Leo, THE SHARK IS BROKEN, CDC Theatre

Paul Porowski, THE CAKE, Playhouse 22




Outstanding Properties in a Musical

Jennifer Bancks, Tina Marie Ferrara, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Bergen County Players

Kitty Cleary, Amethyst Fiorentino, Ellen Ruane, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, The Premier Theatre Company

Ian DiGuilio, Joanne Guerriero, Noelle McManus, MARY POPPINS, Villagers Theatre

James Grausam, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Phoenix Productions, Inc.

Elaina Misciagna, ALICE BY HEART, BAC Community Players

Kevin Ohlweiler, FIRST DATE, Studio Players

Kevin Pavron, SHE LOVES ME, Burlington County Footlighters




Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play

Gabrielle Affleck, Georgia DeFrank, THE BIRDS, Masquerade Theatre

Sharon Coyle, Jackie Hartley, Armand Marino, Robert Palladino, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, Westfield Community Players

Michael Gilbert, ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST, The MTM Players

Vincent Gunn, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, StageWorks Theatre Group

Szczesny Lipinski, PLAY ON, Bergen County Players

Emily Muller, Mark Noble, COME BLOW YOUR HORN, Somerset Valley Players

Lauren Van Embden, THE MOUSETRAP, Levoy Theatre




Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical

Donna Battaglia, Sara Ruane, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, The Premier Theater Company

Joelle Bochner, Joe Devico, John AC Kennedy, Roy Pancirov, Dean Sickler, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, Chatham Community Players

Michael Gage Costa, Shannon Knopf, Brian Mulligan, JEKYLL & HYDE, North Brunswick Drama Group

Ashley Cusack, Kyle Santopadre, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Phoenix Productions, Inc. 

Jim Fraser, SHE LOVES ME, Burlington County Footlighters

Bree Guell, IF/THEN, Playhouse 22

Steve Moger, Kevin Ohlweiler, FIRST DATE, Studio Players

Shawn Simmons, SOUTH PACIFIC, The MTM Players

Shawn Simmons, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, Playful Theatre Productions

Ivie Wren, JAGGED LITTLE PILL, Haddonfield Plays & Players




Outstanding Choreography

Lyle Dungee, LEGALLY BLONDE, Villagers Theatre

Maya Fortgang, SOMETHING ROTTEN, Pebble Players

Jenna Garrison, MARY POPPINS, Villagers Theatre

Jessica Brotherton Newlin, JAGGED LITTLE PILL, Haddonfield Plays & Players

Gina Morisano, PIPPIN, Pegasus Production Company

Makenzie Newbury, RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, Levoy Theatre

Amanda Papa, ALICE BY HEART, BAC Community Players

Emma Taylor Schwartz, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, CDC Theatre




Outstanding Music Direction

Louis Danowsky, ROCK OF AGES, Pebble Players

Diana Dorhrmann, SISTAS THE MUSICAL, Bridge Players Theatre Company

Tom O’Brien, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Phoenix Productions, Inc. 

Robert Sammond, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, The Premier Theatre Company

David Shirley, ALICE BY HEART, BAC Community Players

Ethan Smith, PIPPIN, StageWorks Theatre Group

Amanda Zook, DIARY OF A SIMPY KID, Villagers Theatre




Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play

David Beil, BECKY’S NEW CAR, Magnolia Productions

Jake Burbage, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, Shakespeare 70

Brian Danner, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Village Playbox

Nick Foil, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Wharton Community Players

Bill Geltzeiler, THE SHARK IS BROKEN, CDC Theatre

John Jesse Jeffords, HARVEY, Nutley Little Theatre

Jahi Kassa Taharqa, A RAISIN IN THE SUN, Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center

Mike Patierno, THE SHARK IS BROKEN, CDC Theatre




Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical

Kori Caicedo, DIARY OF A SIMPY KID, Villagers Theatre

Michael Gage Costa, JEKYLL & HYDE, North Brunswick Drama Group

Eric Harper, IF/THEN, Playhouse 22

Jarrod Scott, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, Phoenix Productions, Inc. 

James Steele, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, The Premier Theatre Company

Michael Zweig, THE PROM, Thank You 5 Productions




Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play

Samantha Ambler, BECKY’S NEW CAR, Magnolia Productions

Susie Bischoff, CRY IT OUT, Playhouse 22

Valerie Doran, THE LION IN WINTER, Somerset Valley Players

Brenna Knight, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Wharton Community Players

Lauri MacMillan, THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE, Chatham Community Players

Allana Mariano, THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, Chester Theatre Group

Miriam Salerno, WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME, Pioneer Productions 




Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical

Angelina Amara, CHRISTMAS IN NEVERLAND, Main Street Theater Company

Hadar Baron, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Bergen County Players

Lexi Ciardella, ROCK OF AGES, Pebble Players

Jessica Heitmann, PIPPIN, Pegasus Production Company

Michele Mueller, CURTAINS, Somerset Valley Players

Jojo Parks, JEKYLL & HYDE, North Brunswick Drama Group

Alexis Rizzo, SHREK THE MUSICAL, West Milford Players

Jennie Santiago, JAGGED LITTLE PILL, Haddonfield Plays & Players

Reagan White, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Phoenix Productions, Inc.




Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical

Candice Belina, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Bergen County Players

Ericka Davis, IF/THEN, Playhouse 22

Tracey Lynne Haskell, MARY POPPINS, Villagers Theatre

Maria Heitmann, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Phoenix Productions, Inc. 

Karaline Rosen, JAGGED LITTLE PILL, Playhouse 22

Elizabeth Rzasa, BRIGHT STAR, North Brunswick Drama Group

Zoe Seitz, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Phoenix Productions, Inc. 




Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Nicholas Anderson, CRY IT OUT, Playhouse 22

Justin Del Valle, THE LARAMIE PROJECT: 10 YEARS LATER, OffBook Productions

Tom Farber, THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, Chester Theatre Group

Trevor Henderson, BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, StageWorks Theatre Group

Juice Jackson, THE TEMPEST, Stone Church Players

Jacob Turchi, THE LION IN WINTER, Somerset Valley Players

Robert Williamson, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Cumberland Players




Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical

Nick Culver, ASSASSINS, StageWorks Theatre Group

Tim Herman, SHE LOVES ME, Burlington County Footlighters

Don Howes, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, Chatham Community Players

Ken Locicero, HAIRSPRAY, Levoy Theatre

Billy Mills, IF/THEN, Playhouse 22

Joe Ronga, THE LITTLE MERMAID, Phoenix Productions, Inc. 

T’Bone Rube, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Bergen County Players

Justin Walsh, EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL, Haddonfield Plays & Players




Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play

Chantal Amissah, CRY IT OUT, Playhouse 22

Joanne Guarnaccia, BLITHE SPIRIT, Players Guild of Leonia

Karen Lisa Javois, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, Westfield Community Players

Hannah Portmann, 2026 MARSHALL PLAYWRIGHTS SHOWCASE, Players Guild of Leonia

Lorraine Stone, THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, Magnolia Productions

Nina Rangel, ANGELS IN BOSTON, First Avenue Playhouse

Cara Talty, THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, Chester Theatre Group

Tasha R. Williams, 31ST ANNUAL JERSEY VOICES ONE ACT FESTIVAL, Chatham Community Players




Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical

Tess Borsecnik, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, Chatham Community Players

Tracey Fama, CURTAINS, Somerset Valley Players

Ali Gleason, EVIL DEAD THE MUSICAL, Haddonfield Plays & Players

Marisa Jean Giachetti, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Phoenix Productions, Inc. 

Lex Goyden, JAGGED LITTLE PILL, Haddonfield Plays & Players

Camryn Ragland, THE LITTLE MERMAID, Phoenix Productions, Inc.

Fiona Wang, SOUTH PACIFIC, The MTM Players




Outstanding Youth Actor in a Play

Alasdair Adams, EBENEZER: A SHADOW CAROL, Chester Theatre Group

Wyatt Botsko-Bridge, ARCANA, Villagers Theatre

Nate Burwell, FOURTH ANNUAL TEEN ONE ACT JAMBOREE, StageWorks Theatre Group

Ethan Deych, ALL MY SONS, Trilogy Repertory

Elliott Peterson, OUR TOWN, Studio Players

A.M. Teo, AN AMERICAN MACBETH, Thinkery & Verse

Charlie Worthington, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, Westfield Community Players




Outstanding Youth Actor in a Musical

Nate Burwell, PIPPIN, StageWorks Theatre Group

Logan Ebersole, ANYTHING GOES, Villagers Theatre

Caiden Loyer, SOMETHING ROTTEN, Pebble Players

Liam Pollack, PIPPIN, Pegasus Production Company

Thomas Sullivan, CHRISTMAS IN NEVERLAND, Main Street Theater Company

Jordan Wolf, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, ShowKids Invitational Theatre




Outstanding Youth Actress in a Play 

Caleigh Anne, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, Westfield Community Players

Anna Caruso, ALMOST, MAINE, Artist Collective Troupe

Brooke Olivia Ginsberg, OUR TOWN, Studio Players

Wendy Green, SEASONAL ALLERGIES, In Death’s Company

Devon Reed, THE 24 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, Somerset Valley Players

Laci Sova, THE WOLVES, Old Library Theatre




Outstanding Youth Actress in a Musical

Adalyn Campione, MATILDA THE MUSICAL, Aspire Performing Arts Company

Julia Dennis, LITTLE WOMEN, Masquerade Theatre

Sophie Gaeta, SOMETHING ROTTEN, Pebble Players

Noelle Gaunt, SOUTH PACIFIC, The MTM Players

Catherine Golioto, SOMETHING ROTTEN, Pebble Players

Camila Pereira, THE ICE QUEEN, Porch Light Productions

Sophia Silvera, PIPPIN, StageWorks Theatre Group




Outstanding Production of an Original Musical

AS ABOVE, SO BELOW, Ferrell Studios, Ananya Kakkilaya, Emily Mautone-Authors, Luke Ferrell-Producer, Emily Mautone-Director

DIARY OF A SIMPY KID, Anthony Graceffo, Mike Trujillo-Authors, Villagers Theatre-Producers, Mike Trujillo-Director

MACBETH: A MUSICAL ADAPTATION, Ferrell Studios, Luke Ferrell-Producer, Ryan Kalin-Author/Director

SHOWPLACE: THE STORY OF STEEL PIER, Village Playbox, Rob Kristie-Author, Rob Kristie-Producer, Steve Allen, John Blackwell-Directors

STAGE FRIGHT: TRICK OR TREAT, Porch Light Productions, Ryan Pifher-Author, Jennifer Boles, Ryan Pifher-Producers, Hailey Aversa, Chad Colacurcio-Directors

WHERE THE TIME GOES, Players Guild of Leonia, Michael Bias, Victoria Casella-Authors, Diana Arabella, Marc Leland-Producers, Michael Bias -Director




Outstanding Production of an Original Play

31ST ANNUAL JERSEY VOICES ONE ACT FESTIVAL, Chatham Community Players, Susan Brown-Peotz, Stephanie Buckley, Caroline Grant, Steven Hayet, John AC Kennedy, Alexis Kozak, Akhir Stewart, Jonas Wilcox-Authors, Aaron Kellner, Jessica Phelan-Producers, Giovanna Disanto, Leslie Ellis, Kayla Fiore, Brooke Harrsch, Jeanne Johnston, Lauri McMillan, Ann E. Pattan, Sarah Pharaon, Emma Schwartz-Directors

AN AMERICAN MACBETH, Thinkery & Verse, Dr. John Meyer-Author, Mariah Hale-Producer, J.M. Meyer-Director

ARCANA, Villagers Theatre, Scott Doyal-Author, Jared Milian-Producer, Scott Doyal-Director

HOLIDAY SPIRITS, Thinkery & Verse, Karen Alvarado, Dr. John Meyer-Authors, Thinkery & Verse-Producer, Karen Alvarado-Director

EBENEZER: A SHADOW CAROL, Chester Theatre Group, John AC Kennedy, Lauri MacMillan-Authors, Lauri MacMillan-Producer, Sharon Garry-Director

HEY! I HEARD YOU’RE BLACK!, Unidentified Stages, Alicia Whavers-Author, Alicia Whavers-Producer, Alicia Whavers-Director

ON TIME, Villagers Theatre, Wesley Cappiello-Author, Darren Nye-Producer/Director

OUR TIME: 4TH ANNUAL ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL, Ferrell Studios, Molly Kate Babos, Eliza Epstein, F.J. Hartland, Steven Patrick, Frankie Perez, Jay Rehak, Michael Roche-Authors, Luke Ferrell, Holly Stefanik-Producers, Danielle Bouie, Aidan Colon, Samantha Egge, Ashanty Gil, Mikaela Lukowicz, Frankie Perez, Alyssa Scott, Holly Stefanik, Kathi Troy-Directors




Outstanding Stage Management of a Play

Monica DiMauro, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Cumberland Players 

Nicole Dougherty, Ashley “Ash” Nichols, A NIGHT AT THE THEATER: AN IMMERSIVE MURDER MYSTERY EXPERIENCE, Studio Players 

Anne Kaufman, BECKY’S NEW CAR, Magnolia Productions 

Melissa Noble, COME BLOW YOUR HORN, Somerset Valley Players 

Daraius Phillips, THE SHARK IS BROKEN, CDC Theatre 

Marijah Sroczynski, FENCES – Playhouse 22 

Amanda Zelinski, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Westfield Community Players 




Outstanding Stage Management of a Musical

Gia Cagnano, GODSPELL, CHAOS Theater Company

Marissa DeVeau, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET THE MUSICAL, Phoenix Productions 

Nicole Dvorin, Shannon Olsen, MARY POPPINS, Villagers Theatre 

Christine Heffron, Rachel Piscopo, SOUTH PACIFIC, The MTM Players 

Shannon Knopf, BRIGHT STAR, North Brunswick Drama Group 

Michele Roth, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, Bergen County Players 

Jack Tomy, LEGALLY BLONDE, Villagers Theatre




Community Theater of the Year - Studio Players




Lifetime Achievement Award - Kevin Gunther




David P. McMenemie Award - John Wells




Reviewer of the Year Award - Richard Siegel




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Outback

Outback Presents: Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour

Monday, October 12, 2026
@ 7:00pm

Mayo Performing Arts Center
Morristown, NJ

Nurse Blake is back with his hilarious new comedy tour with all new content, diving into the wildest things patients and their families say and do. From self-diagnosing Stage 8 Cancer with WebMD to hitting the call light like they are on a game show, nothing is off-limits! Expect a night of nonstop laughter packed with healthcare workers who desperately need a break. Bring your friends, coworkers, and even that one patient who swore they were allergic to water—this is going to be a night to remember!

 

Senior

Senior Student Movie Day – The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)

Monday, October 12, 2026
@ 10:00am

Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
Rahway, NJ

UCPAC invites Seniors (ages 55 and up) to join local students for a digital matinee film screening of 1959’s “The Diary of Anne Frank,” starring Millie Perkins and Shelly Winters, who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance.

 

Wheel

Wheel of Fortune LIVE! – America’s Game

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
@ 7:30pm

Mayo Performing Arts Center
Morristown, NJ

Wheel of Fortune LIVE! – America’s Game® comes to your hometown! Contestants are randomly selected from the audience to join our host onstage for a chance to spin a replica of the iconic Wheel, solve puzzles, and WIN incredible prizes like trips to Paris and Hawaii or BIG MONEY up to $10,000 in cash. Everyone can join in on the fun! You won’t want to miss this thrilling live experience! Hosted by Mark L. Walberg (Netflix’s Temptation Island and PBS’s Antiques Roadshow).

 

George

George Street Playhouse presents The Unexpected 3rd

There are multiple performances including:

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
@ 7:30pm

New Brunswick Performing Arts Center (NBPAC)
New Brunswick, NJ

Written by and Starring Kathryn Grody  
Directed by Timothy Near  
 
A Radical, Rollicking Rumination on the Optimism of Staying Alive 

CLICK HERE to view all remaining performances.


A

A Beat of Our Own

There are multiple performances including:

Wednesday, October 14, 2026
@ 7:30pm

McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
Princeton, NJ

From the Tony Award-winning producers of Hadestown comes A Beat of Our Own — a brand-new musical comedy that pulls you straight into the pulsating rhythms, kaleidoscopic colors and raw energy of competitive bhangra dance. 

CLICK HERE to view all remaining performances.

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EVENT PREVIEWS

(LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ) -- Forget everything you think you know about a charity golf outing. Casey Webb, host of Travel Channel's hit series "Man v. Food," is coming to the golf course.



The New Jersey Play Lab presents All Exits! - A statewide play reading series

The New Jersey Play Lab presents All Exits! - A statewide play reading series

The New Jersey Play Lab presents All Exits! - A statewide play reading series which will take place in Cape May, Beach Haven, and Milford from October to November 2026.



SOHO International Film Festival to World Premiere "Jesus Land" on October 12th

SOHO International Film Festival to World Premiere "Jesus Land" on October 12th

(NEW YORK, NY) -- Jesus Land, written and directed by Saila Kariat, will have its World Premiere on Monday, October 12, 2026 at the 2026 SOHO International Film Festival (SIFFNYC). The film, which stars Juliette Lewis and Ella Anderson, will screen as the Closing Night film at Regal Union Square Theater 12 as the festival heads into its October 13 Awards Gala. Showtime is 8:30pm.



Lace and Lee Find Their Sound Through Friendship, Storytelling and a Little Bit of Magic

Lace and Lee Find Their Sound Through Friendship, Storytelling and a Little Bit of Magic

Indie-folk duo Lace and Lee are in the middle of another run supporting Five For Fighting while preparing for the release of their debut EP, Mirror Mirror, due November 27, 2026.



Jersey Arts Podcast: Kathryn Grody

Jersey Arts Podcast: Kathryn Grody's Unexpected 3rd Act

It's in the third act of a three-act story structure when everything comes to a head. The plot builds to its peak, the characters demonstrate development, and the audience/reader/listener experiences the story's climax—and maybe even a moral.



Ritz Theatre Company presents CABARET SERIES: Aged Out! on October 14th

Ritz Theatre Company presents CABARET SERIES: Aged Out! on October 14th

(HADDON TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- As part of their 40th Anniversary Season, Ritz Theatre Company is thrilled to unveil a brand-new way to experience the Ritz: an intimate, star-studded Cabaret Series celebrating voices, stories, and songs you love.



Avenel PAC presents Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill

Avenel PAC presents Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill

(AVENEL, NJ) -- Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill will perform at the Avenel Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 7:30pm.



Shakespeare 70 presents If You Speak Love - an affair with Shakespeare

Shakespeare 70 presents If You Speak Love - an affair with Shakespeare

(EWING, NJ) -- Shakespeare 70 presents If You Speak Love - an affair with Shakespeare in the Don Evans Black Box Theater at The College of New Jersey from October 14-18, 2026. This is a lively, romantic exploration of some of the Bard's most memorable and iconic moments.



South Jersey Jazz Society presents 2026 Jazz@ThePoint Festival in October

South Jersey Jazz Society presents 2026 Jazz@ThePoint Festival in October

(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- The South Jersey Jazz Society will present its annual Jazz@ThePoint festival from October 15–17, 2026, bringing three days of world-class jazz, history and celebration to Somers Point. This year's festival, themed "Red, White & Louis," honors the 250th anniversary of the U.S.A. while celebrating the music and legacy of one of America's most influential and beloved musical artists Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, the internationally famous jazz trumpeter, bandleader and singer known for songs like "What a Wonderful World," "Hello, Dolly!," "Star Dust," and "La Vie En Rose."



State Theatre New Jersey presents their annual Classical Season Celebration on October 15th

State Theatre New Jersey presents their annual Classical Season Celebration on October 15th

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey celebrates the power of classical performance with the annual Classical Season Celebration on Thursday, October 15, 2026. This year's event will take place in STNJ's intimate Studio space with a performance featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Christina Bouey and award-winning pianist Yoon Lee entirely lit by candlelight.