2025 Wilmington Theater Awards

The Wilmington Theater Awards will begin at 7:00pm on March 26 at the historic Thalian Hall. The red carpet will open at 6:00pm.
** Tickets for the March 26 ceremony are available for purchase through the Thalian Hall box office and website.

Nominations Announced for the 2025 Wilmington Theater Awards

Wilmington, NC — Opera House Theatre Co.’s “Beautiful” is the most nominated musical vying for the 2025 Wilmington Theater Awards. The musical snagged 10 mentions when nominations were announced Wednesday during a ceremony at The Eagles Dare in downtown Wilmington.

With nine nominations, Opera House Theatre Company’s “Death of a Salesman” was the most nominated play. Thalian Association Community Theater led all local theater companies with 27 total nominations.

In the Outstanding Musical category, “Beautiful” will compete against “Beauty and the Beast” (Thalian Association), “Fiddler on the Roof”( Opera House), “Lizzie” (Panache Theatrical Productions) and “The SpongeBob Musical”( Thalian Association).

Joining “Death of a Salesman” in the Outstanding Play category are “HIR” and “Shining City” from Sihr Theatre and “The Thanksgiving Play” and “The 39 Steps” from Big Dawg Productions.

In addition to the nominees in 20 categories, the evening will honor Steve Vernon, artistic director of Big Dawg Productions, with the Lela Thompson Award for Enduring Contribution to Wilmington Theater. Vernon also was nominated Wednesday for outstanding actor in a play for his role in “the Real Inspector Hound.”

Nine individuals received double nominations this year: Christopher Dean (sound design), Madisyn Fleming (actress in a play, newcomer), Ethan Golden (sound design), Logan Hayes (director of a musical, choreography), Ricki Nelson (actress in a play. newcomer), Luc Pages (supporting actor in a musical, choreography), Debbe Scheu (costume design), Heather Setzler (supporting actress in a play, supporting actress in a musical) and Mathis Turner (actor in a musical, supporting actor in a musical).

The 2025 Wilmington Theater Awards ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. March 26 at historic Thalian Hall in Wilmington. The red carpet opens at 6 p.m. The show will feature performances by some of this year’s nominated performers in a celebration of the past year of local theater

Voting for the awards will run through Feb. 13. The ballot can be found here: https://forms.gle/xFVicZQkiaf6mAMWA.

2025 Wilmington Theater Nominations

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL

“Beautiful,” Opera House Theatre Co.

“Beauty and the Beast,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

“Fiddler on the Roof,” Opera House Theatre Co.

“Lizzie,” Panache Theatrical Productions

“The SpongeBob Musical,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

OUTSTANDING PLAY

“Death of a Salesman,” Opera House Theatre Co.

“HIR,” Sihr Theatre

“Shining City,” Sihr Theatre

“The Thanksgiving Play,” Big Dawg Productions

“The 39 Steps,” Big Dawg Productions

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A MUSICAL

Chandler Davis, “Beauty and the Beast,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Logan Hayes, “The SpongeBob Musical,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Anthony Lawson, “Lizzie,” Panache Theatrical Productions

Justin Smith, “Beautiful,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Suellen Yates, “Fiddler on the Roof,” Opera House Theatre Co.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A PLAY

Tony-Elias Choufani, “HIR,” Sihr Theatre

Randy Davis, “The 39 Steps,” Big Dawg Productions

Terri Hsu and Steve Vernon, “The Thanksgiving Play,” Big Dawg Productions

Stoney B. Mootoo, “Death of a Salesman,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Elizabeth Wellman, “Everybody,” UNCW Dept. of Theatre

ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Kaleb Edley as The Beast in “Beauty and the Beast,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Kellen Hanson as Phil Davis in “White Christmas,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Connor Perry as SpongeBob in “The SpongeBob Musical,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Jamey Stone as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Mathis Turner as Gerry Goffin in “Beautiful,” Opera House Theatre Co.

ACTOR IN A PLAY

Brendan Carter as John in “Shining City,” Sihr Theatre

Chad Hsu as Richard Hannay in “The 39 Steps,” Big Dawg Productions

Fracaswell Hyman as Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Luke Robbins as Isaac in “HIR,” Sihr Theatre

Steve Vernon as Birdboot in “The Real Inspector Hound,” Big Dawg Productions

ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Sydney Smith Martin as Lizzie Borden in “Lizzie,” Panache Theatrical Productions

Meghan McDonald as Inga in “Young Frankenstein,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Holli Saperstein as Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Lyndsey Schroeder as Carole King in “Beautiful,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Hallie-Claire Weems as Sandy Cheeks in “The SpongeBob Musical,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Madisyn Fleming as Shelby in “Steel Magnolias,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Tamica Katzmann as Logan in “The Thanksgiving Play,” Big Dawg Productions

Elizabeth Montgomery as Chris Gorman in “Rumors,” UNCW Dept. of Theatre

Ricki Nelson as Daughter in “Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery,” Cleod Nine Productions

Natasha Yvette Williams as Linda Loman in “Death of a Salesman,” Opera House Theatre Co.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

Jon Berry as Barry Mann in “Beautiful,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Gregory Devon Brown as Lester in “The House That Gordy Built,” Techmoja Dance & Theater Company

Luc Pages as Damian in “Mean Girls,” Panache Theatrical Productions

Mathis Turner as Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Cole Warren as Igor in “Young Frankenstein,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY

Dontonio Demarco as Biff in “Death of a Salesman,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Devin DiMattia as Simon Gascoyne in “The Real Inspector Hound,” Big Dawg Productions

Louie Johnson as Max in “HIR,” Sihr Theatre

Victor Rodriguez as George Zimmerman in “The Ballad of George Zimmerman” from “Scotopia: Short Plays to Help You See in the Dark,” Mouths of Babes Theatre

Brett Sicola as multiple characters in “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” Big Dawg Productions

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

Rayana D. Briggs as Penny in “The House that Gordy Built,” Techmoja Dance & Theatre Co.

Coleman Cox as Tzeitel in “Fiddler on the Roof,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Kendra Goehring as Cynthia Weil in “Beautiful,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Heather Setzler as Emma Borden in “Lizzie,” Panache Theatrical Productions

Lily Zukerman as Maggie in “Lizzie,” Panache Theatrical Productions

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY

Anna Gamel Huber as multiple characters in “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” Big Dawg Productions

Elizabeth Michaels as Clairee in “Steel Magnolias,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Maya Noor as Neasa in “Shining City,” Sihr Theatre

Alaina Olsen as Alicia in “The Thanksgiving Play,” Big Dawg Productions

Heather Setzler as Clown 2 in “The 39 Steps,” Big Dawg Productions

MUSICAL DIRECTION

Amanda Clawges, “The SpongeBob Musical,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Bettsy Curtis, “Head Over Heels,” UNCW Dept. of Theatre

Sherome Amoire Clay, “The House that Gordy Built,” Techmoja Dance & Theatre Co.

Denice Hopper and Linda Carlisle Markas, “Godspell,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Brian Whitted, “Beautiful,” Opera House Theatre Co.

CHOREOGRAPHY

Kevin Lee-Y Green and Luc Pages, “Mean Girls,” Panache Theatrical Productions

Logan Hayes, “The SpongeBob Musical,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Carson Hobbs, “Annie,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Samantha Ray Mifsud, “White Christmas,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Timothy Mills, “Godspell,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

COSTUME DESIGN

Stephanie Aman and Debbie Scheu, “White Christmas,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Melanie Hodge, “The SpongeBob Musical,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Debbie Scheu, “Beautiful,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Mark Sorenson, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” UNCW Dept. of Theatre

Terrill Williams, “The House that Gordy Built,” Techmoja Dance & Theatre Co.

LIGHTING DESIGN

David Castaneda, “Death of a Salesman,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Andrew Fisher, “Godspell,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Hannah Funderburke, “Lizzie,” Panache Theatrical Productions

Cole Marquis, “Night of the Living Dead,” Big Dawg Productions

Joshua Zieseniss, “Beauty and the Beast,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

SET DESIGN

Michael Allen, “Rumors,” UNCW Dept. of Theatre

Terry Collins, “Death of a Salesman,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Randall Enlow, “Young Frankenstein,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Benedict Fancy, “Steel Magnolias,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Ashley Flowers, “HIR,” Sihr Theatre

SOUND DESIGN

Jason Aycock (Foley) and Ethan Golden, “The SpongeBob Musical,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Christopher Dean, “Beautiful,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Christopher Dean, “Lizzie,” Panache Theatrical Productions

Ethan Golden, “Young Frankenstein,” Thalian Association Community Theatre

Max Lydy, “Everybody,” UNCW Dept. of Theatre

ORIGINAL PRODUCTION

“Laughing in the Dark,” Pineapple-Shaped Lamps

“Night of the Living Dead” by Chase Harrison, Big Dawg Productions

“Ten-Minute Miscellany,” Port City Playwrights

“Shakers Revised” by Rose-Mary Harrington, Harrington Repertory

“Wherefore Art Thou,” Theatre for All

NEWCOMER

Josh Avery, “Night of the Living Dead,” Big Dawg Productions

Jennifer Frankel, “Annie,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Madisyn Fleming, “Steel Magnolias” (Thalian Association), “Beautiful” (Opera House), “Scotopia” (MOB)

Stephanie Hall, “Mama Won’t Fly” and “The Night Before the Night Before Christmas” (Brunswick Little Theatre)

Ricki Nelson, “Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery,” Cleod Nine Productions

Calvin Rowell, “Death of a Salesman,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Deven Ruane, “Fireflies” and “Proof,” Brunswick Little Theatre

Marlon Weems, “Death of a Salesman,” Opera House Theatre Co.

Curtain Up: Wilmington Theater Awards 2025 to Shine with Hosts Chad and Terri Hsu

2025 Wilmington Theater Awards Set for March 26

Chad & Terri Sue

Steve Vernon

The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County, in association with Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 2025 Wilmington Theater Awards, set to take center stage on March 26, 2025.. This dazzling celebration of Wilmington’s thriving performing arts scene will be hosted by the dynamic duo Terri and Chad Hsu, both of whom bring a wealth of experience and passion to this year’s event.

The Wilmington Theater Awards honor the outstanding contributions of the local theater community, celebrating the actors, directors, designers, and technicians who bring stories to life on Wilmington stages. This year’s ceremony promises to be especially memorable, as Steve Vernon, artistic director of Big Dawg Productions, will be presented with the prestigious Lela Thompson Award for Enduring Contribution to Wilmington Theater.

Vernon, a beloved fixture of Wilmington’s theater community for more than three decades, has excelled as an actor, director, comedian, voice artist, and sound designer. Before leading Big Dawg, he served as artistic director of BUMP Productions for a decade and spent 18 years performing with the improv troupe The Comically Impaired. A former host of the Wilmington Theater Awards, Vernon’s enduring commitment to theater has left an indelible mark on the community.

But the excitement begins well before awards night. The nominees in 21 categories will be revealed at a special Nomination Party on January 29, 2025, at The Eagle’s Dare (420 N Third St, Wilmington). Join the hosts and local theater enthusiasts as this year’s contenders are announced. Once the nominations are live, the public will be invited to vote via the Arts Council’s website. As always, winners will be selected by a combination of votes from the public, a nomination committee and local theater companies.

“The Wilmington Theater Awards are more than accolades,” said Rhonda Bellamy, president & CEO of the Arts Council of Wilmington. “They are a standing ovation to the countless hours, boundless creativity, and unyielding passion that our theater companies bring to the community throughout the year. In many ways, it is like orchestrating a grand finale — a celebration of the artistry, dedication, and magic of storytelling, where every detail must shine as brightly as the talent it honors.”

Meet the Hosts

Since moving to Wilmington three years ago, Chad and Terri Hsu have worked on stage and off with several local companies, including Opera House Theater Co., Big Dawg Productions and Thalian Association.

Terri has immersed herself in various facets of theater since the age of 9, showcasing her versatility in stage management, directing, and performing across the Southeast. She recently directed Big Dawg Productions’ “The Chinese Lady” (for which she was nominated for a 2024 Wilmington Theater Award) and “The Second to Last Chance Ladies League,” and co-directed “The Thanksgiving Play.” She also is a prolific stage manager, having served in that capacity for several local companies.

Chad is a versatile and accomplished actor with a rich and diverse range of experience in theater, film, commercials, and voice-overs. He won the 2024 WIlmington Theater Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play for his performance in “The Chinese Lady.” And in 2023 he won for his supporting turn in the musical “Kinky Boots” and was named Best Newcomer – a category that also featured Terri as a nominee.

“We’re excited to celebrate the magic of live performances and the powerful connections it creates within this prodigious artistic community,” Chad said. “We are honored to host this year’s Wilmington Theater Awards and deeply thank the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County for this incredible opportunity.”

About the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County

Celebrating our 12th year as the nucleus of Wilmington’s bustling arts scene, the Arts Council of Wilmington advocates, plans, and develops the county’s creative economy through grantmaking, market research, economic development partnerships with public and private institutions, and information and referral services to residents, visitors, and businesses.

About Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

The Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. (THCPA) hosts live professional, regional, and local performances, as well as film screenings and festivals. THCPA manages Thalian Hall on behalf of the citizens of Wilmington; Thalian Hall, built in 1858 is one of the most heavily utilized historic theatres in the nation. Last year there were over 700 events, with nearly 90,000 guests in attendance. THCPA also produces Pied Piper Theatre which was founded in 1949. Pied Piper provides live theatre, free-of-charge to every 1st and 2nd grader in New Hanover County and beyond.

For media inquiries about the Wilmington Theater Awards, please contact:

Rhonda Bellamy
President & CEO
Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County
info@artswilmington.org
910-431-9934