Performance Network Theatre, founded in 1981, was Ann Arbor, Michigan's premiere professional Equity theatre. It produced a wide variety of dramas, classics, comedies, Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winners, many of which were World or Michigan Premieres. Its professional season included five to seven main stage productions. Other programming included seasonal productions that ran in repertory over the holiday season, the Northern Writers' Project—a week-long playwriting intensive, children's programming, the Fireside Festival of New Plays, the Open Table Series, the Open Stage series, music and more.
On December 18, 2015, the Theatre announced that it would close at the conclusion of the year.
Performance Network was a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that began its tenure in Ann Arbor in 1981. Performance Network became Ann Arbor’s professional theatre in September 1997 and built an elegant theatre in the heart of downtown in September 2000.
Performance Network’s primary stage, the Shure Theater, was an intimate space that seated 139 patrons.
David Bernstein and Jim Moran founded the Performance Network Theatre in 1981 as an arts collective. In addition to Bernstein and Moran, active collective members in the playwriting group included Lyn Coffin, Davi Napoleon, Judith Ottmar, Al Sjoerdsma and Rochel Urist. The theatre evolved into a nonprofit corporation in the mid-eighties. After the departure of the original founders, the organization continued to produce and present experimental, original and socially relevant work under the cooperative direction of Linda Kendall, Annemarie Stoll, Johanna Broughton, (and in time, Peter Knox). Eventually, the early 90's saw departures from the artistic staff leave the artistic direction in the hands of Johanna Broughton, who (with her husband Dan Walker, along with Carla Milarch and David Wolber) led the theatre from the 'Warehouse Years' to professional status and in 2000 moved it from Ann Arbor's Washington Street location to the corner of 4th and Huron, near the Kerrytown district. In 1997, Performance Network secured a contract with Actors’ Equity and established itself as Ann Arbor’s professional theatre. In doing so, it was able to
Increase the reputation of the Network by placing it in a higher tier of theatres nationallyGain access to plays of nationally recognized merit, unavailable to community theatresIncrease artistic quality by hiring more experienced actors, directors, and designersGain listing in respected theatrical publications and presentation by participating in the Michigan Equity Theatre Alliance, the National New Play Network, and Theatre Communication GroupExpand the audience base by gaining press coverage in Southeastern Michigan publications.In 2003, direction of the theatre was turned over to Milarch and Wolber. Under Milarch and Wolber, Performance Network excelled at choosing a wide range of artistically challenging shows and began receiving multiple awards for artistic quality. In order to continue producing high quality work Milarch decided to join Wolber in the Artistic department. In 2012, Performance Network switched to a dual leadership structure and hired Erin Sabo to partner with Wolber. In May 2014, the Board of Directors suspended all operations, as the theater did not have resources to pay its staff, actors and vendors in a timely manner, and to make debt payments. In July 2014, the Board announced that the theatre would reopen under the management of local actor-directors John Manfredi and Suzi Regan. Under the new management team, the Network produced one and a half seasons. Despite excellent reviews for some of the productions, both ticket sales and donations dropped precipitously. In October 2015, the theatre announced that unless it could raise $50,000 before Thanksgiving, it would need to close its doors permanently. The funding campaign failed to reach its goal. In December, the staff and Board of Directors announced that the theatre company was no longer sustainable.
The professional season included classic and contemporary plays under a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Performance Network strived to include a classic play, musical, and world premiere in each season. The season began in the fall and ran a full year.
Patrons could purchase a subscription to the professional season that gives them tickets at a discounted rate. Alternatively, patrons could purchase “Flex Tickets” or anytime tickets to use in any combination for any number of shows they pleased over the course of the season.
Apprenticeships and Internships
Performance Network’s Apprenticeship program offered an intensive year-long paid position. The apprenticeship offered hands-on training in the areas of stage management, house management, development, marketing, and technical theatre. Apprentices developed a well-rounded experience in all aspects of theatre management.
Internships provided applicants a comprehensive experience in all elements of professional theatre, including box office, house management, and technical and clerical skills. Unlike the apprenticeship, which allowed apprentices to experience multiple areas of theatre, interns selected which field they would like to focus on.
Staff, Board of Directors, and Associate Artists
In the Theatre's final 18 months, its staff members included:
John Manfredi, Executive DirectorSuzi Regan, Artistic DirectorSara Dean, Company ManagerMeghan Bortle, ApprenticeMelissa Mercieca, ApprenticePast staff members include:
Erin Sabo, Managing DirectorDavid Wolber, Artistic DirectorCarla Milarch, Associate Artistic DirectorLogan Ricket, Associate Development DirectorJoshua Parker, Technical DirectorJennifer Pan, Assistant Technical Director & Graphic DesignerBecky Fox, Director of Outreach and EducationAnna Simmons, Company Manager & Resident Stage ManagerDayne White Bull, Marketing AssistantJustin Dietzel, ApprenticeEric Hohnke, ApprenticeJahmeel Powers, ApprenticeDerek Ridge, ApprenticeBoard of Directors
Ron Maurer, PresidentMary Avrakotos, TreasurerTom DeZure, Vice-PresidentSteve Gerber, SecretaryEd AbbottBarbara BachNorman BashHeather BellGene DickirsonHanna GoodsteinTerry HeckDavid HerzigSteve KleinJessica LitmanSheila SasserPhil StoffregenAssociate Artists
Naz EdwardsMonika EssenSarab KamooWill MyersJan RadcliffChelsea SadlerJohn SeibertMalcolm TulipDaniel C. WalkerDavid WellsLeigh WoodsJoseph ZettelmaierThe 2015–2016 season (Suzi Regan, Artistic Director)
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee—Holiday Shows:Why Not Me? A Sammy Davis Jr. Story by Tim RhozeDickens: An A Capella Carol by Charles DickensThe 2014–2015 season (Suzi Regan, Artistic Director)
Driving Miss Daisy by Alfred UhryThis Wonderful Life by Steve MurrayGift of the Magi by Annie Martin and Suzi ReganYellow Man by Dael OrlandersmithStones in His Pockets by Marie JonesSalvage by Joseph ZettelmaierOther Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz A co-production with the Jewish Ensemble Theatre (Michigan Premiere) The 2013–2014 season: (David Wolber, Artistic Director)
An Iliad adapted by Lisa Peterson & Denis O'Hare, based on Homer's Iliad (Michigan Premiere)Jerry's Girls with Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman, Concepts by Larry Alford, Wayne Cilento, and Jerry HermanCounty Line by David Wells (World Premiere) Venus In Fur by David Ives (Michigan Premiere) Richard III by William Shakespeare The 2012–2013 Season: (David Wolber, Artistic Director)
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams A Little Night Music with Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Hugh Wheeler Brill by David Wells, Music by Frank Allison (World Premiere)Good People by David Lindsay-Abaire (Michigan Premiere)The Mountaintop by Katori Hall (Michigan Premiere)Becky Shaw by Gina Gionfriddo (Michigan Premiere)My Name is Asher Lev by Aaron Posner, Adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok (Michigan Premiere), a co-production with the Jewish Ensemble TheatreThe 2011–2012 season: (David Wolber, Artistic Director)
Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies (Michigan Premiere)Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Waller Musical Show, conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray HorwitzGod of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton (Michigan Premiere)Dead Man’s Shoes by Joseph Zettelmaier (World Premiere)Red by John Logan (Michigan Premiere)In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) by Sarah Ruhl (Michigan Premiere) Burn This by Lanford WilsonThe 2010–2011 season: (David Wolber, Artistic Director)
Sonia Flew by Melinda Lopez (Michigan Premiere), a co-production with the Jewish Ensemble TheatreThe Drowsy Chaperone, Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, Music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison (Michigan Premiere)The War Since Eve by Kim Carney (World Premiere)The Piano Lesson by August WilsonCircle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker (Michigan Premiere)Next Fall by Geoffrey Nauffts (Michigan Premiere)Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh by Joel Gross (Michigan Premiere) The 2009–2010 season: (David Wolber, Artistic Director)
The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead by Robert Hewett (Michigan Premiere)Christmas Carol'd by Joseph Zettelmaier (World Premiere)K2 by Patrick MeyersIt Came From Mars by Joseph Zettelmaier (World Premiere), a co-production with Williamston TheatreLittle Shop of Horrors Book/Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan MenkenThe Seafarer by Conor McPherson (Michigan Premiere)Woman Before a Glass by Lanie Robertson (Michigan Premiere) The 2008–2009 season: (David Wolber, Artistic Director)
Nine Parts of Desire (play) by Heather RaffoGeoffrey and Jeffrey by Kim Carney (World Premiere) Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom StoppardA Feminine Ending by Sarah Treem (Michigan Premiere) Fences by August WilsonA Picasso by Jeffrey Hatcher (Michigan Premiere) The 2007–2008 season: (Carla Milarch/David Wolber, Artistic Director)
The Clean House by Sarah Ruhl (Michigan Premiere)The Baker's Wife by Joseph Stein and Stephen SchwartzSouvenir (play) by Stephen Temperley (Michigan Premiere), a co-production with Boarshead TheatreDoubt by John Patrick ShanleyExits and Entrances by Athol Fugard (Michigan premiere) The Little Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Beane (Michigan Premiere)The Day Everything Went Wrong by Malcolm Tulip (World Premiere) The 2006–2007 season: (Carla Milarch, Artistic Director)
The Retreat From Moscow by William Nicholson (Michigan Premiere)The Fantasticks by Harvey Schmidt, book and lyrics by Tom JonesLanguage Lessons by Joseph Zettelmaier (World Premiere)Candida by George Bernard ShawAmadeus by Peter ShafferDirty Blonde by Claudia Shear (Michigan Premiere)The 2005–2006 season: (Carla Milarch, Artistic Director)
Ice Glen by Joan Ackermann (NNPN rolling world premiere)Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol by Tom Mula (Michigan premiere)Moonglow by Kim Carney (world premiere), a co-production with Boarshead TheatreA Doll's House by Henrik IbsenA Life In The Theatre by David MametI Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright (Michigan premiere)The 2004–2005 Season: (Carla Milarch, Artistic Director)
Humble Boy by Charlotte Jones (September–October 2004)She Loves Me by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, music by Jerry Bock (November–December 2004)Boston Marriage by David Mamet (January–February 2005) (Michigan premiere)The Stillness Between Breaths by Joseph Zettelmaier (March–April 2005) (world premiere)Summer and Smoke by Tennessee Williams (April–May 2005)Take Me Out by Richard Greenberg (July–August 2005) (Michigan premiere)The 2003–2004 Season: (Carla Milarch, Artistic Director)
The Sins of Sor Juana by Karen Zacarias (September–October 2003) (Michigan premiere)Tongue of a Bird by Ellen McLaughlin (October–November 2003) (Michigan premiere)The Home Team by Kim Carney (November–December 2003) (world premiere)Spike Heels by Theresa Rebeck (January–February 2004) (Michigan premiere)Kimberly Akimbo by David Lindsay-Abaire (March–April 2004) (Michigan premiere)The Threepenny Opera by Bertolt Brecht, music by Kurt Weill, translated by Robert David MacDonald (April–May 2004)The 2002–2003 Season: (Daniel C. Walker, Artistic Director)
Defying Gravity by Jane Anderson (Michigan premiere)The Spirit House by Adam Kraar (world premiere)Man of La ManchaNecessary Targets by Eve Ensler (Michigan premiere) Copenhagen by Michael FraynSin by Wendy MacLeod (Michigan premiere)2003 TreeTown Performance Festival (June-Aug 2003)
Peter Sparling Dance CompanyBrilliant tracesMosaic Youth Theatre - RealityBrass Tacks - A Work in ProgressTerpsichore's Kitchen - Dancing in SummerLIMF Nodes - The Blue Hour by David MametPangea - The Search for Intelligent Improv in the UniverseRowen Education Network - Candy Corn, Christ, and the Convoluted Creation of Golf
The 2001–2002 Season: (Daniel C. Walker, Artistic Director)
Taking Leave by Nagle Jackson (Michigan premiere)It's All True by Jason Sherman (Michigan premiere)Stop Kiss by Diana Son (Michigan premiere)Elizabeth Rex by Timothy Findley (American premiere)The White Rose by Lillian Garrett-Groag (Michigan premiere)Special Relativity by Richard Strand (world premiere)2002 TreeTown Performance Festival (June-Aug 2002):
Peter Sparling Dance CompanyDada Boy Paints on CanvasMosaic Youth Theatre - HeartbeatChimera Theatre's A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee WilliamsJames McNeill WhistlerTerpsichore's Kitchen - Dancing in SummerGround Zen and Skinny ArmsCollectionAnton in Show BusinessThe 2000–2001 Season: (Daniel C. Walker, Artistic Director)
The Maiden's Prayer by Nicky Silver (Michigan premiere)Wit by Margaret Edson (Michigan premiere)Fuddy Meers by David Lindsay-Abaire (Michigan premiere)Maggie Rose by Kim Carney (world premiere)Struggling Truths by Peter Mellencamp (world premiere) Art by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton (Michigan premiere)The 1999–2000 Season: (Daniel C. Walker, Artistic Director)
As Bees in Honey Drown (Michigan premiere)Not Waving by Gen LeRoy (Michigan premiere)Three Days of Rain by Richard Greenberg (Michigan premiere)Picasso at the Lapin Agile by Steve Martin (Michigan premiere)The Ride Down Mt. Morgan by Arthur Miller (Michigan premiere)...and Associates by Jerry Lax and Ed Stein (world premiere)The 1998–99 Season: (Johanna Broughton, Executive Director)
Avenue X: An A Cappella Musical book & lyrics by John Jiler, music by Ray LesleeThe Talking Cure by Rachel Urist (world premiere)Innocent Thoughts by William Missouri Downs (Michigan premiere)Private Eyes by Steven Dietz (Michigan premiere)How I Learned To Drive by Paula Vogel (Michigan premiere)The 1998 Guest presentations:
Ellipsis Theatre Ensemble's The Moon WolfJesse Richards & Hundredth Monkey's Animal Lovers ProjectMorrisCo Art Theatre's The Importance Of Being EarnestMOSAIC Youth Theatre's heartBEATOpen Theatre's QuartetDrake Enterprises' Moby Dick RehearsedShivaree by William MastrosimoneShadow Theatre Company's Closet LandAutumn Dances Annual Choreographers Showcase1999 TreeTown Performance Festival Guest presentations June - August 1999:
Mosaic Youth Theatre's Everybody's Talkin'Brass Tacks Ensemble's King LearHeartlande Theatre Company's MainstreamShadow Theatre Company's EchoesTerpsicore's Kitchen's Summer DancesRAH Productions Strange Love & Unusual SexMercury Theatre Company's Office HoursThe 1997–98 Season (PNT's first Equity season): (Johanna Broughton, Executive Director)
Molly Sweeney by Brian Friel (Michigan premiere)The Waiting Room by Lisa Loomer (Michigan premiere)Inverted Pyramid by Larry Dean Harris (world premiere)Life In Refusal by Ari Roth (Michigan premiere)White Picket Fence by Michael Grady (Michigan premiere)Psychopathia Sexualis (play) by John Patrick Shanley (Michigan premiere)The 1997-98 Guest Presentations:
Autumn Dances Annual Choreographers ShowcaseEllipsis Theatre Ensemble's Ave Maria Played SoftlySpontaneous Me Productions's The Borstal BoyMorrisCo Art Theatre's Agnes of GodPeridot Productions' No ExitDutchman by LeRoi Jones (Amiri Baraka)The 12th Annual Raise The RoofAutumn Dances Annual Choreographers ShowcaseEllipsis Theatre Ensemble's Why We Have A BodyWalk and Squawk's Inhlanzi Ishelwe AmanziThe Shadow Theatre Company's The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)Sensible Footwear - Comedic Feminist TerroristsWalk and Squawk's How Could You Stoop SoLo?Brilliant Traces by Cindy Lou JohnsonBasement Arts presents A Midsummer Night's DreamDrop Dead by Billy Van Zandt & Jane MilmoreThe 1997 Productions:
Mary Goldstein & the Author by OyamORiver Dreams by Elise BryantThe Tiger Bounds by Malcolm TulipViva, La Click-ka! by Rudolfo Valier AlvaradoSome of My Best Friends Are... by Joan Lipkin, music & lyrics by Tom ClearThe 1997 Guest Presentations:
In the Heart of the Wood by Todd Jefferson MooreMorrisCo Art Theatre's Summer and SmokeCome Good Rain written and performed by Toronto actor/playwright George Bwanika SerembaSpring Dances Annual Choreographers ShowcaseSensible Footwear - Comedic Feminist TerroristsWalk and Squawk presents Shameless Rainbow Youth TheaterMorrisCo Art Theatre presents Uncle VanyaDance / Partners by Terri Sarris and Patricia PlaskoThe Birthday Party by Harold PinterMosiac Youth theatre of Detroit presents What Fools These Mortals Be!Ellipsis Theatre Ensemble presents A Woman's Lot and Under a Rhyming PlanetWalk & Squawk Performance Project's Who It IsPerformance Network Theatre was a member of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the National New Play Network (NNPN), Americans for the Arts, the Cultural Alliance of Southeast Michigan (CASM), the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau (AACVB), and the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce. The Theatre’s activities were supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
National Awards:
2013 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award: County Line by David Wells 2011 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award: Dead Man's Shoes by Joseph Zettelmaier 2009 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award: It Came From Mars by Joseph Zettelmaier Organizational Awards::
Voted “Best Local Theatre” by Metro Times readers, 20092006 Critics Choice and Angel Award for Outstanding Service to the LGBTCommunityVoted "Best Theatre" by Current Magazine readers 1996-2008.Best Overall Season by the Oakland Press 2005The DeVine Award for Outstanding Contributions by the Detroit Free Press 2001 & 2005Non-Profit Excellence Award nomination - Non-profit Enterprise at Work, 1997 & 2000Governor’s Arts Award nomination, 1998 & 2000Wilde Awards:
2014
Best Performance, Actor - Drama: John Manfredi - An IliadBest Performance, Actress - Comedy: Maggie Meyer - Venus in Fur2013
Best Music Direction: R. MacKenzie Lewis - Little Night MusicBest Musical: Phil Simmons, director - A Little Night MusicBest Performance, Actor - Comedy: John Seibert - In the Next Room or The Vibrator PlayBest Performance, Actor – Musical: John Seibert - A Little Night MusicBest Performance, Actress – Musical: Naz Edwards - A Little Night Music2012
Best Design - Sets: Monika Essen - RedBest New Script: Joseph Zettelmaier - Dead Man's Shoes2011
Best Comedy: John Seibert, director - Circle Mirror TransformationBest New Script: Kim Carney - The War Since EveBest Performance, Actor - Musical: Phil Powers - The Drowsy Chaperone2010
Best Actor - Comedy: Jacob Hodgson - It Came From MarsBest Actress - Comedy: Suzi Regan - The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful RedheadBest Design - Lights: Andrew Hungerford - K2Best Design - Props: Charles Sutherland - It Came From MarsBest Drama: Tim Edward Rhoze, director - K2Best Musical: Carla Milarch, director - Little Shop of HorrorsBest Production of a New Script: Tony Caselli, director - It Came From MarsBest Support - Musical: Aaron T. Moore - Little Shop of HorrorsBest Teamwork: James Bowen & John Michael Manfredi - K22009
Best Actress – Drama: Inga Wilson - A Feminine EndingBest Improv, Cabaret or Original Production: Malcolm Tulip, director - The Day Everything Went WrongBest Performer – Play with LGBT Themes or Characters: Roxanne Wellington - The Little Dog LaughedBest Production with LGBT Themes or Characters: Ray Schultz - The Little Dog Laughed2008
Best Actor – DRAMA: Jon Bennett - DoubtBest Actress – DRAMA: Jan Radcliff - DoubtBest Actress – ORIGINAL / IMPROV / LGBT THEMES: Carla Milarch - Dirty BlondeBest Local Professional DRAMA: John Seibert, director - DoubtBest Local Professional Production with LGBT Themes or Characters: Jim Posante, director - Dirty BlondeBest Technical Design - Set: Monika Essen - The Baker’s Wife2007
Best Actor – DRAMA: Malcolm Tulip - AmadeusBest Local Professional DRAMA: Malcolm Tulip, director - AmadeusBest Local Professional Production with LGBT Themes or Characters: Gillian Eaton, director - I Am My Own Wife2006
Best Lead Actor – DRAMA: Ray Schultz - Take Me OutBest Lead Actress – DRAMA: Carmen Decker - MoonglowBest Supporting Actor – DRAMA: Darrell Glasgow - Take Me OutFavorite Local Professional Production – COMEDY: Tony Caselli, director - Jacob Marley’s Christmas CarolFavorite Local Professional Production with LGBT Themes or Characters: Jim Posante & Tony Caselli, directors - Take Me Out2005
Best Female Performer in a Local Professional Production – COMEDY: Gillian Eaton - Humble BoyBest Supporting Female Performer in a Local Professional Production – COMEDY: Laurel Hufano - Boston Marriage2004
Favorite Local Professional Production with LGBT Themes or Characters: James Posante, director - The Home TeamFavorite Male Performer in a Local Professional Production – COMEDY: David Wolber - The Home TeamFavorite Performer in a Local Professional Production – MUSICAL: Rochelle Rosenthal - The Threepenny Opera2003
Favorite Local Professional Production – MUSICAL / MUSICAL REVUE: Malcolm Tulip, director - Man of La ManchaFavorite Performer in a Local Professional Production – MUSICAL: Robert Grossman - Man of La Mancha2002
Best Local Professional Production – COMEDY: Carla Milarch, director - Special RelativityBest Performer in a Local Professional Production – DRAMA: Michelle Murphy - Stop KissRogue's Gallery Award Winners
2013 Winners
Scenic Design (Proscenium Seating): Daniel C. Walker, BrillLead Actress (Drama): Carla Milarch, The Glass MenagerieLead Actress (Musical): Naz Edwards, A Little Night MusicLead Actor (Musical): John Seibert, A Little Night Music2012 Winners
New Play or Adaptation: Joseph Zettelmaier, Dead Man's ShoesLighting Design (Proscenium Seating): Justin Lang, RedLead Actress (Drama): Suzi Regan, Time Stands StillProperties Design: Monika Essen, RedBest Rogue: Drew Parker, Dead Man's Shoes [TIE]2011 WInners
Best Musical: The Drowsy Chaperone (director Carla Milarch)Choreography (Dance): Phil Simmons, The Drowsy ChaperoneLead Actor (Drama): Andrew Huff, Next FallRogue's Gallery Award Nominees:
2013 Nominees
Best Drama: The Glass Menagerie (director Tim Rhoze)Best Musical: A Little Night Music (director Phil Simmons)Sound Design: Carla Milarch, Good PeopleDuo or Trio: Sarab Kamoo and David Wolber, Becky ShawBest Rogue: Alex Leydenfrost, Good PeopleLead Actress (Drama): Carollette Phillips, The MountaintopLead Actor (Drama): Brian Marable, The MountaintopLead Actor (Drama): Kevin Young, The Glass MenagerieSupporting Actress (Drama): Naz Edwards, My Name is Asher LevLead Actress (Comedy): Suzi Regan, Good PeopleLead Actor (Comedy): Phil Powers, BrillSupporting Actress (Comedy): MaryJo Cuppone, Good PeopleSupporting Actress (Comedy): Maggie Meyer, Becky ShawSupporting Actress (Musical): Leslie Hull, A Little Night Music2012 Nominees
Best Drama: Time Stands Still (director Kate Peckham)Best Comedy: God of Carnage (director David J. Magidson)Best Musical: Ain't Misbehavin' (director Tim Edward Rhoze)Scenic Design (Proscenium Seating): Monika Essen, RedLighting Design (Proscenium Seating): Mary Cole, Burn ThisSound Design: Will Myers, Dead Man's ShoesProperties Design: Monika Essen, God of CarnageChoreography (Dance): Robin Wilson, Ain't Misbehavin'Choreography (Movement or Fight): Joseph Zettelmaier, Burn ThisEnsemble (2–4): God of CarnageEnsemble (5 or more): Ain't Misbehavin'Best Rogue: Darrell Glasgow, Burn ThisLead Actor (Drama): Mark Rademacher, RedSupporting Actress (Drama): Heidi Bennett, Time Stands StillSupporting Actress (Comedy): Leslie Hull, In the Next Room or the vibrator play2011 Nominees
Best Drama: Sonia Flew (director David Wolber)Best Comedy: The War Since Eve (director David Wolber)New Play or Adaptation: Kim Carney, The War Since EveLighting Design (Proscenium Seating): Daniel C. Walker, Marie Antoinette: The Color of FleshProperties Design: Charles Sutherland, The Piano LessonEnsemble (2–4): Marie Antoinette: The Color of FleshEnsemble (5 or more): The Piano LessonEnsemble (5 or more): Sonia FlewSupporting Actor (Drama): John Seibert, Next FallSupporting Actress (Comedy): Sarah Ann Leahy, Circle Mirror TransformationLead Actress (Musical): Andrea Mellos, The Drowsy ChaperoneSupporting Actress (Musical): Naz Edwards, The Drowsy ChaperoneSupporting Actor (Musical): Matt Anderson, The Drowsy ChaperoneSupporting Actor (Musical): Scott Crownover, The Drowsy ChaperoneAnnArbor.com::
Best Local Play 2009: The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead, David Wolber, directorBest Acting Performances (male) 2009: John Manfredi, A Picasso, Will Myers, A Feminine Ending, James Bowen, Fences, Malcolm Tulip, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are DeadBest Acting Performances (female) 2009: Inga Wilson, A Feminine Ending, Sheila Alyce Slaughter, Fences, Suzi Regan, The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful RedheadBest Tech Achievements 2009: Monika Essen’s set for Fences, Daniel C. Walker’s lighting design for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Christmas Carol’dBest Locally Produced Show (2008): Doubt, John Seibert, directorBest Performance (female) 2008: Jan Radcliffe, Doubt; Sarab Kamoo, 9 Parts of DesireBest Performance (male) 2008: Jon Bennett, Doubt, Robert Grossman, Exits and EntrancesFavorite On-Stage Moments 2008: Roxanne Wellington and Barton Bund’s power lunch in The Little Dog Laughed; Tom Whalen & Jim Porterfield’s reconciliation scene, Geoffrey and JeffreyBest Tech Achievements 2008: Daniel C. Walker’s set for Doubt, Monika Essen’s set for 9 Parts of Desire and Geoffrey and Jeffrey, Vincent Mountain’s set for The Day Everything Went WrongAnn Arbor News:
Best New Play 2007: Language Lessons, Joseph ZettelmaierBest Female Performance 2007 (tie): Carla Milarch, Dirty Blonde; Aphrodite Nikolovski, Language Lessons and The Clean House; Terry Heck, Language LessonsBest Male Performance 2007 (tie): Malcolm Tulip, Amadeus; Phil Powers, Dirty Blonde; John Seibert, The Baker’s WifeBest Set Designer 2007: Monika Essen, designerBest Performance by a New Face 2007: Jacob Hodgson, CandidaBest Production 2007: Amadeus, Malcolm Tulip, directorBest Lead Actress 2006: Carmen Decker, MoonglowBest Lead Actor 2006: Malcolm Tulip, I Am My Own WifeBest Supporting Actor 2006: Loren Bass, MoonglowBest New Play 2006: Kim Carney’s MoonglowBest Lead Actress 2005: Mindy Woodhead, Summer and SmokeBest Director 2005: Tony Caselli, Summer and SmokeBest Technical Achievement 2005: Monika Essen’s set for Summer and SmokeBest Production 2005: Summer and SmokeDetroit Free Press Awards:
Best Play 2006: Take Me OutBest Director 2006: Jim Posante & Tony Caselli, Take Me OutBest Featured Actor 2006: Darrell Glasgow, Take Me OutBest Featured Actress 2005: Laurel Hufano, Boston MarriageAward for Outstanding Contribution to Theater in a season 2005: Gillian Eaton, Humble Boy, Boston MarriageBest Director 2003: Malcolm Tulip, Man of La ManchaBest Featured Actress 2003: Terry Heck, Necessary TargetsBest Actress 2002: Gillian Eaton, Elizabeth RexAward for Outstanding Contributions to Theatre 2001: Johanna Broughton and Daniel C. WalkerBest Actress 2001: Jan Radcliff, Wit