TANYS Merit Awards 2026
The Foreigner
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Excellence in Scenic Design to Jake Riggs and Angela Martin-Emley
Excellence in Direction to Angela Martin-Emley
Excellence in Ensemble Acting to the Cast
Excellence in Acting to Darrell Klute for the portrayal of Charlie Baker
Mean Girls The Musical
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Torianne Morrow for the portrayal of Karen Smith
Meritorious Achievement in Overall Performance to Maddie Hollamby for the portrayal of Gretchen Weiners
Meritorious Achievement in Vocal Performance to Grace Ventura for the portrayal of Cady Heron
Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Tim Hollamby, Kim Power and Karen Layman-Woolston
Meritorious Achievement in Overall Performance to Maria Casciano for the portrayal of Regina George
Meritorious Achievement in Overall Performance to Kianna Kellner for the portrayal of Janis Sarkisian
Meritorious Achievement in Overall Performance to Samuel Morgan for the portrayal of Damian Hubbard
Excellence in Orchestral Direction to Pat Waldron
TANYS Merit Awards 2025
The 39 Steps
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Tristan DeFiore
Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Acting to the Cast
Meritorious Achievement in Sound Design and Execution to Ryan Daughenbaugh, Tristan Davis-Cashmere and Drew Stephan
H.M.S. Pinafore
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Excellence in Acting to Aaron Gies for the portrayal of Captain Corcoran
Excellence in Acting to David Merwine for the portrayal of Sir Joseph Porter KCB
Excellence in Direction to Jake Riggs
Outstanding Achievement in Vocal Performance to Andrea Harris for the portrayal of Josephine
Excellence in Vocal Performance to Mike Staley for the portrayal of Ralph Rackstraw
Excellence in Vocal Performance to Angela Emley for the portrayal of Little Buttercup
Excellence in Musical Direction to Pat Waldron
Excellence in Ensemble Acting to the Cast
School of Rock
Adjudicator: Joan Luther
Excellence in Acting to Clementine Slattery for the portrayal of Summer
Excellence in Ensemble Performance to the Cast
Excellence in Vocal Performance to Andrew Truman
Outstanding Achievement in Vocal Performance to Gretchen Henneman
Excellence in Performance to Jackson Green
Excellence in Direction to Kelly Vaccaro
Excellence in Vocal Direction to Alex Scalise
Outstanding Achievement in Acting to Andrew Truman
Steel Magnolias
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Excellence in Ensemble Performance to the Cast
Excellence in Direction to Angela Emley
Meritorious Achievement in Scenic Design and Execution to Jake Riggs and Angela Emley
Freaky Friday The Musical
Adjudicator: Bob Frame
Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Tim Hollamby
Meritorious Achievement in Vocal and Orchestral Direction to Pat Waldron
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Jacob Dunmire for the portrayal of Fletcher
Meritorious Achievement in Sound Design to Tristan Davis-Cashimere
TANYS Merit Awards 2024
Clue, The Musical
Adjudicator: Bob Frame
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Tim Hollamby for the portrayal of Mr. Boddy
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Nick Youngs for the portrayal of Mrs. White
Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Meritorious Achievement in Direction and Production Design to Kelly Vaccaro and the Production Team
Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Performance to the Cast
Excellence in Performance to Sharon Myers for the portrayal of Trunchbull
Excellence in Performance to Anna Widger for the portrayal of Miss Honey
Excellence in Performance to Roux Brown-Ragno for the portrayal of Matilda
Sunset Boulevard
Adjudicator: Arnie Galin
Outstanding Achievement in Acting to Sharon Myers for the portrayal of Norma Desmond
Outstanding Achievement in Acting to Daryl E. Johnson for the portrayal of Joe Gillis
Outstanding Achievement in Direction to Minna Badanes
Excellence in Performance to the Cast and Crew
Excellence in Music Direction to Pat Waldron
TANYS Merit Awards 2023
My Three Angels
Adjudicator: Joan Luther
Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Jake Riggs
Meritorious Achievement in Costuming to Angela Emley
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Darrell Klute for the portrayal of Henry
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Andee Cole-Higley for the portrayal of Josephine
The Sound of Music
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Outstanding Performance to the Orchestra
Excellence in Performance to Jake Riggs for the portrayal of Max Detweiller
Excellence in Performance to Caroline Bremner for the portrayal of Elsa Schraeder
Meritorious Achievement in Vocal Performance to Jessica Chastain
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Nicolas Gunning for the portrayal of Captain Georg von Trapp
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Jim Chastain for the portrayal of Friedrich
Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Work to the Cast and Stage Crew
The Vagina Monologues
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Excellence in Acting to Caroline Bremner
Excellence in Acting to Maria Welka
Excellence in Direction to Jessica Anderson
Excellence in Ensemble Performance to the Cast
TANYS Merit Awards 2022
The Addams Family
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Excellence in Performance to Jake Riggs for his portrayal of Uncle Fester
Excellence in Performance to Janet Nolan for her portrayal of Alice Beineke
Excellence in Musical Performance to Ruth Fuller and the Orchestra
Excellence in Technical Direction to Kelly Vaccaro
Excellence in Costume Design and Execution to William J. Steffen
Excellence in Make Up Design to Shelley Greene and her Team
Meritorious Achievement in Sound Operation to Landon Wyant
Meritorious Achievement in Production Design, Concept and Execution to Tim Hollamby, Dan Donner and Bob Sherburne
Meritorious Achievement in Performance to Christian Hall for his portrayal of Pugsley Addams
Meritorious Achievement in Performance to Caroline Bremner for her portrayal of Morticia Addams
Meritorious Achievement in Performance to Nicholas Gunning for his portrayal of Mal Beineke
Meritorious Achievement in Vocal Performance to Mike Staley for his portrayal of Gomez Addams
Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Performance to the Cast
Agnes of God
Adjudicator: Joan Luther
Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Acting to the Cast
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Ashley LaBombard for her portrayal of Sister Agnes
Olean Community Theatre
The Illusion
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Excellence in Direction and Scenic Design to Jake Riggs
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Skylar Schapp for his portrayal of Calisto/Clindor/Theogenes
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Mia Pavone for her portrayal of Melibea/Isabelle/Hippolyta
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Taryn Nasuta for her portrayal of Elicia/Lyse/Clarina
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Nick Youngs for his portrayal of Matamore
TANYS Merit Awards 2021
The Diary of Anne Frank
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Performance to the Cast
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Taryn Nasuta for her portrayal of Anne Frank
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to William Myers for his portrayal of Mr. Frank
TANYS Merit Awards 2020
High School Musical
Adjudicator: Joey Bucheker
Meritorious Achievement in Performance to Mara Zrzavy for her portrayal of Miss Darbus
Meritorious Achievement in Performance to Andrew Sherburne for his portrayal of Ryan Evans
Meritorious Achievement in Choreography to Skyler Schapp and Lisa Kranz
Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Timothy Hollamby
Excellence in Orchestral Direction and Performance to Ruth Fuller and the Orchestra
TANYS Merit Awards 2019
Legally Blonde
Adjudicator: Joey Bucheker
Meritorious Achievement in Performance to Kyle Leslie for her portrayal of Elle Woods
Meritorious Achievement in Performance to Clay Nolan for his portrayals of Kyle, Dewey and Others
Meritorious Achievement in Choreography to Laurie Donner
Excellence in Performance to Devyn Neiman, Christina Stankewicz, and Jen Conklin for their portrayal of The Greek Chorus
Excellence in Performance to Janet Nolan for her portrayal of Paulette Bonafonte
Excellence in Musical Direction to Sharon Myers
Excellence in Orchestral Direction and Performance to Ruth Fuller and the Orchestra
The Year of Magical Thinking
Adjudicator: Paul Nelson
Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Kathy Malick
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Ashley LaBombard
TANYS Merit Awards 2018
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Adjudicator: Diane Mashia
Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Acting to the Cast
Once Upon A Mattress
Adjudicator: Joan Luther
Excellence in Acting to Sharon Myers as Queen Aggravain
Excellence in Vocal Performance to Sarah Gordon as Lady Larkin
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Michael Staley as King Sextimus the Silent
Excellence in Choreography to Laurie Donner
Excellence in Orchestral Conduction to Ruth Fuller
Excellence in Musical Direction to Pat Waldron
Excellence Award in Production Concept and Execution to William Steffen, Tioga Simpson, Ryan Wheeler,Maria Wheeler, Bridgette Martin-Oschman, Dan Donner, and Jennifer Simpson.
Excellence in Ensemble Performance to the Cast
West Side Story
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Olivia Obergfell as Action
Meritorious Achievement in Vocal Performance to Austin Schapp as Tony
Excellence in Vocal Performance to Sarah Gordon as Maria
Excellence in Vocal Performance to Tioga Simpson as Anita
Adjudicator's Comment: West Side Story, a theatrical classic came to life in Olean this past weekend. It played to sold out crowds and was an instant success. The cast and crew worked hard to create New York City in the JCC’s Cutco Theater and introduce this favorite to a new generation of thespians.
TANYS Merit Awards 2017
9 to 5: The Musical
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Tanaka Losey for her portrayal of Judy Bernly
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to David Merwine for his portrayal of Joe
Meritorious Achievement in Conducting of the Pit to Kimberly Voegelin
Meritorious Achievement in Props to Paula Bernstein and Cast
Excellence in Acting to Paul Nelson for his portrayal of Franklin Hart
Excellence in Acting to Kyle Leslie for her portrayal of Doralee Rhodes
Assassins
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Skyler Schapp for his portrayal of multiple characters
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Alan Bernstein for his portrayal of Sam Byck
Meritorious Achievement in Technical Support to Dan Donner for his Video Slide Design
Meritorious Achievement in Orchestral Accompaniment to Ruth Fuller and the Orchestra
Excellence in Acting to David Merwine for his portrayal of John Wilkes Booth
Excellence in Costume Design and Execution to Jennifer Simpson and William Steffen
TANYS Merit Awards 2016
Man of La Mancha
Excellence in Vocal Performance to Talia A. Van Druff
Excellence in Direction and Production Value to Director, Design Staff, Orchestra Direction and Production Staff
Excellence in Ensemble Performance to The Cast
Excellence in Choreography to Laurie Donner
Ordinary Days
Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Paul Nelson
Excellence in Ensemble Work and Vocal Performance to Skyler Schapp, Madison McClelland, Tim Hollamby and Kyle Leslie
Mary Poppins
Outstanding Vocal Performance to Tanaka Van Druff as Mary Poppins
Excellence in Dance and Movement to Skyler Schapp as Neleus
Excellence in Direction, Magic and Overall Production Value to William J. Steffen and the Cast and Technical Crew
Excellence in Costuming to Jennifer Simpson, Charlotte Roberts, and William Steffen
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Tanaka Van Druff as Mary Poppins
Adjudicator's Comments: Music and magic were brought to life as Olean Community Theatre presented Mary Poppins. From the heartwarming story, to the magic of flying, to the music we love, Mary Poppins was a delight to watch for all ages. Children and adults, too, could feed the birds, have their picture taken with Mary and be entertained by the Banks Family. All in all, it was a great way to spend a frigid afternoon.
TANYS Merit Awards 2015
Love, Loss, and What I Wore
Outstanding Achievement in Acting to Joy Barnard for her portrayal of Ginger
Outstanding Achievement in Production Concept, Design & Execution and Direction to Paul A. Nelson
Excellence in Ensemble Acting to the Cast: Joy Barnard, Bryanna Beard, Tammy Crawford, Kathy Malick, Corinne Potter, and Jennifer Wolbert
adjudicated by Diane Mashia, December 4, 2015
TANYS Merit Awards 2014
A Walk in the Woods
Meritorious Achievement in Scenic & Lighting Design Paul Nelson and Charles Baldwin adjudicated by Diane Mashia, October 28, 2014
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Excellence in Vocal Ensemble to the Cast
adjudicated by Pam Rapoza - June 8, 2014
Funny Girl
Outstanding Achievement in Vocal Performance Talia A. Herdman in her role as Fanny Brice
Excellence in Acting Talia A. Herdman for her portrayal of Fanny Brice
Excellence in Choreography Laurie Donner
Meritorious Achievement in Acting Paul A. Nelson for his portrayal of Nick Arnstein
Meritorious Achievement in Acting Marcia McAndrew for her portrayal of Mrs. Strakosh
Meritorious Achievement in Dance to the Company
adjudicated by Diane Mashia - February 16, 2014
TANYS Merit Awards 2013
Inherit the Wind
Excellence in Acting to Bob Riggs for his portrayal of Henry Drummond
Excellence in Acting to Jake Riggs for his portrayal of EK Hornbeck
Excellence in Acting to Charlotte Stock for her portrayal of Rachel Brown
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Gregory Hayes for his portrayal of Meeker
adjudicated by Paul Nelson - October 12, 2013
Ladies Shorts
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Kathy Malick for her portrayal of “Mary” in Act Your Age
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Bridgette Martin for her portrayal of “Lanie” in Friends of the Deceased
Meritorious Achievement in Musical Performance to Chordiac Arrest: Nathan H. Bell, Mark Lungershausen, Eric Van Druff
Ardyth VanScoy, and Marcia Wymer
adjudicated by Diane Maisha - August 22, 2013
The Foreigner
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Mike Kayes for his portrayal of Owen Musser
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Alan Bernstein for his portrayal of Charlie Baker
Adjudicator's Comments: "Olean Community Theatre has brought some laughter to the stage withThe Foreigner. Lighthearted and full of surprise, the production was a crowd pleaser. Congratulations to OCT on a job well done. -- adjudicated by Joan Luther - April 28, 2013
TANYS Merit Awards 2012
Proof
Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Nathan H. Bell
adjudicated by Joan Luther - October 13, 2012
Could I Have This Dance?
Excellence in Music Composition and Performance to Mark Hubert
Meritorious Achievement in Acting and Movement to Marcia Gallineaux-Hubert
Comments: "Olean Community Theatre presented a thoughtful production dealing with love, family and difficult choices. The company showed humor and compassion as they dealt with the reality ofThe Dance of Death.” adjudicated by Joan Luther - May 12, 2012
Guys and Dolls
Excellence in Costuming to Monica Kellogg
Excellence in Choreography to Laurie Donner
Meritorious Achievement in Ensemble Work to the Director, Cast and Production Staff of Olean Community Theatre
Comments: "Olean Community Theatre gambled with “Guys and Dolls” and became a big winner. This classic musical was fast paced, well executed and a delight for the audiences to watch. A great start to the 2012 OCT season." adjudicated by Joan Luther - February 19, 2012
TANYS Merit Awards 2011
A Little Night Music
Excellence Achievement in Acting to Tammy Crawford for her portrayal of Desiree Armfeldt
Excellence in Vocal Direction to Eric Van Druff
Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Nathan H. Bell
Comments: "Kudos to Olean Community Theatre for bringing A Little Night Music alive on stage. The company took on the challenge of Stephen Sondheim music and made it appear easy. Their production was fast moving, creative and well executed." adjudicated by Joan Luther - October 16, 2011
Forever Plaid
Excellence in Vocal Performance to Nathan H. Bell, Boris Van Druff, Mark Lungershausen, and Brent Neeley
Meritorious Achievement to the Olean Community Theatrefor their unique venue and creative event “dessert” theatre.
Meritorious Achievement in Technical Direction to Ken Roberts
Meritorious Achievement in Direction to Eric Van Druff
"The audience was so beguiled by the Four Plaids' renditions of “old favorite” songs that they eagerly jumped to participate when asked." adjudicated by Bob Alonzo - August 6, 2011
Nunsense II: The Second Coming
Outstanding Vocal Performance to Kathryn A. Black
Excellence in Ensemble Work to the Director, Cast and Production Staff
Excellence in Vocal Performance to Joni Jackson
Meritorious Achievement in Choreography to Ardyth R. Van Scoy
Comments: The Sisters of Hoboken took Portville Central School by storm. The well-paced production of Nunsense II kept the audience members on the edge of their seats. Although no one won the bingo game, we were entertained with beautifully executedproduction numbers all within the set dressing of “The Mikado.”
adjudicated by Joan Luther - February 6, 2011
TANYS Festival 2010
November 19 - 21, 2010 Batavia, NY
Discretionary Awards presented by Steve Willis, Festival Adjudicator
"They Fell" from Almost Maine for Stage Setting
"They Fell" from Almost Maine for Ensemble Acting
TANYS Merit Awards 2010
Almost, Maine
Excellence in Direction To Minna Badanes and Nathan Bell
Excellence in Acting to Brent Neeley
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Tammy Crawford
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Nathan Malick
Comments: "Olean Community Theatre's polished production of Almost, Maine was an evening complete with laughter and reflection. A beautiful gift to its audiences."
adjudicated by Paul A. Nelson - October 8, 2010
Love, Sex, and the I. R. S.
Excellence in Acting to Moses Mark Howden for his portrayal of Floyd Spinner
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Alyssa Dechow for her portrayal of Kate
Comments: "Mr. Howden deftly underplayed the role of the ethically-challenged I.R.S. examiner whose alcoholism and surprise antics generated constant hilarity. Bob Newhart would have had difficulty in topping Mr. Howden’s consistently effective subtle timing and dry wit.
Ms. Dechow gave a well-balanced, credible performance as the bemused girlfriend romantically involved with two young men and then 'pursued' by the I.R.S."
adjudicated by Spencer Watson - June 11, 2010
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Outstanding Accomplishment in Musical Accompaniment to Ruth Fuller and the Orchestra
Outstanding Accomplishment in Direction to Minna Badanes
Outstanding Accomplishment in Technical Direction to Ken Roberts
Excellence in Ensemble Performance to the servants: William J. Steffen as Cogsworth, Tim Hollamby as Lumiere, Joni Jackson as Mrs. Potts and Sue Hannon as Babbette
Excellence in Performance to Nathan H. Bell as the Beast
Excellence in Performance Alexa Campbell as Belle
Excellence in Performance Eric L. VanDruff as Gaston
Excellence in Performance Amanda Kronert as LeFou
Excellence in Vocal Direction to Meaghan Bryant and Eric L. VanDruff
Excellence in Choreography to Laurie Donner
"Olean Community Theatre’s production of Beauty and the Beast held adults and children spell bound, as the actors and dancers told the story as old as time. This charming musical, skillfully directed by Minna Badanes, is another hit in OCT’s rich history of successes. Everyone involved deserves a round of applause for their hard work and dedication.
adjudicated by Ruth Legg - February 21, 2010
TANYS Merit Awards 2009
Damn Yankees
Excellence in Vocal Performance to the cast
Excellence inMusic Direction and Orchestration to Pat Waldron, Ruth Fuller and the orchestra
Excellence in Performance to Jacque Austin for his portrayal of Joe Hardy
“Olean Community Theatre produced a musically superb performance. Jacque Austin was an energetic and charming Joe that carried the Washington Senators to the pennant!”
adjudicated by Pam Rapoza - October 25, 2009
Peter Pan
Outstanding Accomplishment in Acting and Vocal Performance to
Kathryn Black as Peter Pan
Outstanding Accomplishment in Directing to William Steffen
Outstanding Accomplishment in Musical Accompaniment to Ruth Fuller and the Orchestra
Excellence in Vocal Direction to Meaghan Bryant
Excellence in Sound to Ken Roberts
Excellence in Acting and Vocal Performance to Todd Chadwick as Captain Hook
Excellence in Ensemble Acting and Vocal Performance to the Cast
Excellence in Costuming to Monica Kellogg
Special Accolades to Olean Community Theatre for beginning their
30th Season with record-breaking attendance.
"Olean Community Theatre’s production of Peter Pan featured energy-filled performances by a talented cast of all ages. It is a prime example of the quality of theatre produced by community theatre companies across New York State. The Theatre Association of New York State congratulates OCT as they begin their 30th season. They are the pride of Olean."
adjudicated by Ruth Legg - March 1, 2009
TANYS Merit Awards 2008
The Miracle Worker
Excellence in Acting to Danielle Campbell as Annie Sullivan
Excellence in Acting to Ksa Curry as Helen Keller
adjudicated by Arnie Galin - May 18, 2008
Fiddler on the Roof
Outstanding Accomplishment in Acting to Paul A. Nelson as Tevye
Outstanding Accomplishment in Directing to Minna Badanes
Excellence in Ensemble Acting and Vocal Performance to the Cast
Excellence in Musical Accompaniment to Ruth Fuller and the Orchestra
Excellence in Vocal Direction to Eric L. Van Druff
Excellence in Sound to Ken Roberts
"Olean Community Theatre's production of Fiddler on the Roof, was a vocally exciting production that raised the bar for musical theatre performances. The large, talented cast, led by Paul A. Nelson as Tevye, drew a well-deserved standing ovation at the end. Director Minna Badanes continues to produce professional quality shows for the Olean community."
adjudicated by Ruth Legg - February 18, 2008
TANYS Merit Awards 2007
The Laramie Project
Outstanding Accomplishment in Ensemble Acting to the Cast
Outstanding Accomplishment in Directing to Paul A. Nelson
"Under the direction of Paul Nelson, the cast of The Laramie Project
brought the townspeople of Laramie, WY to life with insight and thoughtfulness. This helped the audience understand the impact of the Matthew Shepherd tragedy on a small community and the entire world. Olean Community Theatre is to be commended for producing this important play that shines the spotlight on the multiple tragedies that result from a violent act of intolerance and hate."
adjudicated by Ruth Legg - September 30, 2007
Into The Woods
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatrical Performance to Kathryn Black for her portrayal of The Witch
Award for Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatrical Performance to Anthony Alcocer for his double portrayal of The Wolf and The Prince
Award for Excellence in Musical Theatrical Performance to
Christine Tanner as Cinderella
Award for Excellence in Musical Theatrical Performance to
Nathan H. Bell as The Baker
Award for Excellence in Musical Theatrical Performance to
Ardyth Van Scoy for her portrayal of The Baker’s Wife
Award for Overall Excellence in Musical Theater Scenic Artistry to Kenneth and Charlotte Roberts for this set design and execution of the manifold technical requirements of Into The Woods with special recognition of the painted scenic drops, Rapunzel’s Tower, Cinderella’s Mother’s Grave, the center rake and The Beanstalk constructions
Award for Meritorious Achievement in Musical Theatrical Performance to
Alexa Campbell for her portrayal of Milky White
Award for Meritorious Achievement in Musical Theatrical Performance to Jacque Austin for his portrayal of Jack
Award for Meritorious Achievement in Musical Theatrical Performance to Ryan Kasperski for his portrayal ofRapunzel’s Prince Award for Meritorious Achievement in Vocal Direction to Eric VanDruff for leading the cast and ensemble in the complex and dissonant antiphonal singing by the cast
Award for Meritorious Achievement in Musical Theater Accompanment to the Into The Woods pit orchestra ensemble led by Ruth Fuller with special recognition to the percussionist, flautist and clarinet player for exceptional instrumental coloration during the performance
Award of Meritorious Achievement to Olean Community Theatre for surpassing one hundred productions of constantly challenging community theatre consistently with the highest of production values across the 28 seasons they’ve presented to their audiences.Bravo OCT!
adjudicated by Spencer Watson - May 19, 2007
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
Excellence in Ensemble Work to Nathan H. Bell, Paul A. Nelson and Eric Van Druff
Excellence in Directing to Minna Badanes
adjudicated by Ruth Legg, February 18, 2007
TANYS Festival 2006
November 17 - 19, 2006 Glens Falls, NY
Best Long Production Over the River and Through the Woods
Award for Outstanding Performance to John Zinzi as Frank presented by Festival Adjudicator Annette Procunier
Award for Technical Excellence to Ken Roberts and the Crew presented by Festival Technical Director Bob Frame
Audience Choice Award - Favorite Show Over the River and Through the Woods
Audience Choice Award - Favorite Performance John Zinzi as Frank
TANYS Merit Awards 2006
Talk Radio
Meritorious Accomplishment in Acting to Tim Hunter as Barry Champlain adjudicated by Ruth Legg, October 12, 2006
Over the River and Through the Woods
Outstanding Achievement in Acting to John Zinzi as Frank
Excellence in Ensemble Work to the Cast and Director (Ken Roberts)
Excellence in Acting to Judy Chiariello as Aida
Excellence in Acting to Moses Howden as Nunzio
Meritorious Achievement in Costuming to Charlotte Roberts
adjudicated by Chris Mackowski, September 15, 2006
Bye Bye Birdie
Outstanding Accomplishment in Directing and Creative Concept to Minna Badanes
Outstanding Accomplishment in Ensemble Performance to the Cast
Excellence in Acting to Kathy Malick as Mae Peterson
adjudicated by Ruth Legg, July 9, 2006
Titanic the Musical
Outstanding Ensemble Performance and Vocal Accomplishment to the Cast
Outstanding Performance to Todd Wagner as Thomas Andrews
Outstanding Directing and Set Design to Minna Badanes
Outstanding Costume Design and Execution to William Steffen
Outstanding Work in Enhancing the Production to Rick Snyder, Vocal Director, Ruth Fuller, Conductor and the Orchestra
Outstanding Accomplishment to Jim Hunter, Technical Director, Ken Roberts, Technical Advisor and their crews for recreating and sinking the Titanic
Special kudos to Lighting Designer Pat Massaro for his hard work in overcoming a major equipment failure two days before the show opened.
adjudicated by Ruth Legg, January 29, 2006
TANYS Merit Awards 2005
Jesus Christ Superstar
Excellence in Ensemble Performance to the Cast, Crew and Orchestra
Excellence in Concept Creation to the Director, Cast, Crew and Orchestra
Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Gabriel T. Potter and Tim Mulcahey for their commitment to the relationship between Jesus and Judas
adjudicated by Cindy Appleton - September 2005
TANYS Merit Awards 2004
A Shayna Maidel
Excellence in Acting to Thomasina Crawford as Lusia Pechanik
adjudicated by Joan Fuess, October 29, 2004
The Wizard of Oz
Outstanding Award for Musical Theatre performance to Heidi Giberson for her portrayal of Dorothy Gale
Outstanding Award in Musical Theatre performance to Tim Mulcahey for his dual portrayal of Hickory and the Tin Woodsman
Outstanding Award in Musical Theatre accompaniment to the sixteen-piece Wizard Orchestra and Conductor Ruth Fuller
Excellence in Musical Theatre Award to Ken Roberts for his overall direction.
Excellence in Musical Theatre Award to Bill Steffen for his dual portrayals of Zeke and the Cowardly Lion
Excellence in Musical Theatre Award to Cristen Winegard for her dual portrayals ofMiss Gulch and the Wicked Witch of the West
Excellence Award in Costuming to Charlotte Roberts, Dobie Maroswki, Ken Roberts, and those cast members parents and friends who assisted
Meritorious Achievement in Musical Theatre to Steve Spry for his dual portrayals of Hunk and the Scarecrow
Meritorious Achievement in Musical Theatre to Chris Mackowski for his dual portrayals of Uncle Henry and the Emerald City Guard
Meritorious Achievement in Musical Theatre to Robert Clemons for his dual portrayals of Professor Chester Marvel and the Wizard of Oz
Meritorious Achievement in Musical Theatre to all the Munchkins for their portrayals
Meritorious Achievement in Musical Theatre to the Three Apple Trees: Melissa Harvey, Kimberly Payne and Jody Bill
Meritorious Achievement in Musical Theatre Lobby Display to Corrine Potter
A Special Mention of Appreciation to Mary Rolick for her presentation on the evolutionary history of The Wizard of Oz story, screenplay and musical prior to the show in a commendable new OCT program entitled Prelude To Performance.
adjudicated by Spencer Watson, September 26, 2004
Sylvia
Excellence in Poster/Artwork Design to Studio 4 East
adjudicated by Pam Raposa, May 23, 2004
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Outstanding Accomplishment in Ensemble Work to the Producer, Directors, Choreographers, Conductor, Musicians, Stage Manager, Lights and Sound Technicians, Scenic Artists, Costumers, Assistants, Cast and Crew
adjudicated by Ruth Legg, February 22, 2004
TANYS Festival 2003
Best Long Production: Talley's Folly
Dick Mahlstedt Award for Excellence in Directing to Minna Badanes for Talley's Folly
Adjudicator's Award for Excellence in Acting to Paul A. Nelson as Matt Friedman in Talley's Folly
People's Choice Award: Paul A. Nelson as Matt Friedman in Talley's Folly
Festival Adjudicator Annette Procunier
November 21 - 23, 2003 Troy, NY
TANYS Merit Awards 2003
The Secret Garden
Outstanding Accomplishment in Performance to Kathryn A. Black as Lily
Outstanding Accomplishment in Performance to Alexa Campbell as Mary Lennox
Outstanding Accomplishment in Performance to Troy Wing as Dr. Neville Craven
Outstanding Accomplishment in Performance to Todd Chadwick as Archibald Craven
Outstanding Accomplishment in Ensemble Work presented to the directors, designers, conductor, musicians, cast and crew
Outstanding Accomplishment in Directing to William J. Steffen
adjudicated by Ruth Legg, November 16, 2003
Talley's Folley
Outstanding Performance to Fior Zinzi as Sally Talley
Outstanding Performance to Paul A. Nelson as Matt Friedman
Outstanding Direction to Minna Badanes
adjudicated by Ruth Legg, July 18, 2003
An Evening of One Acts
Meritorious Achievement for Ensemble Work to the Cast of Cagebirds.
Meritorious Achievement to First Time Director Mary R. Rolick for Cagebirds and Buying a Brassiere
Meritorious Achievement to Eric L. Van Druff as a new, young director for Opposites Attract
adjudicated by Ruth Legg, June 1, 2003
Out of Order
Excellence in Set Design, Ken Roberts
Excellence in Acting, Paul Nelson as "George Pigden"
Excellence in Acting, Gordon Cross as "the Waiter"
Meritorious Achievement in Directing, Minna Badanes
Meritorious Achievement in Acting, Eric Van Druff as "Richard Willey"
adjudicated by Bob Alonzo, February 23, 2003
TANYS Merit Awards 2002
An American Christmas
Outstanding Effort to Director (Kenneth Roberts) and Production Staff for involving the Community, both on and off stage, in the Spirit of Christmas through an original musical
Outstanding Singing to Fontilla Timmons whose voice "Rocked the Rafters," "Energized the Audience," and "Stopped the Show."
Adjudicated by Bob Alonzo, December 14, 2002
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Outstanding Production Design and Execution to Director Paul Nelson, his Design Team and Running Crew
Adjudicated by Robert M. Frame, November 8, 2002
Jekyll & Hyde, the Musical
Directing Ensemble to Minna Badanes, Director; Karen Bender, Vocal; Ruth Hurd, Orchestra; and Jim Hunter, Technical Acting Award to Stephen "Mo" Mosher as Jekyll & Hyde
Acting Award to Karen Bender as Lucy Harris
Ensemble Award to Cast and Crew
Special Effects Award to Michael Rambacher
Adjudicated by Joan Fuess on February 24, 2002
Greater Tuna
Outstanding Company Ensemble to Erik Oehler, Gene Rogers, Minna Badanes, Joni Jackson, Paul Nelson, and Fior Zinzi
Adjudicated by Arnie Galin on June 2, 2002
The Shadow Box
Ensemble Accomplishment to Director, Designers, Cast and Crew
Adjudicated by Ruth Legg on July 20, 2002
Eastern States Theatre Association honors Olean Community Theatre!
Eastern States Festival
2002 Honors
One Person: Best Show
Paul A. Nelson: Outstanding Performance: One Person
Special Notice Award-Technical Achievement: One Person
Theatre Association of New York honors Olean Community Theatre!
State Festival 2001 Honors
Paul A. Nelson: People's Choice for Outstanding Performance
Kathy Malick: Best Director
Charles Baldwin: Best Lighting Design
One Person: Best Short Show and the show that will represent New York State at the Eastern State Theatre Association Festival (ESTA) in April 2002
TANYS Merit Awards 2001
Gypsy
Outstanding Costume Design to Regina Van Scoy and Meredith Van Scoy
Adjudicated by Mary Rolick on February 25, 2001
One Person
Outstanding Performance by an Actor to Paul A. Nelson
Adjudicated by Ruth Legg on May 20, 2001
TANYS Merit Awards 2000
Cabaret
Outstanding Individual Characterization & Ensemble Performance to
Paul A. Nelson as Herr Schultz & Kathy Malick as Fraulein Schneider
Adjudicated by Shirley Cockrell at rehearsal on February 28, 2000
Outstanding Acting to Paul A. Nelson as Herr Schultz
Outstanding Acting to Kathy Malick as Fraulein Schneider
Merit Award for Choreography to Meredith R. Van Scoy
Adjudicated by Joan Fuess on March 5, 2000
Picnic
A Merit Award to the Director, Designers, Cast and Crew for Successfully Capturing the Mood of Picnic
Outstanding Direction and Imaginative and Effective Use of Stage Pictures that Illuminated the Subtext of the Script to Director Paul Nelson
Outstanding Acting to Mary R. Rolick as Rosemary Sydney
Outstanding Acting to John Zinzi as Howard Bevans
Adjudicated by Ruth Legg on June 4, 2000
Meet Me in St. Louis
Excellence in Ensemble Acting to the Cast
Merit Award to Director/Set Designer Ken Roberts
Merit Award to Costume Coordinator Charlotte Roberts
Merit Award Choreographer Marcia Galineaux Hubert
Merit Award Artistic Designer Theresa Heinz and Crew for Providing a Rich,Visual Atmosphere
Adjudicated by Ruth Legg on July 27, 2000
