Hamilton County plays host to a variety of entertainment options all year round. In addition to sports, fine dining and concerts, entertainment also includes some truly exceptional live performances in local theaters. Three local theater groups were recently honored by their peers with several Encore Awards and one Hamilton County man was given a lifetime achievement award for his work with theaters over the last 25 years.
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Westfield Playhouse Board President John C. Sampson recently received the E. Edward Green Award for lifetime achievement award from the Encore Association, which is composed of volunteer members from 12 theater groups in Central Indiana.
“I was quite honored this year to win the award,” Sampson told The Reporter, “And surprised as heck! In my working with theater I started at The Belfry and I worked with the Carmel Community Players. I’ve built 122 sets since 1992. I’ve set lights for 31 productions. I have acted in 35 different shows.”
Sampson took over the presidency of Main Street Productions, more commonly known as Westfield Playhouse, nine years ago when the theater was in a period of decline. Now they put on six complete shows a year.
But Sampson was not inclined to speak further about himself. Instead, he spent his time with The Reporter talking about the work done by the award-winning theater groups across the county.
According to Sampson, all the productions from every groups in the Encore Association are judged by members who look for the best and most outstanding in all facets.
This year The Belfry, Carmel Community Players and Westfield Playhouse all walked away with awards from their peers.
“Each of our board members will also act or direct at other theaters [in the Encore Association],” Sampson said. “We are competitive, but we are sister-theaters.”
He called it a friendly competition among the local groups.
“Westfield Playhouse encourages youth to see live entertainment and hear the messages that come to life with a live performance,” Sampson explained. “Our youth of today need more exposure to theater art to learn history, enhance vocabulary and learn to laugh or cry without fear. We have one youth program that is open to all who wish to audition. These youth productions give confidence to speak in public and learn the theater art. Many of our youth have gone on to college and acting schools that creates a greater appreciation of the fine arts. We are a member of the Encore Association which has a youth production category to give honor to outstanding young performers. I encourage all parents to help keep the arts alive. Go to the website westfieldplayhouse.org to get more information about the all-volunteer playhouse in Westfield.”
Local winners in this year’s Encore Awards include:
Best Production of a Comedy
Jan Jamison, producer of SUITE SURRENDER Carmel Community Players
Best Production of a Drama
Rich Phipps, producer DRIVING MISS DAISY Carmel Community Players
Best Director of a Comedy
Jan Jamison SUITE SURRENDER Carmel Community Players
Best Director of a Drama
Doug Davis DRIVING MISS DAISY Carmel Community Players
Best Lead Actor in a Comedy
Daniel Shock THE FOREIGNER The Belfry
Best Lead Actor in a Drama
Bradley Lowe DRIVING MISS DAISY Carmel Community Players
Best Lead Actress in a Comedy
Georgeanna Teipen SUITE SURRENDER Carmel Community Players
Best Lead Actress in a Drama
Jean Adams DRIVING MISS DAISY Carmel Community Players
Best Major Supporting Actor in a Comedy
Joe Wagner THE FOREIGNER The Belfry
Best Major Supporting Actor in a Drama
Larry Adams DRIVING MISS DAISY Carmel Community Players
Best Major Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Diann Ryan THE FOREIGNER The Belfry
Best Minor Supporting Actor in a Comedy
Colton Martin SUITE SURRENDER Carmel Community Players
Best Performer Under the Age of 18 in a Play (Combined Category)
Lea Wickham CHRISTMAS AT HOME Main Street Productions
Best Cameo in a Play (Combined Category)
Joe Meyers BAREFOOT IN THE PARK Carmel Community Players
Best Set Design of a Comedy
Bill Fitch SUITE SURRENDER Carmel Community Players
Best Set Decoration of a Comedy
Ron Roessler & Jan Jamison SUITE SURRENDER Carmel Community Players
Best Hair & Makeup for a Play (Combined Category)
Daniel Klingler SUITE SURRENDER Carmel Community Players
Best Lighting Design for a Comedy
David Melton THE FOREIGNER The Belfry
Best Sound Design for a Comedy
Geoff Lynch THE FOREIGNER The Belfry
Best Light Board Operator for a Comedy
Jake Pedzinski THE FOREIGNER The Belfry
Best Sound Board Operator for a Comedy
Becky Buchanan-Schwanke SUITE SURRENDER Carmel Community Players
Best Stage Manager of a Play (Combined Category)
Kathy Watson SUITE SURRENDER Carmel Community Players
Best Performer Under the Age of 18 in a Musical
Weston LeCrone BLOOD BROTHERS Carmel Community Players
Best Set Decoration for a Musical
Doug Davis DON’T HUG ME, WE’RE MARRIED Main Street Productions
JUDGES SPECIALS
Presented to Barefoot in the Park at Carmel Community Players
For the engrossing and engaging first scene change that was choreographed to the show’s soundtrack and was completed by the cast while totally in character.
RISING STAR WINNERS
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES Main Street Productions
Eli Robinson
Audrey Duprey and Grace Sweeney (tie)
13 THE MUSICAL Carmel Community Players
Eli Robinson
Anya Burke
E. EDWARD GREEN AWARD HONOREE
John Sampson