UNCSA alumni are nominated for Helen Hayes Awards in Washington, D.C.

Several alumni of UNCSA are nominated for Helen Hayes Awards recognizing excellence in theater in the Washington, D.C., area. Many of the alumni were involved with plays nominated as best in their categories. Additional works written and produced by alumni are recognized as well.

Alumni who are nominated include:

Amy McDonald, a 2017 graduate of the School of Design and Production (D&P), is nominated for outstanding costume design for Theater Alliance’s “Blood at the Root,” which is nominated for Outstanding Play. Jonathan Rahm Robertson (D&P ’15) is nominated for outstanding scene design (as Johnny Robertson). Additionally, Timothy Thompson, a 2013 graduate of the School of Drama, is assistant director.

UNCSA alumni were involved with "Blood at the Root" by Theater Alliance

UNCSA alumni are nominated for Helen Hayes Awards for their work on Theater Alliance's "Blood At the Root." / Photo courtesy of Theater Allliance

Jessica Cancino (D&P ’16) is nominated for outstanding set design for “Daddy Long Legs” at Monumental Theater Company, another best play nominee.

Jonathan Alexander (D&P ’10) is nominated for outstanding lighting design for Avant Bard Theatre’s best play nominee, “Topdog/Underdog.”

Ben Gunderson (Drama ’09) is nominated as a member of the best-ensemble nominee “A Chorus Line” by Signature Theatre. It is also nominated for best musical.

Grady Bowman, a 2005 graduate of the School of Dance, is nominated for outstanding choreography for Olney Theatre Center’s “Singin’ In the Rain.”

Alumni associated with nominated productions include:

Brian D. Coats appears in Arena Stage's "Jitney," nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for best visiting production

Brian D. Coats, at right, appears in Arena Stage's "Jitney," nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for visiting production. / Photo: Jeremy Daniel

Brian D. Coats (Drama ’93) appears in “Jitney” by Arena Stage, nominated for best visiting production.

Harry Poster (Drama ’11) is a producer for Kennedy Center’s “Don’t Let the Pigeons Drive the Bus,” which is nominated for best production for young audiences.

In addition, the Kennedy Center production of 10-time Tony Award-winning “The Band’s Visit” originally produced by Orin Wolf (Drama high school ’97) is nominated for best visiting production; and “Oslo,” the Tony Award-winning play by J.T. Rogers (Drama ’90), was nominated in an acting category.

Nominees were announced Feb. 3 at National Theatre’s Helen Hayes Gallery by theatreWashington, an organization dedicated to supporting and representing all sectors of the Washington theater community. The winners will be announced Monday, May 18.

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February 05, 2020