B. Iden Payne Theatre Awards - Nominees and Winners, November 2, 2026
2025-2026 B. Iden Payne Award Winners
Nominees; Recipients of Awards
The B. Iden Payne Awards Council celebrated the 52nd Annual B. Iden Payne Awards on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Austin Scottish Rite Theater, recognizing the artists, productions, and theatre companies that contributed to another year of live theatre in Central Texas.
The annual ceremony celebrates excellence across Austin's theatre community, honoring achievements in drama, comedy, musicals, theatre for young audiences, improvised theatre, short-form productions, design, performance, and other creative disciplines.
This year's nominees represented a wide range of Austin-area theatre organizations, from established companies to independent artists and emerging ensembles. The awards recognize the collaborative work of performers, directors, playwrights, designers, technicians, and creative teams who bring theatre to life throughout the region.
Drama
Outstanding Production of a Drama
Another Kind of Silence, VORTEX Repertory Company
Fracturados, Borrego Red
Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre
Mirror Lake, Jarrott Productions
Oversight, Zahir
Sally & Tom, Zach Theater
Take Care of My Friend, Filigree Theatre (Winner)
Outstanding Direction of a Drama
Khristián Méndez Aguirre, Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre
Diana Patricia Guizado, Fracturados, Borrego Red
MoMo Holt, Another Kind of Silence, VORTEX Repertory Company
Sunghyun Lim, Macbeth, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Marcus McQuirter, Oversight, Zahir
Elizabeth V. Newman, Take Care of My Friend, Filigree Theatre (Winner)
Outstanding Lead Performer of a Drama
Angelique Archer (Luce, Sally), Sally & Tom, Zach Theater
Delan Crawford (Sergei Sergeyev), The Last Match, Filigree Theatre
Sarah-Marie Curry (Jessie Cates), ‘night, Mother, The Alchemy Theatre
CB Feller (Archer), Sagittarius Ponderosa, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Kathleen Fletcher (herself), Take Care of My Friend, Filigree Theatre (Winner)
Kendra Franklin (Lena Younger), A Raisin in the Sun, City Theatre Company
Kate Glasheen (Alma Winemiller), Summer and Smoke, Filigree Theatre
Juliet Robb (Dinah), Mirror Lake, Jarrott Productions
Gricelda Silva (Tía Adela), Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre (Winner)
Isis Jasen Silva (Ixq'anil), Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre
Rachel West (Cleopatra), Caesar + Antony + Cleopatra, Walking Shadow Shakespeare Project
Johanna Whitmore (Thelma Cates), ‘night, Mother, The Alchemy Theatre
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Drama
Hatlyn Barricklow (Helper Bot 7), Passage, Bottle Alley Theatre Company
Olivia D. Dawson (Maggie, Mary), Sally & Tom, Zach Theater
Hollis L. Edwards III (Kwame, James), Sally & Tom, Zach Theater
Abigail Egbujor (Beneatha Younger), A Raisin in the Sun, City Theatre Company
Dawn Erin (Jessie Mae Watts), The Trip to Bountiful, City Theatre Company
Olivia Jamison (Thelma), The Trip to Bountiful, City Theatre Company
Stephen Mercantel (Isaac), Describe the Night, Austin Playhouse
Tobie Minor (Nikolai), Describe the Night, Austin Playhouse (Winner)
Robert Pierson (Sen. Gruene), Oversight, Zahir
Samantha Plumb (Lavinia), Titus Andronicus, Stage Austin
Victor Santos (Mr. Laurence and more), Little Women, SEU Mary Moody Northen Theatre
Maddie Scanlan (Galina), The Last Match, Filigree Theatre (Winner)
Comedy
Outstanding Production of a Comedy
Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
The Fire Raisers, Hidden Room
The Heart Sellers, Austin Playhouse
Pueblo Revolt, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Seared, Austin Playhouse
Yellow Face, Ground Floor Theatre
Outstanding Direction of a Comedy
Shaun Branigan, The Mariposa Twist, Pareidolia Productions
Beth Burns, The Fire Raisers, Hidden Room
Mikala Gibson, Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Carl Gonzales, Pueblo Revolt, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Lara Toner Haddock, Seared, Austin Playhouse
Sandy Lam, Yellow Face, Ground Floor Theatre
Ben Wolfe, The Heart Sellers, Austin Playhouse
Outstanding Lead Performer of a Comedy
Benjamin G. Bazán (Ba’homa), Pueblo Revolt, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Chase Brewer (Scratch), Witch, Hyde Park Theatre
Alexa Capareda (Luna), The Heart Sellers, Austin Playhouse
Sarah Chong Dickey (Jane), The Heart Sellers, Austin Playhouse
Bailey Ellis (Algernon Moncrieff), The Importance of Being Earnest, Austin Playhouse
Devin Finn (Harry), Seared, Austin Playhouse
Taylor Flanagan (Evie Maryweather), Midnight, Summer Break Theatre
AJ Reyes (Feem Whim), Pueblo Revolt, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Justin Garret Smith (Marcus), Yellow Face, Ground Floor Theatre
T.C. Solis (Shelby Hinkley), I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire, EDDE
Matthew Vo (DHH), Yellow Face, Ground Floor Theatre
Ben Wolfe (Hercule Poirot), Peril in the Alps, Austin Playhouse
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Comedy
Heavyn Carter (Passenger 3 and more), Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Amani Edmond (Passenger 1 and more), Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Rai González Cartagena (Citlali), Emiliana: A Revolution Cabaret, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Diana Patricia Guizado (Violetta, musician), Emiliana: A Revolution Cabaret, Ground Floor Theatre
Jordan Hill (Passenger 2 and more), Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Bert Keefer (Lady Bracknell), The Importance of Being Earnest, ACC Department of Drama
Sarah Elizabeth Lim (Leah Ann Cho and more), Yellow Face, Ground Floor Theatre
Vivian Noble (Cecily Cardew), The Importance of Being Earnest, Austin Playhouse (Winner)
Haley Prince (Passenger 5 and more), Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Addrian Shontai (Rodney), Seared, Austin Playhouse
Norman Tran (HYH), Yellow Face, Ground Floor Theatre
Ben Wolfe (Mike), Seared, Austin Playhouse
Musical
Outstanding Production of a Musical
Cabaret, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Newsies, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Reefer Madness: The Musical, ACC Department of Drama
Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Greg Almanza, Newsies, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Michael Cooper, The Robber Bridegroom, The Alchemy Theatre
Rodolfo Robles Cruz, Cabaret, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Jamie Rogers, Reefer Madness: The Musical, ACC Department of Drama
Lisa Scheps, Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Clinton Williams, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical
Taylor Bini (Rosamund), The Robber Bridegroom, The Alchemy Theatre
Ella Eavenson (Sally Bowles), Cabaret, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Bailey Ellis (Montague Navarro), A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Austin Playhouse
CB Feller (Lucille Frank), Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
David Gonima (Emcee), Cabaret, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Avery Linden (Cinderella), Cinderella, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Aaron Matijasic (Reginald Bunthorne), Patience, Gilbert & Sullivan Austin
Gabrielle North (Hope Cladwell), Urinetown: The Musical, SEU Mary Moody Northen Theatre
Jacob Rosenbaum (Leo Frank), Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Scott Shipman (D’Ysquith Family), A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Austin Playhouse
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical
Sandra Bates (Yitzhak), Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Jack Baziuk (Jack Stone), Reefer Madness: The Musical, ACC Department of Drama
John Christopher (Newt Lee, Riley), Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Felicia A. Dinwiddie (Hannah and more), Come From Away, Zach Theater
Billy Gilbert (Hugh Dorsey), Parade, Ground Floor Theatre
Nicholas Hunter (Jim Conley), Parade, Ground Floor Theatre
Kirk Kelso (Lecturer), Reefer Madness: The Musical, ACC Department of Drama
Matthew Kennedy (Little Harp), The Robber Bridegroom, The Alchemy Theatre
Chelsea Manasseri (Minnie McKnight, Angela), Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Julie Moore (Elsa Überläufer), Lara Stone and the Lost Relics of St. Nick, Crown Theatre & Austin Scottish Rite Theater
Anna Skidis Vargas (Penelope Pennywise), Urinetown: The Musical, SEU Mary Moody Northen Theatre
Theater for Young Audiences
Outstanding Production of Theatre for Young Audiences
Carmela Full of Wishes, Austin Playhouse
Charlotte’s Web, Zach Theater (Winner)
Junie B. Jones, the Musical, Austin Scottish Rite Theater
Papakō: The Journey, Teatro Vivo
This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater
Outstanding Direction of Theatre for Young Audiences
Deanna Belardinelli, Junie B. Jones, the Musical, Austin Scottish Rite Theater
Oscar Franco, Papakō: The Journey, Teatro Vivo
Carl Gonzales, Dulce [Candy], Austin Scottish Rite Theater
Mateo Hernandez, Carmela Full of Wishes, Austin Playhouse
Ishu and Joshua Rashon Streeter, This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Nat Miller, Charlotte’s Web, Zach Theater
Anna Skidis Vargas, Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater (Winner)
Outstanding Lead Performer of Theatre for Young Audiences
Giulianna Coco (Beatrix), This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Lucero Garcia (Xochitl and more), Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater (Winner)
Ava Gassen (Carmen), This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Diana Patricia Guizado (Carmela), Carmela Full of Wishes, Austin Playhouse
Stori Jasper (Albienne), This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Chelsea Lane (Junie B. Jones), Junie B. Jones, the Musical, Austin Scottish Rite Theater
Melissa McKnight (Dorothy), The Wizard of dOgZ, Circus Chickendog and VORTEX Repertory Company
Darren Peterson (Ringmaster, Farmer), The Wizard of dOgZ, Circus Chickendog and VORTEX Repertory Company
Devon Ragsdale (Miss Nelson, Viola Swamp), Miss Nelson Is Missing!, Austin Scottish Rite Theater
AJ Reyes (Memo), Dulce [Candy], Austin Scottish Rite Theater (Winner)
Charlie Turner (Charlie Brown), A Charlie Brown Christmas, Zach Theater
Outstanding Featured Performer of Theatre for Young Audiences
Diana Alcaraz (Albóndiga and more), Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater
Jon Edward Cook, (Templeton, Lurvy), Charlotte’s Web, Zach Theater
Michael Galvan (Papi, ensemble), Carmela Full of Wishes, Austin Playhouse (Winner)
Myk Garcia (Mrs. Arable and more), Charlotte’s Web, Zach Theater
Matthew Kennedy (Snoopy), A Charlie Brown Christmas, Zach Theater (Winner)
AJ Reyes (Principal, Detective), Miss Nelson Is Missing!, Austin Scottish Rite Theater
Michael Reyna (Helado and more), Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater
Zaid Ricarte (Chicalinga and more), Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater
Olivia Rodriguez (Ofelia and more), Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater
Jerome Schoolar (Homer Zuckerman, Uncle), Charlotte’s Web, Zach Theater
David Segura (Tío Beto), Papakō: The Journey, Teatro Vivo
Bianka Nicole Torres (Abuelita), Dulce [Candy], Austin Scottish Rite Theater
Improvised Theater
Outstanding Production of an Improvised Play
Jane Austin Improv, Jane Austin Improv
The Rocky Horror Puppet Show, Puppet Bucket (Winner)
Speak No More: Contagion, La Fenice & Golden: Silent Improvised Stories
Speak No More: Lovecraft, La Fenice & Golden: Silent Improvised Stories
Stupid Fxcking Rich People, Hideout Theatre
Outstanding Direction of an Improvised Play
Diego Arroyo Aceves and Meagan Majors, Omnichords Don't Have Strings, Working Poets Entertainment
Kaci Beeler, Stupid Fxcking Rich People, Hideout Theatre
Rebecca East and Will Cleveland, The Players, ColdTowne Theater
Valerie Lopez, ImproVintage, Comedy Wham
Mac McDearmont, The Rocky Horror Puppet Show, Puppet Bucket (Winner)
Kate Meehan, Speak No More: Contagion, La Fenice & Golden: Silent Improvised Stories
Kate Meehan, Speak No More: Lovecraft, La Fenice & Golden: Silent Improvised Stories
Outstanding Cast of Improvised Theatre
ImproVintage, Comedy Wham
Jane Austin Improv, Jane Austin Improv
Omnichords Don't Have Strings, Working Poets Entertainment
The Players, ColdTowne Theater
Speak No More: Contagion, La Fenice & Golden: Silent Improvised Stories (Winner)
Stupid Fxcking Rich People, Hideout Theatre
Outstanding Tech of Improvised Theatre
Michael Dix, Art Really Talks, Art Really Talks
Michael Dix, No Clue: An Improv Murder Mystery, No Clue Productions
Ian Gallagher and Steven Rutkowski, Stupid Fxcking Rich People, Hideout Theatre (Winner)
Kaleb Odom, Bluish, Hideout Theatre
Ethel Hinkley Award for Outstanding New Improv Troupe
The Awkward Stage
Barton Springs Eternal
Hot Old Friends
Impropios
Lab Partners
Lemon Kids
Puppet Bucket (Winner)
Shorts
Outstanding Production of a Short Play
“Forever”, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera 2026, One Ounce Opera
“I’m Not a Dog”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
“Mud Girl”, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera 2026, One Ounce Opera
“The Schlub and the Sonata”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks (Winner)
“Wandaland Cafe”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
“Wollstonecraft/Shelley”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
Outstanding Direction of a Short Play
Mike Crugnola, “Puck, in Epilogue”, Short Shakespeare, Walking Shadow Shakespeare Project (Winner)
Julie Fiore, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera 2026, One Ounce Opera
Lacey Cannon Gonzales, “Wollstonecraft/Shelley”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
Ellie McBride, “The Schlub and the Sonata”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
Trace Turner, “Wandaland Café”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
Outstanding Performer in a Short Play
Andre Bradford (himself), “Black Party Rules”, Say That Again, Early Era Collective
Liz Cass (Tardigrade), “Forever”, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera 2026, One Ounce Opera
Stephanie Crugnola (Puck), “Puck, in Epilogue”, Short Shakespeare, Walking Shadow Shakespeare Project (Winner)
Alani Henry (Shelley), “Wollstonecraft/Shelley”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
Andréa Ochoa (River), “Mud Girl”, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera 2026, One Ounce Opera
Brennan Patrick (Michael), “I’m Not a Dog”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
Johanna Whitmore (Julie), “The Schlub and the Sonata”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks (Winner)
Johanna Whitmore (Henrietta), “Wandaland Cafe”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
Paige Woelke (Azalea), “The Ash Demons”, Stargaze Theatre Festival 2026, Star Bandit Foundation
Kaylynn Yarelle (Joannie), “Famous Last Words”, Manifest Minifest 2025, New Manifest Theatre
Design
Outstanding Set Design
Maggie Armendariz, Pueblo Revolt, Ground Floor Theatre
Katie Birks-Kilman, Sagittarius Ponderosa, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Delena Bradley and Joshua Walter Martin, Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre
Izzy Poehlmann, the wolf you feed, VORTEX Repertory Company
Gary Thornsberry, Parade, Ground Floor Theatre
Mike Toner, Seared, Austin Playhouse (Winner)
Steve Williams, nora (A Doll’s House), Trinity Street Players
Outstanding Lighting Design
Patrick Anthony, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Patrick Anthony, Sagittarius Ponderosa, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Rachel Atkinson, Charlotte’s Web, Zach Theater
Rachel Atkinson, Cinderella, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
MacKenzie Mulligan, Mirror Lake, Jarrott Productions
Luis Sandoval, Pueblo Revolt, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Michael Smith, Fool for Love, Stage Austin
Outstanding Costume Design
David Arevalo, Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater
Teresa Carson, Cinderella, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Allison Normin Johnson, Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Caroline Reck, Delena Bradley and Kade Conklin, Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre
Jana Zek, Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Outstanding Sound Design
Devon Boyd, Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Craig M. Brock, Mirror Lake, Jarrott Productions
Brent Jenkins, Speak No More: Lovecraft, La Fenice & Golden: Silent Improvised Stories
Rodd Simonsen, Parade, Ground Floor Theatre
Johann Solo, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre (Winner)
Johann Solo, Pueblo Revolt, Ground Floor Theatre
Outstanding Media Design
Jeff Davis, Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Eliot Gray Fisher, Emiliana: A Revolution Cabaret, Ground Floor Theatre
Dustin Gooch, Cinderella, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Nitsan Scharf, Cabaret, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Matt Smith, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera 2026, One Ounce Opera
Desne P. Wharton, Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Outstanding Properties Design
Delena Bradley, Kade Conklin and the cast, Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre
Kiryat Jearim Castillo, Peril in the Alps, Austin Playhouse
Kiryat Jearim Castillo, Seared, Austin Playhouse (Winner)
Eureka Hoppe, Parfumerie, Stage Presence Players
Ashton Bennett Murphy, This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Ismael Soto III, The Heart Sellers, Austin Playhouse
Outstanding Puppet Design
asYlem, “The Ritual of the Witch of the Wilds”, Malum Malus Burlesque: Samhain 2025, VORTEX Repertory Company
Shaun Branigan, The Mariposa Twist, Pareidolia Productions
Tayla Hammerman, Sagittarius Ponderosa, Austin Rainbow Theatre
LB Kovac, Mac McDearmont, Kellen McMurry and Alyssa Garoogian, The Rocky Horror Puppet Show, Puppet Bucket
Daniel Loyola, Emiliana: A Revolution Cabaret, Ground Floor Theatre
Caroline Reck, Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre (Winner)
Outstanding Hair and Wig Design
Teresa Carson, Cinderella, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Coco Coquette and Brady Faucett, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre (Winner)
Anna Fugate-Downs, Sally & Tom, Zach Theater
Amber Quick, Bridgerdown, La Fenice
Stephanie Williams, Cabaret, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Outstanding Makeup Design
Carol Brown, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera 2026, One Ounce Opera
Brady Faucett, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre (Winner)
Anna Fugate-Downs, Murder on the Orient Express, Zach Theater
Kate Meehan, Speak No More: Contagion, La Fenice & Golden: Silent Improvised Stories
Ivy Vidal, Another Kind of Silence, VORTEX Repertory Company
Stephanie Williams, Cabaret, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Outstanding Stage Management
Ella Jackson, The Robber Bridegroom, The Alchemy Theatre
Iridessa Lewis, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Barry Miller, Seared, Austin Playhouse
Devon Muko and Sarah Hudson, Murder on the Orient Express, Zach Theater
Astrid A. Rangel, Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Cynthia Reifsteck, The Last Séance of Harry Houdini, Bottle Alley Theatre Company
Outstanding Running Crew
In the Amazon Warehouse Parking Lot, SEU Mary Moody Northen Theatre
Murder on the Orient Express, Zach Theater (Winner)
Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
Peril in the Alps, Austin Playhouse
Seared, Austin Playhouse
Outstanding Headpiece or Mask Design
Sergio Alvarado, The Servant of Two Masters, Cold Frame Collective
Sergio Alvarado, Titus Andronicus, Stage Austin
Kerry Bechtel, Charlotte’s Web, Zach Theater
Aaron Flynn and Ivy Vidal, the wolf you feed, VORTEX Repertory Company (Winner)
Buffy Manners and Diana Huckaby, The Importance of Being Earnest, Austin Playhouse
Outstanding Scenic Charge Painting
Maggie Armendariz, Pueblo Revolt, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
MK Brown, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre
CB Feller and Mia Ramirez, Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre
CB Feller and Gary Thornsberry, Parade, Ground Floor Theatre
Janiece Gonzalez, Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater
Outstanding Graphic Design
Khristián Méndez Aguirre, Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre
SJ Anderson, the wolf you feed, VORTEX Repertory Company
Monica Griffin, This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Erica Moreno, Emiliana: A Revolution Cabaret, Ground Floor Theatre
Erica Moreno, Pueblo Revolt, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Outstanding Technical Direction
Fred Demps, Parade, Ground Floor Theatre
Beau Harris, Take Care of My Friend, Filigree Theatre
Jason Lee Huerta, Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Josh Munden, Murder on the Orient Express, Zach Theater
Mike Toner, Seared, Austin Playhouse (Winner)
Unlisted, Come From Away, Zach Theater
Performances and Composition
Outstanding Young Performer
Wiley Davis (Fern Arable, Baby Spider), Charlotte’s Web, Zach Theater
Reilly Favacho (Race), Newsies, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Delilah Grad (Katherine Plummer), Newsies, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Nathaniel Jamison (Travis Younger), A Raisin in the Sun, City Theatre Company
Blaine Lovett (Jack Kelly), Newsies, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin (Winner)
Juno McQueen (Frankie Epps), Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Liam Minor (Wilbur), Charlotte’s Web, Zach Theater
Brooklynn Nickel (Mary Phagan), Parade, Ground Floor Theatre
Layla Ramos (Annie), Annie, Zach Theater
Xavier Ramos (Joseph), Papakō: The Journey, Teatro Vivo
Charlotte Storm (Annie), Annie, Zach Theater
Outstanding Solo Performer
Zac Carr (himself), Yer Gonna Die (Just Like Me), Zac Carr (Winner)
Robin Chotzinoff (herself), Dear Dickies, Hyde Park Theatre
Allanah Maarteen (Dora), Dora's Gently Used Dream Store, VORTEX Repertory Company
Sarah Fleming Walker (Erma Bombeck), Erma Bombeck: At Wit's End, Austin Playhouse
Ken Webster (himself), I Love HPT: The Return, Hyde Park Theatre
Xue “Snow” Zheng (daughter, dad), Light, Kung Fu Cowgirl
Outstanding Ensemble
Amani Edmond, Heavyn Carter, Maudejanei Omagbemi and Haley Prince (church folk), Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Reilly Kearney and Lucky Cantu (stepsisters), Cinderella, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Chandler Krison, Kelly Hasandras and Justin Scalise (firefighters), The Fire Raisers, Hidden Room
Avery LaRue and Anneliese Sandoval (Poly I and Poly II), “Mud Girl”, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera 2026, One Ounce Opera
Sigh and Eve (poppets), “Poppets”, Malum Malus Burlesque: Samhain 2025, VORTEX Repertory Company
Sydney Wheat, Penelope Lang and Annie Neitzel (factory girls), Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Outstanding Small Cast
Fracturados, Borrego Red
The Heart Sellers, Austin Playhouse
Macbeth, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
‘night, Mother, The Alchemy Theatre
Pueblo Revolt, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Seared, Austin Playhouse
Take Care of My Friend, Filigree Theatre
Outstanding Large Cast
Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Come From Away, Zach Theater
Describe the Night, Austin Playhouse
The Fire Raisers, Hidden Room
Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
The Robber Bridegroom, The Alchemy Theatre
Yellow Face, Ground Floor Theatre
Outstanding Puppetry Performance
Gricelda Silva, Caroline Reck, Antonio Medrano and Diana Guizado, Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre (Winner)
Yutzu Chen and Xiaohong Li (shadow puppets), Light, Kung Fu Cowgirl
Sebastian Garcia and Jackson Reed (Audrey II), Little Shop of Horrors, City Theatre Company
Cast, The Mariposa Twist, Pareidolia Productions
Elliot Koch (Peterson), Sagittarius Ponderosa, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Outstanding Short Script
Christopher Michael Brown, “The Boys”, Say That Again, Early Era Collective
Christine Evans, “Mud Girl”, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera 2026, One Ounce Opera
Christine Hoang, “Wandaland Café”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks (Winner)
Max Langert, “The Schlub and the Sonata”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
Pablo Muñoz-Evers, “I’m Not a Dog”, Out of Ink 2026: Astronomical, ScriptWorks
Kleo James Ryan, “Famous Last Words”, Manifest Minifest 2025, New Manifest Theatre
Outstanding Feature-Length Script
Zac Carr, Yer Gonna Die (Just Like Me), Zac Carr
Cast and creative team, Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre
Norma del Toro, Fracturados, Borrego Red
L.B. Deyo, Oversight, Zahir
Steven Dietz, Mirror Lake, Jarrott Productions
Kathleen Fletcher, Take Care of My Friend, Filigree Theatre (Winner)
Jesse J. Sanchez, Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater
Outstanding Original Score
Will Fynes, Passage, Bottle Alley Theatre Company
Elizabeth Gartman, “Forever”, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera 2026, One Ounce Opera
Noel Gonsales, Animales Nocturnos [Night Animals], Teatro Espacio
Omar Najmi, “Mud Girl”, Fresh Squeezed Ounce of Opera 2026, One Ounce Opera
Tyler Rouse, Lara Stone and the Lost Relics of St. Nick, Crown Theatre & Austin Scottish Rite Theater
Saint-Yves, the wolf you feed, VORTEX Repertory Company
Jesse J. Sanchez, Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater (Winner)
Outstanding Intimacy Direction
Cassie Abate, Sally & Tom, Zach Theater
Khristián Méndez Aguirre, Fracturados, Borrego Red
Sarah-Marie Curry, The Robber Bridegroom, The Alchemy Theatre
Andy Grapko, Another Kind of Silence, VORTEX Repertory Company
Andy Grapko, Parade, Ground Floor Theatre
Tobie Minor, Describe the Night, Austin Playhouse (Winner)
Outstanding Dance Choreography
Mayra Agis, Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater
Angel Blanco, Hunter Purvis, Katelyn Doyle, Christian Ortega and Giovanni Ledezma, Cabaret, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Sigh and Eve, “Poppets”, Malum Malus Burlesque: Samhain 2025, VORTEX Repertory Company
Ginger Morris, Greg Almanza, Matthew Kennedy, Noah Wood and Stone Mountain, Newsies, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin (Winner)
Noah Wood, The Robber Bridegroom, The Alchemy Theatre
Outstanding Dance Performance
Cast, Cabaret, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Cast, Cinderella, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Cast, Newsies, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin (Winner)
Sigh and Eve, “Poppets”, Malum Malus Burlesque: Samhain 2025, VORTEX Repertory Company
Cast, The Robber Bridegroom, The Alchemy Theatre
Cast, Urinetown: The Musical, SEU Mary Moody Northen Theatre
Cast, Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater
Outstanding Movement Design
JoAnn Benfield and MoMo Holt, Another Kind of Silence, VORTEX Repertory Company
Sunghyun Lim, Sojung Baek, Eunjae Jung, Hyejin Han, Carlise Rosa, Eian Johnson and Mackenzie Mann , Macbeth, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Mike Ooi, The Last Match, Filigree Theatre
Caroline Reck, Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre (Winner)
Robby Sciortino, the wolf you feed, VORTEX Repertory Company
Outstanding Movement Performance
Ryan Bradley and Delan Crawford (tennis players), The Last Match, Filigree Theatre
Alicia Frías Escobar (Raven), The Robber Bridegroom, The Alchemy Theatre
Laura Husmann (Charlotte), Charlotte’s Web, Zach Theater
Cast, Macbeth, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Cast, Men on Boats, City Theatre Company
Cast, This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Caroline Reck, Antonio Medrano and Diana Guizado (fungal chorus), Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre (Winner)
Outstanding Fight Choreography
Aaron D. Alexander, Titus Andronicus, Stage Austin
Tobie Minor, Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance (Winner)
Tobie Minor, Newsies, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Andrew Solis, Caesar + Antony + Cleopatra, Walking Shadow Shakespeare Project
Emily Taylor, Fool for Love, Stage Austin
Outstanding Fight Performance
Jordan Hill, Amani Edmond, Heavyn Carter, Maudejanei Omagbemi and Haley Prince (Baby Mamas segment), Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Kathleen Fletcher and Patrick Wheeler (May and Eddie), Fool for Love, Stage Austin
Matthew Kennedy and Alicia Frías Escobar (Little Harp and Raven), The Robber Bridegroom, The Alchemy Theatre
Samantha Plumb, Achilles Patino and Jess Buie (Lavinia, Chiron and Demetrius), Titus Andronicus, Stage Austin (Winner)
Steve Guntli and Jon Edward Cook (Cuddy and Frank), Witch, Hyde Park Theatre
Outstanding Dramaturgy
Yunina Barbour-Payne, Sally & Tom, Zach Theater (Winner)
Jesús Garcia, Khristián Méndez Aguirre and Caroline Reck, Frutos de la Muerte, Glass Half Full Theatre
Jarell Kearney, Giulianna Marchese and Chisom Chantal Obike, Ain’t No Mo’, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Madison Palomo, Papakō: The Journey, Teatro Vivo
Jennifer Sturley, Describe the Night, Austin Playhouse
Ken Webster, I Love HPT: The Return, Hyde Park Theatre
Outstanding Music Direction
Benjamin Dia, Zapata: A Folklórico Superhero Musical, Zach Theater
Andy Heger, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Adam Roberts, Newsies, Impact Arts' Summer Stock Austin
Adam Roberts and Ellie Jarrett Shattles, Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Allen Robertson, Come From Away, Zach Theater
Outstanding Dialect Coach
Alexa Capareda and Sarah Chong Dickey, The Heart Sellers, Austin Playhouse
Amanda Cooley Davis, The Importance of Being Earnest, Austin Playhouse
Kate Glasheen, Come From Away, Zach Theater (Winner)
Kate Glasheen, The Last Match, Filigree Theatre
Kate Glasheen, Murder on the Orient Express, Zach Theater
Melissa Grogan, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Alison Vasquez, Cabaret, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Outstanding Featured Music Performance
Stephanie Delk, CB Feller and Chelsea Manasseri (Mamas' Chorus), Bridgerdown, La Fenice
Cast, Charlotte’s Web, Zach Theater
Cast, Emiliana: A Revolution Cabaret, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Michael Ferstenfeld, The Fire Raisers, Hidden Room
Will Fynes, Passage, Bottle Alley Theatre Company
Cast, Take Care of My Friend, Filigree Theatre
Outstanding Orchestra in a Musical
Cabaret, UT Department of Theatre and Dance
Come From Away, Zach Theater
Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Austin Rainbow Theatre
Parade, Ground Floor Theatre (Winner)
Patience, Gilbert & Sullivan Austin
Reefer Madness: The Musical, ACC Department of Drama
The Robber Bridegroom, The Alchemy Theatre