OC Theatre Guild Announces Winners at Its 5th Annual Awards Show
- Culture OC Editors
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
Of the 17 nominated theaters, seven take home awards at the annual event.
On Monday, May 11, the OC Theatre Guild announced the winners of its fifth annual awards celebration at the Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. This year's event continues the tradition of celebrating the vibrant and diverse achievements of the theater community.
This year, Culture OC served as auditors of the results. Nominees and winners were determined by average scores from a panel of eight to 14 judges per show.
Of the 28 awards distributed, Anaheim's Chance Theater dominated the evening, walking away with 18 wins, or 64% off all awards distributed, including both the Outstanding Production of a Play and Musical awards for its productions of “What the Constitution Means to Me” and “Tick,Tick ... BOOM!” respectively. Its production of “Spring Awakening” earned a total of seven awards. Chance submitted six shows for consideration, more than any other theater.
The other theaters taking top honors included: the Curtis Theatre, taking home four awards for shows co-produced with Southgate Productions and Stages Theatre; Costa Mesa Playhouse and J Stage, each taking home two awards; and Alchemy Theatre Company earning one award.
Winners accept their awards at the OC Theatre Guild Awards. From left, top row: Frank Bishop, Niko Montelibano and Rose London; bottom row: Sean Arnold, Danielle Heaton, and Haven Hanson. Photos courtesy of OC Theatre Guild/Eric Modyman
A pivotal evolution
The OC Theatre Guild Awards represent a pivotal evolution in the Southern California arts landscape, serving as the definitive recognition program for live theater in Orange County. While the Guild itself was founded in 2015 and officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2019, the awards program was launched in 2020 with a mission to answer a single, unifying question: "What can we do together that we can't do on our own?"
The OCTG Awards answers the community's need for a structured peer-recognition system. For years, Orange County relied on informal or commercial awards, such as the former OC Weekly theater awards (the "OCies"). The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle reviewed a select few Orange County plays, usually at larger theaters, and its awards concentrated on Los Angeles County. When the OC Theatre Guild was formed by leaders from organizations such as the Chance Theater and South Coast Repertory, they sought to create a more professional, peer-based adjudication process.
The OC Theatre Guild launched its awards program in 2020 to celebrate excellence in Orange County theater. “Each year, voters dedicate countless hours attending performances across the region every month throughout the season. With a diverse mix of backgrounds and disciplines, this group of theater professionals provides a rich perspective on our incredible theater scene,” said Awards Coordinator and Guild board member Katie Chidester. “This program is sustained by their work and commitment.”
Through initiatives like the "OCTG Recommended" status for high-scoring shows, the Guild uses the awards to drive audience attendance and support the financial health of local troupes. Today, the awards stand as a testament to the region's vibrant, multicultural and collaborative spirit.
In addition to providing personal validation and community building, the OCTG Awards has initiated several important innovations such as gender-neutral acting categories. Instead of "Best Actor" or "Best Actress," the awards recognize "Outstanding Performance," often honoring two recipients per category to ensure a diverse range of talent is celebrated.
2025 Season Winners
Outstanding Production of a Play
“What the Constitution Means to Me,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Production of a Musical
“Tick,Tick ... BOOM!,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Ensemble in a Play
“Sweat,” Costa Mesa Playhouse
Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical
“Spring Awakening,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Leading Performance in a Play
Stacy Castiglione (Barbara Fordham), “August: Osage County,” STAGEStheatre and Curtis Theatre
Rose London (Violet Weston), “August: Osage County,” STAGEStheatre and Curtis Theatre
Aubrey Saverino (Heidi), “What the Constitution Means to Me,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Leading Performance in a Musical
Corydon Melgoza (Melchior), “Spring Awakening,” Chance Theater
Danielle Heaton (Cynthia Weil), “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” Curtis Theatre and Southgate Productions
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Play
Frank Bishop (Brucie), “Sweat,” Costa Mesa Playhouse
Juliet Fischer (Marie), “Such Small Hands,” Chance Theater
Albert Park (Atung), “The Chinese Lady,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical
Lena Ceja (Susan), “Tick,Tick ... BOOM!,” Chance Theater
Mario Houle (Michael), “Tick,Tic k... BOOM!,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Direction of a Play
Katie Chidester, “What the Constitution Means to Me,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Direction of a Musical
Jocelyn A. Brown, “Spring Awakening,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Choreography
Niko Montelibano, “Tick,Tick ... BOOM!,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Music Direction
Robyn Manion, “Spring Awakening,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Costume Design
Haven Hanson, “Cinderella,” JStage Irvine
Outstanding Lighting Design
Jacqueline Malenke, “Spring Awakening,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Scenic Design
Ganymede Projects, “Such Small Hands,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Sound Design
Lia Weed, “Spring Awakening,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Projection Design
Matthew McCray, “Such Small Hands,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Prop Design
Amanda DeMaio, “August: Osage County,” STAGEStheatre and Curtis Theatre
Outstanding Fight Direction
Martin Noyes, “Spring Awakening,” Chance Theater
Outstanding Wig/Hair Design
Cynthia Wilson, “Cinderella,” JStage Irvine
Outstanding Makeup Design
Sean Arnold, “Into the Woods,” Alchemy Theatre Company
Notable Outstanding Achievement
Adam Szymkowicz, “Such Small Hands,” Chance Theater, playwright
