If there’s one thing the 19th annual Henry Awards made clear, it’s that Colorado theater is at a crossroads, and it’s choosing connection. Held on July 28 at the Lone Tree Arts Center, this year’s ceremony wasn’t just a celebration of standout productions, but a rallying cry for unity and resilience.
Administered by the Colorado Theatre Guild, the Henry Awards are named in honor of legendary Denver theater producer Henry Lowenstein and are adjudicated by a cohort of volunteer judges who evaluated 170 productions by 57 companies from May 16, 2024, to May 15, 2025. While the awards recognized excellence, with Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre emerging as the surprise star with seven wins, the evening's most important message was one of survival in a rapidly changing industry.
It’s a shift that mirrors the evolving vision of the CTG under board president Betty Hart, who opened the evening with a heartfelt message. “No matter how often people try to get us to be divided,” she said, “remember: we are stronger together, and love wins.” Her unscripted opening remarks after accidentally leaving her prepared speech at home set a tone of authenticity. She acknowledged the challenges the theater community has faced this past year but emphasized love and unity over competition.
But as harmonious as the vibes in the room were, the results on paper told a more pointed story about shifting dynamics in the Colorado theater ecosystem. RMRT emerged as the most awarded company of the night, taking home seven Henrys across two productions.
Come From Away was the most awarded musical, earning five wins, including Musical, Director, Ensemble, Choreography and Outstanding Performer in a Musical Tier 1 (Luiza Vitucci). RMRT’s The Music Man added two more trophies, Music Direction and Featured Performer in a Musical Tier 1 (Mitchell Lewis), helping the company dethrone the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company, which had led nominations going into the night.
The DCPA still managed a strong showing with six total wins, though those accolades came primarily from its plays rather than its musicals. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter and The Hot Wing King each earned two awards, while The Reservoir snagged Best New Play and Little Shop of Horrors salvaged a single win for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical Tier 1 (Will Branner. That result stung, considering Little Shop led all shows with 11 nominations. While still the second most-awarded company overall, DCPA's slight underperformance opened the door for others to shine.
Performance Now Theatre Company out of Lakewood had an impressive night with four awards, all tied to its production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. That placed it as the third most awarded company, followed closely by Firehouse Theater Company in Denver with three wins, including two for Perfect Arrangement and one for Blues for an Alabama Sky.
Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Give 5 Productions and Miners Alley Performing Arts Center all earned two awards apiece. Arvada Center's A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder won for Outstanding Performer in a Musical Tier 1 (Shabazz Green) and Costume Design, demonstrating that it could still compete even after its more highly nominated Waitress was shut out.
Indeed, Waitress, with ten nominations and not a single win, became the night’s biggest surprise loss. Joining it in that dubious distinction was Buntport Theater Company’s Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, which had six nominations but went home empty-handed. Both productions were seen as strong contenders in their categories, and their absence from the winner’s list marks a clear departure from recent years, where judges often tried to “spread the love” more evenly across the field.
This year, that wasn’t the case. Only twenty productions received awards, down from 25 in 2024. Similarly, just fifteen companies won at least one award, five fewer than the previous year. The awards were consolidated among a smaller group, suggesting that judges were more comfortable doubling down on a few favorite productions rather than offering token recognition to a wider array of work. That made for a clearer narrative but may also spark debate in the community about which productions are being uplifted and why.
In the musical category, Come From Away dominated, while in the play category, there was no single standout. Instead, five shows tied for most wins with two apiece: Grounded (BETC), I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (DCPA), Perfect Arrangement (Firehouse), The Hot Wing King (DCPA) and National Bohemians (Miners Alley). Interestingly, Downstate by Curious Theatre Company, which took home the award for Outstanding Play, was otherwise unrecognized.
Looking at the geographical breakdown, eight of the recognized companies are based in the Denver metro area (Curious, DCPA, Firehouse, Arvada, Give 5, Performance Now, Platte Valley Theatre Arts and Miners Alley). Two hail from Fort Collins (Bas Bleu and OpenStage), one from Boulder (BETC), one from Conifer (StageDoor Theatre) and two from the mountains, RMRT and Breckenridge Backstage Theatre. Springs Ensemble Theatre represented Colorado Springs with a single win for The Clover River.
As the show drew to a close, co-director Moten offered a final reflection that underscored the stakes of the evening. Noting that in the past the Henrys have been "a celebration with a little side-eye,” he said. “But what if we flipped that?" He pointed out that many of the companies that won awards this evening may not be back the following year due to federal budget cuts, so he encouraged people to show up and support one another all year.
For an industry that thrives on shared space and collective storytelling, that message hit home. Whether or not your favorite show walked away with a trophy, the 2025 Henry Awards offered something more lasting: a powerful reminder of why theater matters and why, even in hard times, Colorado’s community of artists is still showing up together.
Find the 2025 Henry Awards nominees and winners (highlighted in bold) below:Administered by the Colorado Theatre Guild, the Henry Awards are named in honor of legendary Denver theater producer Henry Lowenstein and are adjudicated by a cohort of volunteer judges who evaluated 170 productions by 57 companies from May 16, 2024, to May 15, 2025. While the awards recognized excellence, with Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre emerging as the surprise star with seven wins, the evening's most important message was one of survival in a rapidly changing industry.
It’s a shift that mirrors the evolving vision of the CTG under board president Betty Hart, who opened the evening with a heartfelt message. “No matter how often people try to get us to be divided,” she said, “remember: we are stronger together, and love wins.” Her unscripted opening remarks after accidentally leaving her prepared speech at home set a tone of authenticity. She acknowledged the challenges the theater community has faced this past year but emphasized love and unity over competition.
Hart also announced several significant developments, including the Guild's collaboration with Struck Media to create statewide commercials for live theater, as well as a commitment to equity demonstrated by the newly non-gendered acting categories. The decision to eliminate the terms "actor" and "actress" in favor of "performer" to include nonbinary artists was met with some boos, which were quickly drowned out by enthusiastic applause.
The ceremony, directed by Kenny Moten and Lee Ann Scherlong, ran a crisp two hours and eight minutes. Between awards, audiences were treated to five well-executed musical performances from nominated shows, including a powerhouse solo from Luiza Vitucci representing RMRT’s Come From Away, and a thoughtful “In Memoriam” segment honoring the members of the Colorado theater community lost in the past year.
Arguably, the night’s most emotional moment came about three-quarters into the program, with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime Magic Moments Inc. artistic director KQ. Actor and director John Carroll Lynch, who flew in to present the honor, spoke movingly of KQ’s commitment to inclusion, mentorship and love. 
But as harmonious as the vibes in the room were, the results on paper told a more pointed story about shifting dynamics in the Colorado theater ecosystem. RMRT emerged as the most awarded company of the night, taking home seven Henrys across two productions.
Come From Away was the most awarded musical, earning five wins, including Musical, Director, Ensemble, Choreography and Outstanding Performer in a Musical Tier 1 (Luiza Vitucci). RMRT’s The Music Man added two more trophies, Music Direction and Featured Performer in a Musical Tier 1 (Mitchell Lewis), helping the company dethrone the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company, which had led nominations going into the night.
The DCPA still managed a strong showing with six total wins, though those accolades came primarily from its plays rather than its musicals. I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter and The Hot Wing King each earned two awards, while The Reservoir snagged Best New Play and Little Shop of Horrors salvaged a single win for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical Tier 1 (Will Branner. That result stung, considering Little Shop led all shows with 11 nominations. While still the second most-awarded company overall, DCPA's slight underperformance opened the door for others to shine.
Performance Now Theatre Company out of Lakewood had an impressive night with four awards, all tied to its production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. That placed it as the third most awarded company, followed closely by Firehouse Theater Company in Denver with three wins, including two for Perfect Arrangement and one for Blues for an Alabama Sky.
Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, Give 5 Productions and Miners Alley Performing Arts Center all earned two awards apiece. Arvada Center's A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder won for Outstanding Performer in a Musical Tier 1 (Shabazz Green) and Costume Design, demonstrating that it could still compete even after its more highly nominated Waitress was shut out.
Indeed, Waitress, with ten nominations and not a single win, became the night’s biggest surprise loss. Joining it in that dubious distinction was Buntport Theater Company’s Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, which had six nominations but went home empty-handed. Both productions were seen as strong contenders in their categories, and their absence from the winner’s list marks a clear departure from recent years, where judges often tried to “spread the love” more evenly across the field.
This year, that wasn’t the case. Only twenty productions received awards, down from 25 in 2024. Similarly, just fifteen companies won at least one award, five fewer than the previous year. The awards were consolidated among a smaller group, suggesting that judges were more comfortable doubling down on a few favorite productions rather than offering token recognition to a wider array of work. That made for a clearer narrative but may also spark debate in the community about which productions are being uplifted and why.
In the musical category, Come From Away dominated, while in the play category, there was no single standout. Instead, five shows tied for most wins with two apiece: Grounded (BETC), I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter (DCPA), Perfect Arrangement (Firehouse), The Hot Wing King (DCPA) and National Bohemians (Miners Alley). Interestingly, Downstate by Curious Theatre Company, which took home the award for Outstanding Play, was otherwise unrecognized.
Looking at the geographical breakdown, eight of the recognized companies are based in the Denver metro area (Curious, DCPA, Firehouse, Arvada, Give 5, Performance Now, Platte Valley Theatre Arts and Miners Alley). Two hail from Fort Collins (Bas Bleu and OpenStage), one from Boulder (BETC), one from Conifer (StageDoor Theatre) and two from the mountains, RMRT and Breckenridge Backstage Theatre. Springs Ensemble Theatre represented Colorado Springs with a single win for The Clover River.
The most groundbreaking shift of the evening may not have been who won, but how those winners were recognized. Acting on a promise of “positive change,” the CTG eliminated gender from all individual acting categories for the first time in Henry Awards history. Each category included multiple nominees, with the top two vote-getters sharing the award, regardless of gender identity.
While designed to make space for nonbinary performers, the new system had an unintended but powerful side effect: women swept the night. Though over 60 percent of the nominee pool identify as men, 11 of the 17 acting awards went to women, reversing what many feared would be an imbalance in the opposite direction. Only three categories produced the traditional male-female split; three shut men out entirely.
While no openly nonbinary performers took home awards this year, several were nominated, and Hart told the crowd the category changes are “a direct response to this beautiful community who has been saying, ‘What about our friends who are not male, who are not female? Why should they have to choose?’”
While designed to make space for nonbinary performers, the new system had an unintended but powerful side effect: women swept the night. Though over 60 percent of the nominee pool identify as men, 11 of the 17 acting awards went to women, reversing what many feared would be an imbalance in the opposite direction. Only three categories produced the traditional male-female split; three shut men out entirely.
While no openly nonbinary performers took home awards this year, several were nominated, and Hart told the crowd the category changes are “a direct response to this beautiful community who has been saying, ‘What about our friends who are not male, who are not female? Why should they have to choose?’”
As the show drew to a close, co-director Moten offered a final reflection that underscored the stakes of the evening. Noting that in the past the Henrys have been "a celebration with a little side-eye,” he said. “But what if we flipped that?" He pointed out that many of the companies that won awards this evening may not be back the following year due to federal budget cuts, so he encouraged people to show up and support one another all year.
For an industry that thrives on shared space and collective storytelling, that message hit home. Whether or not your favorite show walked away with a trophy, the 2025 Henry Awards offered something more lasting: a powerful reminder of why theater matters and why, even in hard times, Colorado’s community of artists is still showing up together.
Outstanding Production of a Play (Alphabetized by company)
Dial M for Murder, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, DCPA Theatre Company
The Reservoir, DCPA Theatre Company
National Bohemians, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Outstanding Production of a Musical (Alphabetized by company)
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Outstanding Director of a Play
Laura Alcalá Baker, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, DCPA Theatre Company
Rick Barbour, Grounded, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC)
Timothy Douglas, The Hot Wing King, DCPA Theatre Company
Christy Montour-Larson, Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
Elise Santora, Dial M for Murder, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
Outstanding Director of a Musical
Chris Coleman, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Lynne Collins, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Jeff Duke, Come from Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Jeff Duke, Kinky Boots, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Sally Scott, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Outstanding Musical Direction
Michael Querio, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Michael Querio, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Dom Scott, Million Dollar Quartet, Lone Tree Arts Center
Angela Steiner, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Alec Steinhorn, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Outstanding Performer in a Play Tier 1
Terence Archie, The Hot Wing King, DCPA Theatre Company
Alan Ball, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Creede Repertory Theatre
Jacob Dresch, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Logan Ernstthal, Henry IV & V, Theatreworks
Tim Fishbaugh, National Bohemians, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Drew Horwitz, The White Chip, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC)
Tammy Meneghini, Morning After Grace, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Anne Penner, Grounded, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC)
Colton Pratt, Henry IV & V, Theatreworks
Katie Rodriguez, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Creede Repertory Theatre
Rosa Isabella Salvatierra, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, DCPA Theatre Company
Michael Shayan, Avaaz, DCPA Theatre Company
Megan Van De Hey, night Mother, Town Hall Arts Center
Outstanding Performer in a Play Tier 2 (TIE for first spot; three recipients in this tier)
Miranda Byers, Perfect Arrangement, Firehouse Theater Company
Mark Collins, The Trip to Bountiful, Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Alex J. Gould, Stockade, Local Theater Company
Wendy Ishii, The Trip to Bountiful, Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Regan Linton, The Menagerist, Buntport Theater Company
Frank Oden, Twelfth Night, Shakespeare in the Wild
Jacob Offen, The 39 Steps, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Cheryl Sakaria, The Girl on the Train, Firehouse Theater Company
Simone St. John, Stockade, Local Theater Company
Kelly Uhlenhopp, Othello 2024, Firehouse Theater Company
Johnathan Underwood, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Firehouse Theater Company
Aaron Vega, Twelfth Night, Shakespeare in the Wild
Outstanding Performer in a Musical Tier 1
John Harmon Cooper, Kinky Boots, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Shabazz Green, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Gizel Jiménez, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Mitchell Lewis, Kinky Boots, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Dom Scott, Million Dollar Quartet, Lone Tree Arts Center
Tyler Symone, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Tyler Symone, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Anne Terze-Schwarz, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Luiza Vitucci, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Nik Vlachos, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Outstanding Performer in a Musical Tier 2
Madison Falkenstine, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins, Give 5 Productions and Parker Arts
Maya A. Hernandez-Pearson, Cabaret, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Clark Destin Jones, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Give 5 Productions
Cooper Kaminsky, Sweeney Todd, StageDoor Theatre
Abigail Kochevar, Cabaret, Platte Valley Theatre Arts
Jeffrey Parker, Cabaret, Platte Valley Theatre Arts
Jennasea Pearce, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Emma Rebecca Maxfield, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Give 5 Productions
Jason Rexx, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
L. Bryce Welborn, Cabaret, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play Tier 1
Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd, The Hot Wing King, DCPA Theatre Company
Steven J. Burge, National Bohemians, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Joyce Cohen, The Reservoir, DCPA Theatre Company
GerRee Hinshaw, Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
Jim Hunt, Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
Cajardo Lindsey, Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
Stephen Pearce, Sense and Sensibility, Theatreworks
Leslie Sophia Pérez, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, DCPA Theatre Company
Colton Pratt, Sense and Sensibility, Theatreworks
Tobias A. Young, The Hot Wing King, DCPA Theatre Company
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play Tier 2
David Austin-Gröen, The 39 Steps, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Brian Colonna, Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
Gabe Combs, Twelfth Night, Shakespeare in the Wild
Hannah Duggan, Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
Erik Edborg, Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
Thadd Krueger, Stockade, Local Theater Company
Heather Ostberg Johnson, The 39 Steps, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Erin Rollman, Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
Jacob Sorling, Stockade, Local Theater Company
Kelly Uhlenhopp, Perfect Arrangement, Firehouse Theater Company
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical Tier 1
Colin Alexander, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Bryce Baxter, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Will Branner, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Josh Kellman, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Mitchell Lewis, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Jenna Moll Reyes, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Adriane Leigh Robinson, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Kieran O’Brien, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Megan Opalinski, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
David Studwell, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical Tier 2
Ben Brewer, Spamalot, Thin Air Theatre Company
Jennifer Burnett, Cabaret, Platte Valley Theatre Arts
Isabella Duran, Sweeney Todd, StageDoor Theatre
Alex Forbes, Reefer Madness, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Tiffany Gruman, Fiddler on the Roof, Performance Now Theatre Company
Joshua Harris, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Victoria Holloway, Fiddler on the Roof, Performance Now Theatre Company
Nick Marshall, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Lars Preece, Fiddler on the Roof, Performance Now Theatre Company
Jessica Sotwick, Sweeney Todd, StageDoor Theatre
Outstanding Ensemble Performance (Alphabetized by company)
Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
Million Dollar Quartet, Lone Tree Arts Center
Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Outstanding Choreography
Megan Bliss, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Stephanie Hansen, Kinky Boots, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Jennifer Lupp, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Rickey Tripp, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Kelly Van Oosbree, Fiddler on the Roof, Performance Now Theatre Company
Outstanding New Play or Musical - World Premiere
The Reservoir, By Jake Brasch, DCPA Theatre Company
Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, By Buntport Theater Company and Emily K. Harrison, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
The Ballot of Paola Aguilar, By Bernardo Cubría, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC)
The Suffragette’s Murder, By Sandy Rustin, DCPA Theatre Company
National Bohemians, By Luke Sorge, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Outstanding Costume Design Tier 1
Kevin Copenhaver, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Kevin Copenhaver, Million Dollar Quartet, Lone Tree Arts Center
Beth Goldenberg, The Suffragette’s Murder, DCPA Theatre Company
Samantha C. Jones, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Nicole Watts, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Outstanding Costume Design Tier 2
Emily K. Harrison and Buntport Theater Company, Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
Nicole Harrison, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Performance Now Theatre Company
Rachel Herring-Luna, Perfect Arrangement, Firehouse Theater Company
Susan Rahmsdorff-Terry, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Susan Rahmsdorff-Terry, Pirates of Penzance, Performance Now Theatre Company
Emily Valley, Reefer Madness, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Outstanding Lighting Design Tier 1
Jon Dunkle, Million Dollar Quartet, Lone Tree Arts Center
Charles R. MacLeod, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Vance McKenzie, National Bohemians, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Shannon McKinney, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, The Reservoir, DCPA Theatre Company
Outstanding Lighting Design Tier 2 (TIE)
Josiah Croegaert, Cabaret, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Price Johnston, Waiting for Godot, Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Brett Maughan, Fiddler on the Roof, Performance Now Theatre Company
Brett Maughan, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Give 5 Productions
Vance McKenzie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Matthew Schlief, The 39 Steps, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Outstanding Scenic Design Tier 1
Tony Cisek, The Hot Wing King, DCPA Theatre Company
Brian Mallgrave, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Alan E. Muraoka, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Cody Tellis Rutledge, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Reid Thompson, The Suffragette’s Murder, DCPA Theatre Company
Outstanding Scenic Design Tier 2
Spencer Alton, Cabaret, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Andrew Bates, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Megan Davis, Jeff Jesmer and Troy Lakey, Perfect Arrangement, Firehouse Theater Company
Roger Hanna, Waiting for Godot, Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Jeff Jesmer and Adrienne Martin-Fullwood, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Firehouse Theater Company
Jason Laughrey, Chloe Flores, Robert Urrutia, Paul LaBar and Justin Goss, The Play That Goes Wrong, Steel City Theatre Company
Outstanding Sound Design Tier 1
John Hauser, National Bohemians, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Noel Nichols, Daniela Hart, Bailey Trierweiler and UptownWorks, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, DCPA Theatre Company
Max Silverman, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Creede Repertory Theatre
Max Silverman, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Max Silverman, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Elisabeth Weidiner, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Outstanding Sound Design Tier 2 (TIE)
Megan Davis and Eric Small, The Girl on the Train, Firehouse Theater Company
Tanner Kelly and Logan Rafdal, Sweeney Todd, StageDoor Theatre
Madison Kuebler, Perfect Arrangement, Firehouse Theater Company
Brendan O’Hara, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!), Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Kitty Robbins, On Clover Road, Springs Ensemble Theatre
CeCe Smith, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Firehouse Theater Company
CeCe Smith, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Give 5 Productions
Victoria Villalobos, The 39 Steps, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
KQ, Artistic Director, Magic Moments, Inc.
Dial M for Murder, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, DCPA Theatre Company
The Reservoir, DCPA Theatre Company
National Bohemians, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Outstanding Production of a Musical (Alphabetized by company)
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Outstanding Director of a Play
Laura Alcalá Baker, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, DCPA Theatre Company
Rick Barbour, Grounded, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC)
Timothy Douglas, The Hot Wing King, DCPA Theatre Company
Christy Montour-Larson, Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
Elise Santora, Dial M for Murder, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
Outstanding Director of a Musical
Chris Coleman, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Lynne Collins, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Jeff Duke, Come from Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Jeff Duke, Kinky Boots, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Sally Scott, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Outstanding Musical Direction
Michael Querio, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Michael Querio, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Dom Scott, Million Dollar Quartet, Lone Tree Arts Center
Angela Steiner, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Alec Steinhorn, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Outstanding Performer in a Play Tier 1
Terence Archie, The Hot Wing King, DCPA Theatre Company
Alan Ball, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Creede Repertory Theatre
Jacob Dresch, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Logan Ernstthal, Henry IV & V, Theatreworks
Tim Fishbaugh, National Bohemians, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Drew Horwitz, The White Chip, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC)
Tammy Meneghini, Morning After Grace, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Anne Penner, Grounded, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC)
Colton Pratt, Henry IV & V, Theatreworks
Katie Rodriguez, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Creede Repertory Theatre
Rosa Isabella Salvatierra, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, DCPA Theatre Company
Michael Shayan, Avaaz, DCPA Theatre Company
Megan Van De Hey, night Mother, Town Hall Arts Center
Outstanding Performer in a Play Tier 2 (TIE for first spot; three recipients in this tier)
Miranda Byers, Perfect Arrangement, Firehouse Theater Company
Mark Collins, The Trip to Bountiful, Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Alex J. Gould, Stockade, Local Theater Company
Wendy Ishii, The Trip to Bountiful, Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Regan Linton, The Menagerist, Buntport Theater Company
Frank Oden, Twelfth Night, Shakespeare in the Wild
Jacob Offen, The 39 Steps, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Cheryl Sakaria, The Girl on the Train, Firehouse Theater Company
Simone St. John, Stockade, Local Theater Company
Kelly Uhlenhopp, Othello 2024, Firehouse Theater Company
Johnathan Underwood, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Firehouse Theater Company
Aaron Vega, Twelfth Night, Shakespeare in the Wild
Outstanding Performer in a Musical Tier 1
John Harmon Cooper, Kinky Boots, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Shabazz Green, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Gizel Jiménez, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Mitchell Lewis, Kinky Boots, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Dom Scott, Million Dollar Quartet, Lone Tree Arts Center
Tyler Symone, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Tyler Symone, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Anne Terze-Schwarz, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Luiza Vitucci, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Nik Vlachos, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Outstanding Performer in a Musical Tier 2
Madison Falkenstine, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins, Give 5 Productions and Parker Arts
Maya A. Hernandez-Pearson, Cabaret, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Clark Destin Jones, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Give 5 Productions
Cooper Kaminsky, Sweeney Todd, StageDoor Theatre
Abigail Kochevar, Cabaret, Platte Valley Theatre Arts
Jeffrey Parker, Cabaret, Platte Valley Theatre Arts
Jennasea Pearce, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Emma Rebecca Maxfield, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Give 5 Productions
Jason Rexx, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
L. Bryce Welborn, Cabaret, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play Tier 1
Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd, The Hot Wing King, DCPA Theatre Company
Steven J. Burge, National Bohemians, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Joyce Cohen, The Reservoir, DCPA Theatre Company
GerRee Hinshaw, Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
Jim Hunt, Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
Cajardo Lindsey, Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
Stephen Pearce, Sense and Sensibility, Theatreworks
Leslie Sophia Pérez, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, DCPA Theatre Company
Colton Pratt, Sense and Sensibility, Theatreworks
Tobias A. Young, The Hot Wing King, DCPA Theatre Company
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play Tier 2
David Austin-Gröen, The 39 Steps, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Brian Colonna, Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
Gabe Combs, Twelfth Night, Shakespeare in the Wild
Hannah Duggan, Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
Erik Edborg, Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
Thadd Krueger, Stockade, Local Theater Company
Heather Ostberg Johnson, The 39 Steps, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Erin Rollman, Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
Jacob Sorling, Stockade, Local Theater Company
Kelly Uhlenhopp, Perfect Arrangement, Firehouse Theater Company
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical Tier 1
Colin Alexander, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Bryce Baxter, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Will Branner, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Josh Kellman, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Mitchell Lewis, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Jenna Moll Reyes, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Adriane Leigh Robinson, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Kieran O’Brien, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Megan Opalinski, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
David Studwell, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical Tier 2
Ben Brewer, Spamalot, Thin Air Theatre Company
Jennifer Burnett, Cabaret, Platte Valley Theatre Arts
Isabella Duran, Sweeney Todd, StageDoor Theatre
Alex Forbes, Reefer Madness, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Tiffany Gruman, Fiddler on the Roof, Performance Now Theatre Company
Joshua Harris, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Victoria Holloway, Fiddler on the Roof, Performance Now Theatre Company
Nick Marshall, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Lars Preece, Fiddler on the Roof, Performance Now Theatre Company
Jessica Sotwick, Sweeney Todd, StageDoor Theatre
Outstanding Ensemble Performance (Alphabetized by company)
Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Downstate, Curious Theatre Company
Million Dollar Quartet, Lone Tree Arts Center
Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Outstanding Choreography
Megan Bliss, The Music Man, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Stephanie Hansen, Kinky Boots, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Jennifer Lupp, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Rickey Tripp, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Kelly Van Oosbree, Fiddler on the Roof, Performance Now Theatre Company
Outstanding New Play or Musical - World Premiere
The Reservoir, By Jake Brasch, DCPA Theatre Company
Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, By Buntport Theater Company and Emily K. Harrison, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
The Ballot of Paola Aguilar, By Bernardo Cubría, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company (BETC)
The Suffragette’s Murder, By Sandy Rustin, DCPA Theatre Company
National Bohemians, By Luke Sorge, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Outstanding Costume Design Tier 1
Kevin Copenhaver, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Kevin Copenhaver, Million Dollar Quartet, Lone Tree Arts Center
Beth Goldenberg, The Suffragette’s Murder, DCPA Theatre Company
Samantha C. Jones, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Nicole Watts, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Outstanding Costume Design Tier 2
Emily K. Harrison and Buntport Theater Company, Eyes Up, Mouth Agape, Buntport Theater Company and square product theatre
Nicole Harrison, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Performance Now Theatre Company
Rachel Herring-Luna, Perfect Arrangement, Firehouse Theater Company
Susan Rahmsdorff-Terry, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Susan Rahmsdorff-Terry, Pirates of Penzance, Performance Now Theatre Company
Emily Valley, Reefer Madness, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Outstanding Lighting Design Tier 1
Jon Dunkle, Million Dollar Quartet, Lone Tree Arts Center
Charles R. MacLeod, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Vance McKenzie, National Bohemians, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Shannon McKinney, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew, The Reservoir, DCPA Theatre Company
Outstanding Lighting Design Tier 2 (TIE)
Josiah Croegaert, Cabaret, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Price Johnston, Waiting for Godot, Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Brett Maughan, Fiddler on the Roof, Performance Now Theatre Company
Brett Maughan, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Give 5 Productions
Vance McKenzie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Matthew Schlief, The 39 Steps, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Outstanding Scenic Design Tier 1
Tony Cisek, The Hot Wing King, DCPA Theatre Company
Brian Mallgrave, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Alan E. Muraoka, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Cody Tellis Rutledge, Come From Away, Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre
Reid Thompson, The Suffragette’s Murder, DCPA Theatre Company
Outstanding Scenic Design Tier 2
Spencer Alton, Cabaret, Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Andrew Bates, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Performance Now Theatre Company
Megan Davis, Jeff Jesmer and Troy Lakey, Perfect Arrangement, Firehouse Theater Company
Roger Hanna, Waiting for Godot, Bas Bleu Theatre Company
Jeff Jesmer and Adrienne Martin-Fullwood, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Firehouse Theater Company
Jason Laughrey, Chloe Flores, Robert Urrutia, Paul LaBar and Justin Goss, The Play That Goes Wrong, Steel City Theatre Company
Outstanding Sound Design Tier 1
John Hauser, National Bohemians, Miners Alley Performing Arts Center
Noel Nichols, Daniela Hart, Bailey Trierweiler and UptownWorks, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, DCPA Theatre Company
Max Silverman, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Creede Repertory Theatre
Max Silverman, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Max Silverman, Waitress, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities
Elisabeth Weidiner, Little Shop of Horrors, DCPA Theatre Company
Outstanding Sound Design Tier 2 (TIE)
Megan Davis and Eric Small, The Girl on the Train, Firehouse Theater Company
Tanner Kelly and Logan Rafdal, Sweeney Todd, StageDoor Theatre
Madison Kuebler, Perfect Arrangement, Firehouse Theater Company
Brendan O’Hara, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!), Breckenridge Backstage Theatre
Kitty Robbins, On Clover Road, Springs Ensemble Theatre
CeCe Smith, Blues for an Alabama Sky, Firehouse Theater Company
CeCe Smith, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Give 5 Productions
Victoria Villalobos, The 39 Steps, OpenStage Theatre & Company
Lifetime Achievement Award 2025
KQ, Artistic Director, Magic Moments, Inc.
