NIETF Gala 2021

FEATURED/CAMEO ROLES –

Nominees for Excellence in a Featured Role in a Play:

• Dean Johanson as Bill in Making God Laugh by Beatniks on Conkey
• Diana Smoot as Maddie in Making God Laugh by Beatniks on Conkey
• Jason Horn as Noah Gomrowitz in Denial by Hammond Community Theatre
• Jena Bellezza as Stefanie in Denial by Hammond Community Theatre
• Jerry Golvidis as Nathan in Denial by Hammond Community Theatre
• Jimmy Burch as Robin “Puck” Goodfellow in A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Gary Shakespeare Company
• Mark Baer as Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Gary Shakespeare Company
• Patrick Pohrte as Thomas in Making God Laugh by Beatniks on Conkey
• Scott Fimoff as Adam Ryberg in Denial by Hammond Community Theatre
• Tom Knoerzer as Teddy Roosevelt in Arsenic and Old Lace by Beatniks on Conkey

Nominees for Excellence in a Featured Role in a Musica:

• Aaron Duncil as Prince in Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• Emily Gulbrandsen as Hannigan in Annie by Genesius Guild
• Grant Fitch as Narrator/Mysterious Man in Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• Jackie Verdyen as Nun/homeless person in Second Chances by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild
• Klayr Taylor as Flounder in The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group
• Lilly Boyter as Captain Hook in Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance
• Maisy Wragg as Duffy in Annie by Genesius Guild
• Mia Latimer as Tinkerbell in Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance
• Nora Wragg as Cinderella in Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• Samantha Corey as Scuttle in The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group
• Tyler Gudeman as Milky White in Into the Woods by Genesius Guild

Nominees for Excellence in a Cameo Role:

• Bob Ince as Eddie in The Sunshine Boys by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild
• Diana Smoot as Nurse Mackintosh in The Sunshine Boys by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild
• Mark McColley as The Patient in The Sunshine Boys by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild
• Raymond Huntington as Snug in A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Gary Shakespeare Company

TECHNICAL ARTS –

Nominees for Excellence in Scenic Design:

• Arsenic and Old Lace by Beatniks on Conkey
• Art by 4^th Street Theater
• Communicating Doors by Beatniks on Conkey
• Denial by Hammond Community Theatre
• Making God Laugh by Beatniks on Conkey
• Outside Mullingar by 4^th Street Theater
• Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance
• Second Chances by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild
• The Sunshine Boys by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild

Nominees for Excellence in Lighting Design:

• Arsenic and Old Lace by Beatniks on Conkey
• Art by 4^th Street Theater
• Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• Making God Laugh by Beatniks on Conkey
• Outside Mullingar by 4^th Street Theater

Nominees for Excellence in Sound Design:

• Arsenic and Old Lace by Beatniks on Conkey
• Art by 4^th Street Theater
• Making God Laugh by Beatniks on Conkey
• Outside Mullingar by 4^th Street Theater
• The Sunshine Boys by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild

Nominees for Excellence in Costume Design:

• Arsenic and Old Lace by Beatniks on Conkey
• A Christmas Carol Radio Play by Valparaiso Theatrical Company
• Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group
• Making God Laugh by Beatniks on Conkey
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Gary Shakespeare Company
• Outside Mullingar by 4^th Street Theater
• Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance

VIEWERS CHOICE

Nominees for Viewers Choice in a Play:

• Virtual production/set/projections in A Christmas Carol Radio Play by Valparaiso Theatrical Company
• The three actors as an ensemble in Art by 4^th Street Theater
• The communicating door in Communicating Doors by Beatniks on Conkey
• Picture time mood lighting in Making God Laugh by Beatniks on Conkey
• Scenic painting in Outside Mullingar by 4^th Street Theater
• Irish accents in Outside Mullingar by 4^th Street Theater
• Video editing/added music/scene transitions in The Video Gamapalooza by Genesius Guild

Nominees for Viewers Choice in Musical:

• Boylan Sisters ensemble in Annie by Genesius Guild
• Multilevel set with slide in Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance
• Onstage thrift shop in Second Chances by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild
• Flotsam and Jetsam duo in The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group
• Use of Heelies for movement in The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group

DIRECTION

Nominees for Excellence in Artistic Direction:

• Art by 4^th Street Theater
• Communicating Doors by Beatniks on Conkey
• Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Gary Shakespeare Company
• Outside Mullingar (MUH lynn gahr) by 4^th Street Theater
• Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance

Nominees for Excellence in Categorical Direction:

• Musical Direction of A Christmas Carol Radio Play by Valparaiso Theatrical Company
• Vocal Direction of Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• Choreography of The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group
• Choreography of Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance
• Vocal Direction of Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance

PRINCIPAL ROLES –

Nominees for Excellence in Principal Role in a Play:

• Anne Nicholls as Rosemary Muldoon in Outside Mullingar by 4^th Street Theater
• Bianca Borras Watkins as Poopay/Phoebe in Communicating Doors by Beatniks on Conkey
• Bruce Jung as Willie Clark in The Sunshine Boys by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild
• Dean Johanson as Jonathan in Arsenic and Old Lace by Beatniks on Conkey
• Dean Perrine as Marc in Art by 4^th Street Theater
• Donald Beck as Tony Reilly in Outside Mullingar by 4^th Street Theater
• Grant Fitch as Yvan in Art by 4^th Street Theater
• Julie Breford as Ruella in Communicating Doors by Beatniks on Conkey
• Kevin Mellen as Anthony in Outside Mullingar by 4^th Street Theater
• William Milhans as Charlie Gordon in Flowers for Algernon by Valparaiso Theatrical Company

The nominees for Excellence in a Principal Role in a Musical:

• Christina Arroyo as Ursula in The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group
• Colleen Kelly as Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• Alan Smith as Wally in Second Chances by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild
• Rachel Staub as Allison in Second Chances by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild
• Sam Ames as Peter Pan in Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance
• Tenley Edvardsen as Ariel in The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group
• Will Akins as Tyler in Second Chances by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild

PRODUCTION

Nominees for Best Play:

• Art by 4^th Street Theater
• Communicating Doors by Beatniks on Conkey
• Denial by Hammond Community Theatre
• Making God Laugh by Beatniks on Conkey
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Gary Shakespeare Company
• Outside Mullingar by 4^th Street Theater

Nominees for Best Musical:

• Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group
• Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance

NIETF Gala 2021 AWARDEES

Featured/Cameo Roles

Featured Role – Play

• Jason Horn as Noah Gomrowitz in Denial by Hammond Community Theatre
• Jena Bellezza as Stefanie in Denial by Hammond Community Theatre

Featured – Musical

• Aaron Duncil as Prince in Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• Nora Wragg as Cinderella in Into the Woods by Genesius Guild

Cameo – Play

• Raymond Huntington as Snug in A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Gary Shakespeare Company

Technical Arts

Scenic Design

• Arsenic and Old Lace by Beatniks on Conkey
• Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance

Lighting Design

• Arsenic and Old Lace by Beatniks on Conkey
• Into the Woods by Genesius Guild

Sound Design

• Arsenic and Old Lace by Beatniks on Conkey

Costume Design

• Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Gary Shakespeare Company

Viewers Choice

• Virtual production/set/projections in A Christmas Carol Radio Play by Valparaiso Theatrical Company
• Multilevel set with slide in Peter Pan Jr by Premier Performance

Direction

Artistic Direction

• Art by 4^th Street Theater
• Into the Woods by Genesius Guild

Categorical Direction

• Musical Direction of A Christmas Carol Radio Play by Valparaiso Theatrical Company
• Vocal Direction of Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• Choreography of The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group

Principal Roles

Play

• Anne Nicholls as Rosemary Muldoon in Outside Mullingar by 4^th Street Theater
• Dean Perrine as Marc in Art by 4^th Street Theater

Musical

• Christina Arroyo as Ursula in The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group
• Will Akins as Tyler in Second Chances by L’arc en Ciel Theatre Group

Best Production

• Art by 4^th Street Theater
• TIE – Into the Woods by Genesius Guild
• TIE – The Little Mermaid by Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group

VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR –

Volunteers of the Year as selected by each theatre:

• 4^th Street Theater recognizes Matt Stinnett
• Beatniks on Conkey recognizes Laura Toops
• Gary Shakespeare Company recognizes Janice Etzler-Pritchard
• Genesius Guild recognizes Katie Isaacs
• Hammond Community Theatre recognizes Phillip Myers
• Highland Park’s Performing Arts Group recognizes Daniel Sheffield
• Improductions recognizes Ignacio Valdez
• L’arc en Ciel Theatre Guild recognizes Noah Staub
• Premier Performance recognizes Jennifer Loving
• Seedlings Theatre Company recognizes Elias Totleben
• On behalf of Valparaiso Theatrical Company and their closing, NIETF recognizes Colleen and Steve Zana

Outstanding Achievement

• Becky Jascoviak

We are often asked, how are shows “viewed”? Here’s a synopsis of what goes in to “viewing” a show for possible nomination for an award at the end of the season:

Viewing in the 2014/2015 season:

Persons desiring to become viewers submitted online applications in July 2014. Follow-up questions were asked by members of a board committee to any with red flags. Potential viewers were voted on by the board, designated member theatre representatives, and the current viewers at the time. A total of 20 different viewers were elected with 15 viewing musicals and 16 viewing plays.

Each viewer is encouraged to see all viewable shows in their category, however 75% is the baseline required amount. If a viewer cannot fulfill this, they are dropped from the list. New viewers were provided personal and group training by President Becky Jascoviak, Vice-President Larry Hinken, or Viewing Secretary Ken Mertens.

An online submission form was created for each type of show (play or musical). It is password protected at the NIETF website. Each viewer is to submit their form within 72 hours of seeing a production. On this form there is a scoring section for technical elements including overall show, direction, sets, lights, sound, and costumes for plays, additionally music and vocal direction as well as choreography are scored for musicals. Each element is scored from 1-5 with 5 being best. Each element score is averaged over the number of viewers and the top 5 end up on the final ballot at the end of the season.

A second section of the form allows viewers to submit acting nominations by listing the actor’s name and character name in one of five categories (principal male, principal female, supporting male, supporting female, cameo). Viewers determine for themselves which category an actor is submitted. Based on the number of viewers at the time, an actor’s name must show up a certain number of times to be listed on the preliminary ballot at the end of the season. For instance if there are 15 active viewers, an actor must be listed on 4 nomination forms in order to appear on the preliminary ballot.

A final section provides places for viewer’s choice nominations, additional nominations that don’t fit on the form, and comments for the director. These are shared anonymously by request only after the show has closed. Either the theatre or the director may request viewer comments.

At the end of the season (usually in early September), a preliminary ballot consisting of all the qualified nominations in each category is presented at a meeting of the viewers. At this meeting the viewers discuss final category placement for an actor. For instance, if 3 viewers nominated an actor in a role as a principal and 2 viewers placed the same actor/role in a supporting category, the viewers would discuss which category they will be placed in before voting. Then each viewer individually selects their top five in each category and submits them privately.

After the acting votes and technical scores are tabulated, a final list of nominees in each category is announced (usually around September 15). At this time, each viewer receives a mailed ballot personalized to them. If they did not see a production, it is not included on their final ballot. They rank each category nominees and send their ballots to an independent tabulator who compiles the votes and prepares the sealed envelopes for presentation the night of the gala. No one but the independent tabulator knows the winners until that night.

Have an idea on how to improve the process? Join us at one of the following discussions:
April 12, 5:30 pm – Viewers
April 12, 6:30 pm – Member Theatres
(Both of the above at Genesius Guild in Hammond)

April 19, 6:30 pm – Board
(Held at 4th Street Theater in Chesterton)

All meetings, while topic specific to the audience they are designed for, are open to the public and welcome for comment. Please join us and help us on our continuous improvement track!

Here is a link to our Viewing discussion document.

As 2014 comes to a close, I want to take a few moments to remember all that has happened this year.

NIETF created a new showcase event, Theatrepalooza, highlighting theatres and works from across the region. It was held in August at Merrillville High School and was free to the public. Nearly 250 patrons enjoyed excerpts of past and future shows presented by NIETF member theatres. This event was made possible by the generous support of the Indiana Arts Commission, South Shore Arts, and Ideas in Motion Media.

NIETF participated in a variety of new avenues of outreach and awareness. These included interactive info booths at events such as Explore the South Shore, Popcorn Festival, and NWI teacher workshops designed to introduce arts into the classroom. We played theatre games with children, make masks and kazoos, passed out literature on shows and theatres, and introduced many new people to the organization.

The NIETF Foundation Awards Gala was reimagined this year. It was held in a new venue, the Valparaiso University Center for the Arts, with a revised format, and generated over 270 ticket sales. A new “In Memorium” video tribute was added that honored those lost over the previous season. Alas, all too soon, we have several more already to honor next year.

NIETF secured new grant funding this year in order to provide new and expanded services to our theatres. From advertising and outreach associated with Theatrepalooza to providing reimbursable grant funds for administrative and/or contract work, NIETF is expanding the ways in which we are able to support our members.

NIETF launched a new website in early 2014 showcasing new administrative tools for each theatre, along with new ways of finding information for patrons, including direct links to purchasing tickets. Having fewer clicks for website visitors translates into a higher propensity to follow through and purchase tickets in advance.

But one of the things I am most proud of this year, is how the theatre community embraced becoming a theatre family. Walking together as a NIETF team at Relay for Life, sharing needs and overflow with those in need. And most recently, walking through life, and death, together as one large family, caring, sharing, supporting, listening, and loving. This is what puts Community in community theatre.

I want to thank the members of the 2014 board who worked so tirelessly to create these opportunities: Larry Hinken, Maggie Reister, Matt Byerly, Ken Mertens, Matt Valuckis, Tim Slatton, Jerry Jascoviak, Colleen Zana, Michael Doc Kuhn, Kevin Doler, Natalie Franks, Michelle Smith, KeriAnne Valuckis, and Steve Zana. Tim, Natalie, Michelle, and Steve will be stepping off the board in 2015. I thank them for their dedicated service and desire to grow excellence across our region’s theatres.

To all of you who enrich the culture of Northwest Indiana because of your commitment to the arts – I thank you!
Now get ready for an even better 2015!

Becky Jascoviak
NIETF President

#GivingTuesday, following right on the heels of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday is a global day of philanthropy to give to your favorite causes. Consider giving to NIETF on #Giving Tuesday or before the end of the year to receive a tax benefit for this year. All donations are tax deductible.

Donations to NIETF help support our scholarship fund, provide programming such as Theatrepalooza and allow us to provide you with all the great theatre information going on around the region. Donations can be made in a variety of ways that are convenient for you:

1. Click the donate button below.

2. If you use the Givelify app on your smartphone (downloadable for free from both the AppStore and GooglePlay), look up Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation and you can give right through the app.

3. Send a check to NIETF to PO Box 503, Crown Point, IN 46308. Be sure it is postmarked before December 31 in order to qualify for this year’s tax benefit.

Thank you for your support of NIETF and theatre across Northwest Indiana!

It is time friends, for all good men and women to come to the aid of their theatre community. Are you interested in serving the theatres and theatre artists across the region? We’d love to have you, your ideas, and your get-it-done-excellently attitude on board.
Positions up for election for a two year term are President, Treasurer, and Nominations Secretary. Positions up for election for a one year term are Member at Large and Member Theatre Representative. The board then will appoint a Partnership Resourcing Chair and a Member Recognition Chair.
For all the information, please click the link below. There’s even a place to indicate your interest in just serving on a committee/task force. Board nominations are due Dec 7.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PSNMWBP

NIETF is proud to welcome two theatres to its membership…
Ross Music Theatre/M&M Productions, a long-time community theatre producer here in NWI, has joined as an associate member theatre and Gary Shakespeare Theatre, a relatively new company, has joined as a full member theatre.
Be sure to check out Ross’ summer musical Monty Python’s Spamalot this weekend at Merrillville High School. Then watch for Gary Shakespeare’s production of Twelfth Night in August.
Please help us welcome them to the NIETF family!

Are you ready to be entertained? Do you need a good laugh or a moment to ponder?

The region will shine with the glow of the spotlight as you sit back, laugh, and awe at the amazing talents of local actors.

Theatre companies from across NWI will present short shows or excerpts of longer ones in a showcase format. In the lobby, you’ll find booths from each of the theatres with information on their upcoming shows, classes, auditions, and volunteer opportunities. Audience members will have a chance to win some great door prizes as well!

Join us Sunday, August 17, 2014 at 3:00 pm in the Reinhart Auditorium of Merrillville High School for this FREE THEATRE FESTIVAL.

Reserve your seat here: http://theatrepalooza.bpt.me

This event is made possible by a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission, South Shore Arts and the generous partnership of Ideas in Motion Media.

Do you enjoy seeing plays or musicals at a variety of theatres?
Would you like to contribute to honoring excellence across all theatrical arts?
Are you objective, committed, and timely?
We’d love to have you join our group of NIETF viewers who see each viewable production, rate each theatrical element and nominate actors for our annual Foundation Awards.

Viewers are a critical component to NIETF’s success. It requires an extraordinary commitment of time and expertise. Viewers regularly see between 12-20 plays or musicals each year. Those that view both may see upwards of 40 productions in one year. The viewing year runs from September 1, 2014 – August 31, 2015. Theatres are located across the northwest Indiana region from Hammond to Michigan City to Cedar Lake and points in between. A commitment to excellence and integrity in objectivity are what make the program successful. Viewers are not compensated with pay, however they do see the productions for free. Viewers review the shows for acting, technical, and design awards. Nominations are submitted via an online form within 48 hours of seeing the show. Viewers are required to see a minimum of 75% of all viewable shows presented during the season, with many seeing 90-95%. Additionally there are orientation and training sessions held prior to the viewing season. Once the viewing year is finished, final voting sessions and the awards gala are held the following fall. Rarely, viewers are asked to participate in other NIETF functions.

Apply to be a NIETF viewer at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VBXHCW8.

Summer has finally arrived and when school lets out, summer camp season kicks off. Many of our member theatres host summer theatre camps especially for kids. Others hold ongoing adult classes and specific skill training workshops. If you’ve ever wanted to get on stage or just learn a new skill, we encourage you to check out these great programs across the region!

Summer Camps for Kids

Marvelous Monsters at Crown Point Community Theatre for grades 1-5, June 23-27. Learn a variety of skills including acting, set design, costumes and makeup, as well as a craft each day.

Premier Performance hosted by 4th Street Theater provides an opportunity for both young and older students to learn musical theatre skills and perform a Broadway show. Two different camps run July 7-12 and July 28-August 10.

Dunes Summer Theatre has two summer camp offerings that are one day a week for four weeks. The first teaches dance and musical theatre choreography. The second is Superstars and Stories that combines theatrical games and activities to grow reading comprehension. These camps run throughout July on either Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Chicago Street Theatre continues its longstanding tradition of a broad range of educational opportunities. With camps on Shakespeare, backstage theatre, technical workshops, sacred drama, and others, there is certainly something you’ll want to experience there all throughout the summer.

Adult Classes

Crown Point Community Theatre is hosting a second round of Improv Fundamentals for adults beginning June 30 for 8 weeks.

Towle Theater even offers Wine School classes if you want to experience the theatre in a completely different way.