Newman University’s fine arts department honored its top theater performers and productions on May 7 at its annual Maria Awards ceremony, with “Between the Lines” dominating the list of accolades.
The production, directed by Music Director Deanne Zogleman, took home eight awards, including Outstanding Direction of a Production, Best Leading Actress and multiple supporting performance honors.
Among the most prestigious recognitions of the night, Grace Hertel received the Most Committed to Theatre award, selected by faculty members Mark Mannette, Zogleman and Austin Schwartz. Hertel also won Outstanding Technical Support for her stage management of “Murder on the Menu.”
Corbin Molina earned Best Leading Actor for his portrayal of the title character in “Hamlet,” while Alysha Keck took Best Leading Actress for her role as Delilah McPhee in “Between the Lines.”
Other notable winners included Schwartz for Best Stage Death in “Murder on the Menu” and Best Technical Direction for “Between the Lines.” Faith Crabb and Daniel Cubias-Arteaga were recognized as Best Onstage Couple for their roles in “Between the Lines.”
The ceremony also featured the introduction of next year’s Theatre Club executive board, with Anna Corbett announced as president, Crabb as vice president, Dannicka McGrath as treasurer and Deqlan Mitchell as secretary.
Maria Awards winner list:
Best Stage Death: Schwartz for “Murder on the Menu”
Best Poster Design: Erika Estrada for Sloppy Joes Poster
Outstanding Technical Support (Students): Hertel for stage managing “Murder on the Menu”
Technical Achievement Award (Professional): Joseph Linsted for lighting design and projections in “Between the Lines”
Best Technical Direction in a Production: Schwartz for ‘Between the Lines”
Outstanding Costume Design: Christy Railsback for “Between the Lines”
Best Onstage Couple: Crabb (as Allie/Seraphima) and Cubias-Arteaga (as Ryan/Frump) in “Between the Lines”
Best Visiting Actor/Actress: Adelyn Duxler as Bernardo/Guildenstern/Osric in “Hamlet”
Rookie of the Year: Mitchell as Laertes/Francisco/Rosencrantz in “Hamlet”
Best Featured Actor/Actress in a Production: Corbett as Ms. Winx/Jessamyn Jacobs in “Between the Lines”
The Maria Awards, planned by committee members Corbett, Crabb, Cubias, Molina and Schwartz, mark the culmination of Newman University’s theatrical season.
