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The Millersville University Theatre, productions, students, alumni and an assistant professor have been nominated in various categories for the 2023 Broadway World Central Pennsylvania Awards. Some of the students and recent graduates have even been nominated for their work at theatres outside of the University. Local Broadway World website editors set the award categories, and then BWW readers and audience members chose the nominees. Winners will be announced sometime in January.
“I repeatedly meet folks in the Central PA theatre community who are surprised that Millersville has a theatre and entertainment tech program and/or they are surprised that we produce live theatre,” says Jonathan Strayer, assistant professor and director of dramatics at Millersville University.
With theatres like the Fulton and Ephrata Performing Arts Center included, Strayer doesn’t expect to top any lists, but he does believe that the higher MU Theatre is on each list, the more exposure the program and University will receive.
The Broadway World Regional Awards are the largest theatre audience awards, with over 100 cities worldwide participating. The Broadway World Regional Awards let readers have their say on the best local and touring productions around the country and world. Broadway World is the largest theatre site on the internet, covering Broadway, the West End and beyond to 100 US cities, 45 countries and in 12 languages worldwide.
The awards honor productions that had their first performance between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023. Voting took place from early November and ran through December 31.
Here is the list of nominees from MU:
Best Direction Of A Musical
Jonathan Strayer – “CARRIE THE MUSICAL” – Millersville University Theatre
Best Direction Of A Play
- Jonathan Strayer – “CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME” – Millersville University Theatre
- Rachel Luann Strayer – “PUFFS” – Millersville University Theatre
- Guest Artist/Director
Best Musical
“CARRIE” – Millersville University Theatre
Best Play
- “CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME” – Millersville University Theatre
- “PUFFS” – Millersville University Theatre
Best Performer In A Musical
Anya Ditzler – “CARRIE THE MUSICAL” – Millersville University Theatre
- Ed Major
Best Performer In A Play
- Dustin Schneider – “THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME” – Millersville University Theatre
- Theatre Major
- Nathaniel Hawley – “PUFFS” – Millersville University Theatre
- Theatre Major
- Giancarlo Cooper – “PUFFS” – Millersville University Theatre
- Theatre Minor
- Bailey-Rose Collington – “PUFFS” – Millersville University Theatre
- English Major; Journalism Minor
Best Ensemble
- “CARRIE THE MUSICAL” – Millersville University Theatre
- “PUFFS” – Millersville University Theatre
Best Lighting Design Of A Play Or Musical
- Adam Boyer – “CARRIE THE MUSICAL” – Millersville University Theatre
- Nic Pappas – “PUFFS” – Millersville University Theatre
- ENTC Major
Best Scenic Design Of A Play Or Musical
Janet Hershey – “PUFFS” – Millersville University Theatre
- Dec 2022 Grad – ENTC Major
Best Supporting Performer In A Play
- Calvin Butler – “PUFFS” – Millersville University Theatre
- Theatre Major
- Ashley Calderon – “PUFFS” – Millersville University Theatre
- 2023 Grad – Theatre Major
Favorite Local Theatre
Millersville University Theatre
Current Students in Non-MU Theatre Projects:
Best Supporting Performer In A Musical
Ryan Slusky – “THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME” – The Belmont Theatre
- Theatre Minor
Best Direction Of A Musical
Kat Thorpe – “THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL” – ACMO
- Theatre Major
MU Theatre Alumni in Non-MU Theatre Projects:
Best Supporting Performer In A Play
Major – Ian Wettlaufer – “MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR” – People’s Shakespeare Project
- 2021 Grad – Theatre Major
Best Performer In A Musical
Major – Ashley Calderon – “THE PROM” – Ephrata Performing Arts Center
- 2023 Grad – Theatre Major
