Dick Kerekes & Leisla Sansom
BY DICK KEREKES & LEISLA SANSOM dualcritics@comcast.net
On Sunday August 7th, 2016, Theatre Jacksonville held its annual celebration honoring volunteers for the 2015-2016 season; TJ combines this special event with the annual meeting of its members. The venue was Indocine San Marco, a restaurant known throughout the city for Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Mike Darragh, the outgoing President of the Board gave a brief summary of the past season and its accomplishments. The most important item for most theatres these days is their financial condition, and Mr. Darragh announced that TJ once again finished in the black. New board members were voted in, and the President of the Board for the next year will be Kit Thomas.
Theatre Jacksonville praised its many volunteers, who donated over 19, 000 hours to support all phases of the theatre’s operation. The theatre has also updated the dressing rooms for the actors.
Executive Director Sarah Boone presided over the presentation of awards.
VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Front of the House – George Bennett
Technical & Backstage Support – Aj Diaz
Outstanding Teen Volunteer – Kayla Fender
All Around Award – Mark Rubens
Johnny on the Spot Award – Ron Shreve
ACTING AWARDS
Actress in a Leading Role – Carrie Thornton – The Light in the Piazza
Actor in a Leading Role – Juan Unzueta – The Light in the Piazza
Actress in a Supporting Role – Cathy O’Brien – Always a Bridesmaid
Actor in a Supporting Role – Joshua Johnson – The Little Mermaid
Actor in a featured Role – Alec Hadden – The Little Mermaid
SHOW AWARDS
Two contenders tied for the Outstanding Production of the Season! Awards went to both The Light in the Piazza and The Little Mermaid.
Sarah Boone concluded the program with the always popular drawings for the coveted door prizes donated by local merchants, which included many San Marco shops and restaurants. Ms. Boone noted that an excellent selection of plays is on tap for the 2016 – 2017 season, beginning with “Pride and Prejudice” in September. She also said that planning has already begun for Theatre Jacksonville’s 100th season just a little over three years away. The season will be very special (and no doubt adding to the excitement will be the completion of the nearby East San Marco project, which will include a Publix and over 200 apartments filled with potential new theatre goers and volunteers).
An enjoyable celebratory time was had by all who participated, and thanks go to Indochine San Marco for hosting the event and providing the outstanding beverages and food.
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