The Oswego Players production has had numerous successful productions in 2024. The Oswego Players was adjudicated three times this year and each production received several awards. At the final Oswego Players membership meeting of 2024, every winner was celebrated and given their TANYS certificate.
These awards are based on three separate designations: Meritorious Achievement, Excellence and Outstanding Achievement. Meritorious Achievement = Some advanced theatrical skill noted. Excellence = Theatrical skill base not routinely noted in non-professional theatre. Outstanding Achievement = Theatrical skill base rarely seen in non-professional theatre.
The first show to receive accolades was the legendary comedy-thriller “Deathtrap” by Ira Levin. Deathtrap received 6 awards from the Theater Association of NYS (TANYS); Excellence in Ensemble Acting to the Cast. Excellence in Acting to Karla Chandler-McCord for the portrayal of Myra Bruhl. Excellence in Direction to Inez Manor Parker. Excellence in Technical Direction to William Edward White. Excellence in Properties to Adele Cronk. Excellence in Scenic Design to Kenneth Snow, Sonia-Lough Berlin and Bill Cowham.
The second show of the 86th season to receive recognition for their hard work and achievement was Luke Yankee’s “The Man Who Killed the Cure”. This moving drama received 5 roving Adjudication Awards. The awards were issued by Paul Nelson, VP of Adjudication Services and are: Outstanding Achievement in Acting to Simon Moody for the portrayal of Dr. Max Gerson.
Excellence in Direction and Production Design to William Edward White and his Production Team. Excellence in Mural Design and Execution to Hannah Kandt. Excellence in Acting to Bill Cowham for the portrayal of Dr. Rudolph Heller. Excellence in Ensemble Acting to the Cast.
The final production the year to receive TANYS Roving Adjudicator Merit Awards this season was the hilarious production of Jack Sharkey’s “While the Lights Were Out”. The three merit awards this show won were Meritorious Achievement in Acting to Eric Cronk for the portrayal of Benjamin Braddock. Excellence in Acting to Matt Fleming for the portrayal of Roderick Remley. Excellence in Acting to Karla Chandler-McCord for the portrayal of Alma Threedle.
Formed in 1987 when the New York State Theatre Festival Association (NYSTFA) merged with the New York State Community Theatre Association (NYSCTA), the mission of TANYS is to foster the contribution of theatre to the lives of the citizens of New York State, promote high standards of theatre practice through education and example, and encourage exchanges of information and knowledge through people-to-people and theatre-to-theatre interactions.
“We thrilled that our members were honored with these prestigious awards from TANYS,” said Oswego Players President Norman Berlin. “It is very rewarding to know the hard work and dedication that goes into our productions is appreciated. I also extend a sincere thank you to our community which has supported the Oswego Players for the past 86 years and everyone that took the time to attend our productions this year.”
The Theater Association of New York State has recognized three Oswego Players’ productions this year, each show won several awards. The cast, crew and directors of these three productions celebrate their well-deserved achievements. Front row, left to right: Sonia Lough-Berlin, Inez Manor Parker, William Edward White and Sherri Metz. Back row, from the left: Ken Snow, Bill Cowham and Richard Heim.