On August, 20, 2017, Circle Players honored the artist members involved in 2016-2017 season at the Annual Circle Awards. This year's event was held at W.O. Smith Music School in Nashville and hosted by Trey Palmer, performing artists and star of the HGTV series Listed Sisters.
More than 50 artists were nominated in 20 categories that were judged by the Critic's Panel, a group of volunteers who do not have direct ties to Circle productions, remain anonymous and attend each production.
(Click here for the Awards Process).
The big winner for the 67th season was Clybourne Park, which won Best Show, Best Director (Daniel DeVault) and other trophies.
Clay Hillwig was honored with the prestigious Bauer-Dunlap Award, which is named after the founders of Circle Players and is given only rarely to a long-time volunteer and supporter who has participated in many ways without complaint and otherwise without formal recognition.
See the list of all winners (right) and photos from the event (below; click to open photos).
Photography by Cordnie Brown
Cast and crew members of "Clybourne Park" -- winner of Best Show, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Featured Actor and Best Set Designer
Clay Hillwig (center) was presented the Bauer-Dunlap Award given to a long-time volunteer who has participated in many ways without complaint and otherwise without formal recognition. (Left: Brian Jones, Circle Board Preseident; Right: LaTonya Turner, Circle Board member)
CIRCLE AWARD WINNERS
(Season 2016-2017)
BEST SHOW
CLYBOURNE PARK
BEST DIRECTOR
Daniel DeVault
Clybourne Park
BEST ACTOR
Chamberlin Little
as Scarecrow
The WIZ
BEST ACTRESS
Chandra Walton
as Francine/Lena
Clybourne Park
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Aaron Roston
as Donald Rumsfeld
Stuff Happens
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Pauline McGowan
as Addaperle
The WIZ
BEST FEATURED ACTOR
Preston Crowder
as Albert/Kevin
Clybourne Park
BEST FEATURED ACTRESS
Breanna Williams
as Glinda
The WIZ
BEST MALE VOCALIST
Donald Carter
as The Wiz
The WIZ
BEST FEMALE VOCALIST
Erica Patterson
as Mary Magdalene
Jesus Christ Superstar
BEST CAMEO (2 awards given)
Riqué Patire
as King Herod (à la Donald Trump)
Jesus Christ Superstar
BEST CAMEO
Lillian Ogbuefi
as Kofi Annan/Various Roles
Stuff Happens
CREW MEMBER OF DISTINCTION
(2 awards given)
Daryl Ritchie
The WIZ
Jim DeVault
Clybourne Park
BEST CHOREOGRAPHER
Dr. Peter Fields
The WIZ
BEST LIGHTING DESIGN
Dave McGinnis
Jesus Christ Superstar
BEST PROPS MANAGER
Sara Shumway
The WIZ
BEST MUSICAL DIRECTION
Dennis Palmer & Kelsi Fulton
Jesus Christ Superstar