Theater board honors performers during inaugural awards ceremony
-
To commemorate the 25th season at the Ritz Community Theatre, the public voted on the top performances of the season. The inaugural Ritzy Awards were presented to (l-r) outstanding supporting actor Hunter McCarter, outstanding production Luz Valdez for Annie Jr., outstanding supporting actress Michelle Sosa, outstanding lead actress Nancy Harris, outstanding set designer Glenn Burns and Ritz board of governors’ treasurer Kyle Rosson.
The acceptance speeches for the inaugural Ritzy Awards, which commemorated the 25th Ritz Community Theatre season, had a common theme — the importance of community theater.
Six awards were presented Saturday night as the Ritz capped its 25th season. Kyle Rosson, who serves as the Ritz’ board of governors’ treasurer, said it took everyone to stage the productions this year.
“They are mothers, fathers, students and grandfathers,” he said of the actors and crews. “We can’t do what we do without the people who come down here. We have excellent talent in this town and we have a blast.”
Nancy Harris received the outstanding lead actress award for her performance as Queen Eleanor in The Lion in Winter. She said a person does not have to be great to perform in community theater.
“All you have to do is be here and be willing. You might find something you are passionate about,” she said. “On this stage, I get to pretend to be anyone I want to be. That is the beauty of community theater.”
Outstanding supporting actress award-winner Michelle Sosa said she had fun playing Dixie Davenport in the Last Round-Up of the Guacamole Queens, but added it took a push from her son Sebastian to audition.
“I didn’t have the courage to come up here until my son, Sebastian, pulled me up on stage,” she said. “I am glad he did.”
Hunter McCarter received the outstanding supporting actor award for his performance as Daddy Warbucks in Annie Jr.
“The theater is a great way to escape the real world and a great way to make friends,” he said. “It’s amazing a town the size of Snyder has a community theater.”
Luz Valdez accepted the best production award for Annie Jr. She directed the children’s musical and thanked parents for allowing their children to perform.
“I am an advocate for the arts. The arts can change your life,” she said.
Glenn Burns earned the best set design award for The Lion in Winter. He said everyone worked to make the set as realistic as possible.
“This does not go to me, but to all of the cast and crew. We spent a lot of time on that show and it paid off,” he said.
Bryan Brunson, who was not in attendance, won outstanding lead actor for King Henry II in The Lion in Winter.