The Van Wert County Courthouse

Monday, Jul. 27, 2026

VWCT honors annual award winners

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert Civic Theatre recently held its annual meeting and awards banquet and announced the recipients of the 2023-2024 awards, celebrating the incredible talent and hard work of the community.

The most prestigious award, the Trustee Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership and service to the theatre, was presented to Dale Terry.

Van Wert Civic Theatre 2023-2024 awards were recently announced. VW independent file photo

President Terry Plas presented the President’s Award to Doug and Sandra Grooms for their efforts in providing support to her and the theatre community over the past year.

For each production, a Company Choice Award is given, selected by the director or cast for special efforts made during the production. Honorees were:

  • Disaster – Mary Ann Falk
  • Sorry Wrong Chimney – Austin and Gabrielle Sheets
  • Misery – Jan Miller
  • Hands on a Hardbody – Keith Allen

The Gypsy Robe, a tradition at VWCT patterned after the Broadway tradition of the same name, is awarded to a chorus member in a musical. This year, it was presented to Courtney Wendel for Disaster.

The People’s Choice Award, given to the production with the highest attendance, went to Hands on a Hardbody.

A panel of adjudicators attends one performance of each show during the season. They then meet to select the cast and crew for various awards. For a full list of award winners, visit the theatre’s Facebook page or vwct.org under the “Information” tab in the “News” section.

Additionally, more information about the last two shows of the summer, The True Story of Hey Diddle Diddle and Urinetown, as well as details about the upcoming 2024-2025 season can be found on the website.

VWCT award winners are (front row, left to right): Nick Long, Nick Hribar and Doug Grooms. Back row (left to right): Mary Ann Falk, Amy Boley, Dale Terry, Jerry Zimmerman, Burdette Bolenbaugh, Keith Allen and Sandy Grooms. Photo submitted

POSTED: 07/05/24 at 9:17 pm. FILED UNDER: News