"Commedia Christmas Carol” nominated for Hayes award

A Commedia Christmas Carol, which was staged at Elstad Auditorium in December by Faction of Fools, the professional company in residence at Gallaudet’s Theatre Arts program, was among seven productions nominated by the prestigious Helen Hayes Awards for The Charles MacArthur Award in the Outstanding New Play or Musical category.

A Commedia Christmas Carol featured three Gallaudet theatre majors and acting interns in its cast: seniors Sandra Mae Frank, Michael Sprouse, and Jessica Willoughby, as well as recent alumna Marianna Devenow. In addition, three other Gallaudet theatre majors interned in backstage capacities on this production: senior Amanda Biskupiak and juniors Casey Analco and Victoria LeBlanc.

The Helen Hayes Awards celebrate outstanding achievement in over 80 professional theatres throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The awards ceremony will be held at the Warner Theatre on April 8.

The Gallaudet Theatre Arts program is led by associate professor Ethan Sinnott.