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  "path": "/theater-stages/2026/03/23/chicago-theater-awards-non-equity-jeff-winners-2026-kokandy-invictus",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-24T03:33:24.338Z",
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  "textContent": "<p>Kokandy Productions' <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/theater/2025/10/28/review-jekyll-and-hyde-kokandy-productions-chopin-theatre\" >“Jekyll & Hyde”</a> and Invictus Theatre's \"Angels in America\" tied for the most honors Monday at the 52nd Non-Equity Jeff Awards, with each show winning seven awards. </p><p>The theaters that staged them each won eight awards in combination with other productions. The annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards recognize Chicago’s storefront scene and other theaters that are non-unionized. </p><p>The event inside the Harris Theater Chicago in Millennium Park featured several performances, including one from \"Jekyll & Hyde,\" which earned a rousing standing ovation from the crowd.</p><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2a0000\" name=\"image-2a0000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/07a5f1b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fcc%2F98%2Fe2fe56d841d588dae7e725b2434e%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-31.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8e4a5b4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fcc%2F98%2Fe2fe56d841d588dae7e725b2434e%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-31.jpg 2x\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a8e5949/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fcc%2F98%2Fe2fe56d841d588dae7e725b2434e%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-31.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"NONEQUITYJEFF26_260323-31.jpg\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a8e5949/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fcc%2F98%2Fe2fe56d841d588dae7e725b2434e%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-31.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/aa1459c/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fcc%2F98%2Fe2fe56d841d588dae7e725b2434e%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-31.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a8e5949/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fcc%2F98%2Fe2fe56d841d588dae7e725b2434e%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-31.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>The cast of “Jekyll & Hyde” performs a song from the musical during the Non-Equity Jeff Awards at Harris Theater.</p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>Invictus received awards for two productions including “Angels in America,” which was recognized for ensemble, direction, and performances, and “The House that Will Not Stand.” Director Charles Askenaizer did not appear to receive his award, and some boos were heard in the crowd when his name was called. The Chicago Tribune reported <a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/02/invictus-theatre-changes/\" target=\"_blank\" >last month</a> that the theater company recently postponed a production due to a third-party investigation into the director's conduct.</p><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-e90000\" name=\"image-e90000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c5b3025/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1800x1010+0+95/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F1b%2Fa5%2F4705ea894aa9b4eed27c53498b2b%2Fat-the-wake-2-photo-by-david-hagen.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/62467bd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1800x1010+0+95/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F1b%2Fa5%2F4705ea894aa9b4eed27c53498b2b%2Fat-the-wake-2-photo-by-david-hagen.jpg 2x\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/84a48ec/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1800x1010+0+95/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F1b%2Fa5%2F4705ea894aa9b4eed27c53498b2b%2Fat-the-wake-2-photo-by-david-hagen.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"Terry Guest in \"At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen\"\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/84a48ec/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1800x1010+0+95/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F1b%2Fa5%2F4705ea894aa9b4eed27c53498b2b%2Fat-the-wake-2-photo-by-david-hagen.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/46cdb78/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1800x1010+0+95/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F1b%2Fa5%2F4705ea894aa9b4eed27c53498b2b%2Fat-the-wake-2-photo-by-david-hagen.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/84a48ec/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1800x1010+0+95/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F1b%2Fa5%2F4705ea894aa9b4eed27c53498b2b%2Fat-the-wake-2-photo-by-david-hagen.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>Terry Guest won the award for Performer in a Principal Role — Play at the 52nd Non-Equity Jeff Awards for “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen.”</p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Courtesy of David Hagen</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>The best performance award in a play went to local actor-playwright Terry Guest, who won for his unforgettable lead role in<a class=\"Link\" href=\"https://chicago.suntimes.com/theater/2025/04/21/wake-of-a-dead-drag-queen-raven-theatre-chicago-hiv-art-nea\" target=\"_blank\" ><u> “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen”</u></a> produced by Story Theatre at Raven Theatre. In the show, Guest plays a fictional version of his real-life uncle, a drag queen in rural Georgia, who died of AIDS.</p><p>“So many of y'all came out to support the show, and it's a really personal show,\" Guest said as he accepted his award. \"Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to God for making me gay and Black.”</p><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-310000\" name=\"image-310000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c8b5517/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdd%2Fee%2F57dfb2c04fdbb9c0b825831c727a%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-34.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4f6cbc7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdd%2Fee%2F57dfb2c04fdbb9c0b825831c727a%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-34.jpg 2x\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2411ab5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdd%2Fee%2F57dfb2c04fdbb9c0b825831c727a%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-34.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"NONEQUITYJEFF26_260323-34.jpg\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2411ab5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdd%2Fee%2F57dfb2c04fdbb9c0b825831c727a%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-34.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/03b0aa7/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdd%2Fee%2F57dfb2c04fdbb9c0b825831c727a%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-34.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2411ab5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdd%2Fee%2F57dfb2c04fdbb9c0b825831c727a%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-34.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>Ava Lane Stovall with Kokandy Productions, left, gives Jacqueline Garndt with Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre a hug after each received an award for best performer in a supporting role (musical) during the Non-Equity Jeff Awards.</p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>Kokandy’s \"Jekyll & Hyde” is slated for an upcoming fall run in partnership with Broadway in Chicago at Broadway Playhouse in Water Tower Place. The musical nabbed a best director honor for Kokandy’s Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, and actor Ava Lane Stovall was awarded the best supporting performer in a musical for her showstopping performance as Lucy Harris. </p><p>David Moreland, who portrayed the dual roles of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde, won best performance in a musical. Receiving his award Monday, Moreland thanked Van Barham and his fellow castmates before saying of the fall remount, \"Let's do it again!\" That garnered a loud cheer from the audience.</p><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-820000\" name=\"image-820000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/50dfc55/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F5f%2F46632a12473cbfe01a768be97aa5%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-63-1.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e97ee07/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F5f%2F46632a12473cbfe01a768be97aa5%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-63-1.jpg 2x\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0d09a34/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F5f%2F46632a12473cbfe01a768be97aa5%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-63-1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"NONEQUITYJEFF26_260323-63.jpg\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0d09a34/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F5f%2F46632a12473cbfe01a768be97aa5%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-63-1.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/7c28251/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F5f%2F46632a12473cbfe01a768be97aa5%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-63-1.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0d09a34/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+157/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F89%2F5f%2F46632a12473cbfe01a768be97aa5%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-63-1.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>David Moreland with Kokandy Productions gives a speech after receiving the award for performer in a principal role for “Jekyll & Hyde.” </p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>Three plays tied for the coveted award for new work, which recognizes premieres: Zach Barr’s “The Pilon,” by Red Theater; Omer Abbas Salem’s “One Party Consent” by First Floor Theater; and Chase Wheaton-Werle’s “The Curious Circumstances of Louis Le Prince” by The Factory Theater.</p><p>The Imposter Theatre Co. won four awards, including best production short run for “Helena & Hermia in the Enamored Odyssey” and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre won three total awards, including two for “Diana: The Musical,” based on the life of Diana, Princess of Wales.</p><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-0e0000\" name=\"image-0e0000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/214d144/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa2%2Ff5%2Fb553ac304be68f5de52f4d79bd21%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-22.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f4b0116/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa2%2Ff5%2Fb553ac304be68f5de52f4d79bd21%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-22.jpg 2x\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/22ad16e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa2%2Ff5%2Fb553ac304be68f5de52f4d79bd21%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-22.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"NONEQUITYJEFF26_260323-22.jpg\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/22ad16e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa2%2Ff5%2Fb553ac304be68f5de52f4d79bd21%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-22.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c56c21d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa2%2Ff5%2Fb553ac304be68f5de52f4d79bd21%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-22.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/22ad16e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fa2%2Ff5%2Fb553ac304be68f5de52f4d79bd21%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-22.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>Luke Nowakowski, left, and Amanda Rodriguez of Theo Ubique Cabaret attend the red carpet of the Non-Equity Jeff Awards at Harris Theater in The Loop, Monday, March 23, 2026. </p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p>To be eligible for awards, a show had to be staged between Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2025 and be recommended by judges, who attended opening nights of 102 productions and issued recommendations to 47 of them.</p><p>“This feels overwhelmingly wonderful,\" said Chicago actor Luke Nowakowski of Monday's ceremony. \"The Jeffs make it feel like theater is worth it still, and we're working toward beautiful things.\"</p><hr><p></p><h3>Here is the full list of 2025 Non-Equity Jeff Award recipients:</h3><p><b>PRODUCTION – PLAY</b><br>“Angels in America” – Invictus Theatre</p><p><b>PRODUCTION – MUSICAL</b><br>“Jekyll & Hyde” – Kokandy Productions</p><p><b>ENSEMBLE – PLAY</b><br>“Angels in America” – Invictus Theatre Company</p><p><b>ENSEMBLE – MUSICAL</b><br>“Jekyll & Hyde” – Kokandy Productions</p><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-c80000\" name=\"image-c80000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e8c6db0/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd8%2F34%2Fc63fd4e64e99b51f347fda153bb0%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-84.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/262435b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd8%2F34%2Fc63fd4e64e99b51f347fda153bb0%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-84.jpg 2x\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/fbe3f38/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd8%2F34%2Fc63fd4e64e99b51f347fda153bb0%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-84.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"NONEQUITYJEFF26_260323-84.jpg\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/fbe3f38/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd8%2F34%2Fc63fd4e64e99b51f347fda153bb0%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-84.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1ad304a/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd8%2F34%2Fc63fd4e64e99b51f347fda153bb0%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-84.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/fbe3f38/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fd8%2F34%2Fc63fd4e64e99b51f347fda153bb0%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-84.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>The cast of “Urinetown,” produced by Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, performs a song during the Non-Equity Jeff Awards on Monday night. </p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>NEW WORK</b><br>Zach Barr – “The Pilon” – Red Theater<br>Omer Abbas Salem – “One Party Consent” – First Floor Theater<br>Chase Wheaton-Werle – “The Curious Circumstances of Louis Le Prince” – The Factory Theater</p><p><b>DIRECTOR – PLAY</b><br>Charles Askenaizer – “Angels in America” – Invictus Theatre</p><p><b>DIRECTOR – MUSICAL</b><br>Derek Van Barham – “Jekyll & Hyde” – Kokandy Productions</p><p><b>PERFORMER IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE – PLAY</b><br>Terry Guest (Courtney / Anthony) – “At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen” – The Story Theatre<br>Ryan Hake (Prior Walter) – “Angels in America” – Invictus Theatre</p><p><b>PERFORMER IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE – MUSICAL</b><br>David Moreland (Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr. Edward Hyde) – “Jekyll & Hyde” – Kokandy Productions<br>Aurora Penepacker (Amélie Poulain) – “Amélie” – Kokandy Productions</p><p><b>SOLO PERFORMER</b><br>Cynthia Marker (Woman) – “Girls & Boys” – Griffin Theatre Company</p><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-2c0000\" name=\"image-2c0000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d0663fa/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F7b%2F10%2Fec75708c4ba8802b26e611e4e8a7%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-17.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3ef6603/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F7b%2F10%2Fec75708c4ba8802b26e611e4e8a7%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-17.jpg 2x\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/b453a18/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F7b%2F10%2Fec75708c4ba8802b26e611e4e8a7%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-17.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"NONEQUITYJEFF26_260323-17.jpg\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/b453a18/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F7b%2F10%2Fec75708c4ba8802b26e611e4e8a7%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-17.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/ff290a2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F7b%2F10%2Fec75708c4ba8802b26e611e4e8a7%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-17.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/b453a18/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F7b%2F10%2Fec75708c4ba8802b26e611e4e8a7%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-17.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>Miguel Long, left, and Nicki Rossi with Invictus Theatre Company attend the red carpet of the Non-Equity Jeff Awards at Harris Theater in The Loop, Monday, March 23, 2026. </p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – PLAY</b><br>Michael D. Graham (Roy M. Cohn) – “Angels in America” – Invictus Theatre Company<br>Anne Trodden (Harper Amaty Pitt) – “Angels in America” – Invictus Theatre Company</p><p><b>PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – MUSICAL</b><br>Jacqueline Grandt (Queen / Barbara) – “Diana: The Musical” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre<br>Ava Lane Stovall (Lucy Harris) – “Jekyll & Hyde” – Kokandy Productions</p><p><b>MUSIC DIRECTION</b><br>Nick Sula – “Jekyll & Hyde” – Kokandy Productions</p><p><b>SCENIC DESIGN</b><br>Kevin Rolfs – “The House That Will Not Stand” – Invictus Theatre</p><p><b>COSTUME DESIGN</b><br>Patty Halajian – “Diana: The Musical” - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</p><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-990000\" name=\"image-990000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e1675c4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5633x3161+0+297/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdc%2F4d%2F32df25144219acd9ad923d81d060%2F10-theo-diana-kate-mcquillan-and-mai-hartwich-photo-credit-time-stops-photography.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a53b0f5/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5633x3161+0+297/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdc%2F4d%2F32df25144219acd9ad923d81d060%2F10-theo-diana-kate-mcquillan-and-mai-hartwich-photo-credit-time-stops-photography.jpg 2x\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8bd3081/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5633x3161+0+297/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdc%2F4d%2F32df25144219acd9ad923d81d060%2F10-theo-diana-kate-mcquillan-and-mai-hartwich-photo-credit-time-stops-photography.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"Kate McQuillan and Mai Hartwich in \"Diana: The Musical\" \" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8bd3081/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5633x3161+0+297/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdc%2F4d%2F32df25144219acd9ad923d81d060%2F10-theo-diana-kate-mcquillan-and-mai-hartwich-photo-credit-time-stops-photography.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8ca2cac/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5633x3161+0+297/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdc%2F4d%2F32df25144219acd9ad923d81d060%2F10-theo-diana-kate-mcquillan-and-mai-hartwich-photo-credit-time-stops-photography.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8bd3081/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5633x3161+0+297/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fdc%2F4d%2F32df25144219acd9ad923d81d060%2F10-theo-diana-kate-mcquillan-and-mai-hartwich-photo-credit-time-stops-photography.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>“Diana: The Musical” earned a Jeff Award win for Costume Design. </p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Courtesy of Time Stops Photography</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>CHOREOGRAPHY</b><br>Brenda Didier – “Urinetown” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</p><p><b>SOUND DESIGN</b><br>Joe Griffin – “Strange Cargo: The Doom of the Demeter” – City Lit Theater Company and Black Button Eyes Productions</p><p><b>LIGHTING DESIGN</b><br>G. \"Max\" Maxin IV – “Jekyll & Hyde” – Kokandy Productions</p><p><b>PROJECTION DESIGN</b><br>G. \"Max\" Maxin IV – “Angels in America” – Invictus Theatre</p><p><b>ARTISTIC SPECIALIZATION</b><br>David Blixt – Fight Choreography – “Superior Donuts” – The Artistic Home<br>Victoria Jablonski – Wig Design – “The School for Scandal” – Idle Muse Theatre Company<br>Rachel Livingston – Properties Design – “The Curious Circumstances of Louis Le Prince” – The Factory Theater</p><div class=\"Enhancement\" data-align-center> <div class=\"Enhancement-item\" data-crop=\"\"> <figure class=\"Figure\"><a class=\"AnchorLink\" id=\"image-890000\" name=\"image-890000\"></a> <picture data-crop=\"medium\"> <source type=\"image/webp\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8f8b369/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F25%2F7d%2F09cabb504168a2e1807fdc6b1e80%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-57.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a6d38cf/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F25%2F7d%2F09cabb504168a2e1807fdc6b1e80%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-57.jpg 2x\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <source width=\"490\" height=\"275\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4e65221/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F25%2F7d%2F09cabb504168a2e1807fdc6b1e80%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-57.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" /> <img class=\"Image\" alt=\"NONEQUITYJEFF26_260323-57.jpg\" srcset=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4e65221/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F25%2F7d%2F09cabb504168a2e1807fdc6b1e80%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-57.jpg 1x,https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/52e03dd/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/980x550!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F25%2F7d%2F09cabb504168a2e1807fdc6b1e80%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-57.jpg 2x\" width=\"490\" height=\"275\" src=\"https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4e65221/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x1684+0+158/resize/490x275!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fchorus-production-cst-web.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2F25%2F7d%2F09cabb504168a2e1807fdc6b1e80%2Fnonequityjeff26-260323-57.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" > </picture> <div class=\"Figure-content\"><figcaption class=\"Figure-caption\"><p>The cast of “Amelie the Musical,” produced by Kokandy Productions, performs a song from the show during the Non-Equity Jeff Awards.</p></figcaption><span class=\"line\"></span><div class=\"Figure-credit\"><p>Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times</p></div></div> </figure> </div> </div><p><b>PRODUCTION – SHORT RUN</b><br>“Helena & Hermia in the Enamored Odyssey” – The Impostors Theatre Co.</p><p><b>DIRECTOR – SHORT RUN</b><br>Stefan Roseen – “Helena & Hermia in the Enamored Odyssey” – The Impostors Theatre Co.</p><p><b>PERFORMER IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE – SHORT RUN</b><br>Andrew Kain Miller (Terrence) – “Mr. Parker” – Open Space Arts</p><p><b>PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – SHORT RUN</b><br>Josh Odor (Senior) – “Gangsta Baby” – Open Space Arts</p><p><b>NEW WORK – SHORT RUN</b><br>Dominick Alesia - “Helena & Hermia in the Enamored Odyssey” – The Impostors Theatre Co.</p><p><b>DESIGN – SHORT RUN</b><br>Toria Olivier, Costume Design – “Helena & Hermia in the Enamored Odyssey” – The Impostors Theatre Co.</p><p><b>IMPRESARIO AWARD – Excellence in Stage Management</b><br>Kendyl Meyer – First Floor Theater and Kokandy Productions</p><p><b>SPECIAL NON-EQUITY AWARD</b><br>Kathy Scambiatterra</p>",
  "title": "Kokandy, Invictus theater companies tie for most Non-Equity Jeff Awards in lively ceremony",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-24T03:33:24.338Z"
}