TDPS’ ‘The Prom’ wins 2023 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards

The awards honor outstanding achievements in regional theater.

The School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies’ Fall 2023 production of “The Prom,” directed by Nathaniel Claridad ’04, was awarded Best Musical in the 2023 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards. The awards honor outstanding achievements in regional productions, touring shows and other performances that debuted between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023.

Brandon Roak ’24, who is pursuing an M.F.A. in design, also won Best Scenic Design Of A Play Or Musical for his work on “The Prom.” And TDPS faculty member Sam Crawford, sound and media technologies in performance expert, won Best Sound Design Of A Play Or Musical for his work on the production.

“The Prom,” which was a Broadway sensation, follows the journey of high school student Emma Nolan, from being bullied because of her sexuality to finding the courage to speak her truth. TDPS’ production received support from producers Randall “Randy” W. Lord ’77 and Stephen “Steve” Fessler, through the Randy Lord and Steve Fessler Theatrical Productions and Events Fund.

The award recipients are determined through voting from the local public.

Image of “The Prom” by Lisa Helfert.