2025-2026 Austin Theatre Critics Awards Winners Announced
In a ceremony that could make the Tony's turn green with jealousy!
PC: ATX Theatre
How lucky are we to call Austin home? A bucket load!
Few cities can match the passion, creativity, and sheer talent that make up Central Texas theatre, and every year the Austin Theatre Critics Awards give us a chance to celebrate the artists, companies, designers, technicians, and advocates who keep our stages thriving. A huge thank you to the Austin theatre community, our fellow Austin Theatre Critics, and especially to Sharron Anderson and her ATX Theatre team for creating a night that reminds us just how special this artistic ecosystem truly is.
Vikki and I were thrilled to represent BroadwayWorld Austin at last night's ceremony, and what a fantastic evening it was. With the incomparable Dr. Ellie Jarrett Shattles providing musical accompaniment, emcees extraordinaire Matthew Kennedy and Kyra Jackson kept the energy high and the laughs flowing. Megan Hudson expertly assisted with presenting the coveted awards; the evening felt polished, joyful, and full of heart.
And what did the critics do this time? We handed awards, praised the work that Austin artists shared with us during the past year, and enjoyed the celebrations from backstage!
So, who took home the buckets?
(That is the shape of the award, in case you were wondering.)
Drum roll, please ...
Outstanding Costume Design
Aaron Flynn – the wolf you feed (The VORTEX)
Outstanding Director of a Musical
Michael Cooper – Grand Hotel (The Alchemy Theatre)
Outstanding Director of a Play
Stephanie Crugnola – Caesar & Antony & Cleopatra (Walking Shadow Shakespeare Project)
Outstanding Ensemble
I Wanna Be A Fcking Princess* (Ground Floor Theatre)
Outstanding Lighting Design
Callum Thomas – Pillar of Fire (The Spark/La Fenice)
Outstanding Movement Direction
Noah Wood, Choreographer – Grand Hotel (The Alchemy Theatre)
Outstanding Musical Production
Jesus Christ Superstar (Summer Stock Austin)
Outstanding Musical Direction
Adam Roberts & Ellie Jarrett Shattles – Parade (Ground Floor Theatre)
Outstanding Original Script
Apprehension by L.B. Deyo (Holi Shamoli Productions)
Outstanding Production of a Play
The Fire Raisers (The Hidden Room)
Outstanding Scenic Design
Cody Arn – Caesar & Antony & Cleopatra (Walking Shadow Shakespeare Project)
Outstanding Sound Design
Robert S. Fisher – A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder (Austin Playhouse)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play
Marc Pouhé as Rev & Pap – Fat Ham (Austin Playhouse)
and
Gabrielle Smith as Stage Manager (Natalie) – Anton Chekhov Is a Tasty Snack (Penfold Theatre)
Outstanding Actor in a Play
Albert Igbinigie as Juicy – Fat Ham (Austin Playhouse)
and
Sarah-Marie Curry as Jessie – 'night, Mother (The Alchemy Theatre)
and
Johanna Whitmore as Mama – 'night, Mother (The Alchemy Theatre)
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical
Leslie Hollingsworth as Mayor & Ma Ferb – The Toxic Avenger (Doctuh Mistuh Productions)
and
Nicholas Hunter as Jim Conley – Parade (Ground Floor Theatre)
Outstanding Actor in a Musical
Coy Branscum as Jesus of Nazareth – Jesus Christ Superstar (Summer Stock Austin)
and
CB Feller as Lucille Frank – Parade (Ground Floor Theatre)
Outstanding Touring Show
The Outsiders (Texas Performing Arts, Broadway in Austin)
Special Citation for Shimmying Sparkles & Exporting Local Theatre
Sims Holland's Learning to Human
Special Citation for 18 Fab Years of Blending Theatricality & Creativity With Education
The Paramount Story Wranglers
Special Citation for Breaking the Mold with Fiddler on the Roof
Austin Opera
Special Citation for 20 Years of Tenacious Community Theatre
City Theatre
Special Citation for Spotlighting Theatremakers Living With Disabilities
TUBU Fest
Special Citation for 11 Years of Insightful, Right-Sized Productions Reflecting Our Times
Jarrott Productions
Unsung Hero Awards
Steve Rogers, Steve Rogers Photography
Jose Lozano, Magic Spoon Productions
Minerva Villa, Lens of Athena Photography
Congratulations to all the winners, nominees, and everyone who spent the past year creating theatre across Central Texas. The awards may fit on a shelf, but the work, artistry, and community spirit that were celebrated last night fill our spiritual buckets all year long.
The Austin Theatre Critics Awards will return next year... In the meantime, go to the theatre, support your local artists, and enjoy the rest of the summer!