2025 OPUS Awards Recap

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OpenStage Theatre & Company hosted its annual Company Picnic and OPUS Awards Ceremony at the historic Avery House on August 9th. The afternoon was filled with celebration, gratitude, and love for another remarkable year of theatre, honoring all who brought our 52nd Season to life.

Change is in the air! OpenStage enters the 2025–2026 Season with a newly assembled staff, ready to lead the company forward and continue delivering exceptional live art to Northern Colorado — even in the face of national funding challenges. The etcetera Season is on hold — for now. This is a response to the ongoing decline in federal arts funding, and our need to focus on an important transition in leadership. This pause is temporary, and we look forward to etcetera’s future: Reimagined, and as bold as ever!

The company also honored Sydney Parks Smith and Jessica Kroupa, recognizing their years of extraordinary dedication as Producing Artistic Director and Managing Director, respectively. Additionally, Heather Lawrence — a beloved OpenStage Company member —was remembered at the picnic, following her passing after a long fight with ALS.

 

 

OpenStage’s 2025-2026 Staff:

Jacob Offen, Producing Artistic Director

Ivan Andrade, Technical Director

Sarah J Baker, Marketing & Operations Manager

Cassie Freedman, Administrative and Marketing Assistant

The new company management team was selected, awards were given to a wide variety of Company members, and plans for next season were discussed. OpenStage is so excited to start it’s 53rd season! For a recap on the Company Picnic and the OPUS Nominees and Winners, read below. 

OpenStage’s 2025-2026 Company Management Team:

Bryn Frisina, Company Manager
Molly McGuire, Company Administrative Assistant
Kate Austin-Gröen, Company Representative to the Board

Here’s the full list of OPUS nominations, with winners at the top and in bold:

Founder’s Award: Dan Tschirhart
Shela Jennings Award: Molly McGuire

 

Outstanding Technical Support for the Season:

  • Azran Starkweather
  • Sarah J Baker
  • Marissa Dienstag
  •  Sonja Hopps
  • Kimber Hoven
  • Matthew Schlief

Outstanding Makeup Design:

  • Victoria Villalobos – Reefer Madness
  • Victoria Villalobos – Pride and Prejudice
  • Tyler Zuschneid – The 39 Steps

Outstanding Hair/Wig Design:

  • Kirsten Hovorka and Sydney Parks Smith for Reefer Madness
  • Aimee Lucus for The 39 Steps
  • Carly Ackerman for The Minutes

Outstanding Properties Design and Set Dressing:

  • Ivan Andrade and Brenna Freestone-Gilbert for Reefer Madness
  • Starla Kovar for The Minutes
  • Susan Rogers for The 39 Steps

Outstanding Sound Design:

  • Patrick Middlebrook for Reefer Madness
  • Victoria Villalobos for The 39 Steps
  • Victoria Villalobos for The Minutes

Outstanding Lighting Design:

  • Matthew Schlief for The 39 Steps
  • Laurel Ladzinski for Reefer Madness
  • MacKenzie Lowe for The Minutes

Outstanding Costume Design:

  • Emily Valley for Reefer Madness
  • Jasper Day for Pride and Prejudice
  • Rebecca Evans for The 39 Steps

Outstanding Scenic Design: 

  • Caleb Gilbert and Ivan Andrade for The Minutes
  • Caleb Gilbert for Reefer Madness
  • Matthew Schlief for The 39 Steps

Outstanding Performers in a Supporting Role: 

  • Molly McGuire as Ms. Matz in The Minutes
  • Heather Ostberg-Johnson as Clown 2 in The 39 Steps
  • David Austin-Groen as Clown 1 in The 39 Steps
  • Dia Kline as Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice
  • Marlo Coffin as Lydia/Lady Catherine in Pride and Prejudice
  • Alex Forbes as Mae in Reefer Madness
  • Katy White as Pamela/Annabella Schmidt/Margaret in The 39 Steps

Outstanding Performers in a Leading Role:

  • Christopher Gausselin as Mayor Superba in The Minutes
  • Jacob Offen as Richard Hannay in The 39 Steps
  • Brian Wilcox as The Lecturer in Reefer Madness
  • Christina Marie Olson as Lizzie Bennet in Pride and Prejudice
  • Henry Hawes as Jimmy Harper in Reefer Madness
  • Nicole Gardner as Mary Lane in Reefer Madness

Outstanding Ensemble:

  • The 39 Steps
  • The Minutes
  • Reefer Madness

Outstanding Director:

  • Sydney Parks Smith – The Minutes
  • Kenny Moten – Reefer Madness
  • Jessica Jackson – The 39 Steps

Outstanding Production:

  • The 39 Steps
  • The Minutes
  • Reefer Madness

Director’s Awards:

October Surprise: Victoria Villalobos

Reefer Madness: Ivan Andrade

The 39 Steps: Susan Rogers

The Minutes: Bradley Calahan

Pride and Prejudice: Azran Starkweather

 
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