Mark Your Calendar for 12th Annual NH Theatre Awards

Submitted by Mia Moravis

New Hampshire Theatre Awards (NHTA) announces its creative team for its 12th Annual Awards Show, to be held at The Stockbridge Theater at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH on January 25, 2014 at 7 PM. Last year’s Writer/Director Scott H. Severance returns, this time as Writer/Performer, and with the illustrious Portsmouth, NH-based professional director/actor/writer, Billy Butler, as Director.

After the 11th season’s rollicking and hilarious Awards night, written and directed entirely by Severance, audiences should prepare to roll with laughter in their seats – again! Severance’s opening number antics are renowned, and he’s a consummate wit. This year’s mix of Severance and Butler is going to smack the collective funny-bone from their opening number, a hearty parody kept secret until the curtain goes up, right up to the curtain call.

Severance, who was recently appointed Producing Director of the Papermill Theatre at Jean's Playhouse in Lincoln, NH, just completed his role as “Baloo” in The Jungle Book at Boston’s Huntington Theatre. He’s a 30-year theatre professional, having acted in and/or directed more than 300 productions. Severance is also a multiple award winner - including two NHTA Awards for Best Direction, and a Best Actor Spotlight for the role of Tevye in Fiddler On the Roof at Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth, NH. 

“A couple of year ago, Billy Butler and I wore dresses together onstage in Irma Vep at Barnstormers Theatre!,” said Severance. 

This duo, a match made in award show heaven, join Joel Mercier, returning to tickle the ivories and wave the baton as NHTA’s Music Director, and the skilled (and ever-patient!) Timothy L'Ecuyer returning as Stage Manager.

Last year, the NHTAs moved to The Stockbridge Theatre after 10 years at The Palace Theatre in Manchester. 

“The Stockbridge Theatre is one of the finest, most beautiful theatrical facilities in our state,” says NHTA Executive Director, Bob Frasca. “It comfortably accommodates 800 people, and offers roomy seats with spacious aisles. Our audience was immensely pleased with the venue last year. Presenting our illustrious and coveted Awards at The Stockbridge Theatre for our twelfth Award season perpetuates our mission of supporting professional and community theatres all over the state.”

Tickets will be available for purchase online by the public on December 16, 2013, with the ticket lottery for theatre companies occurring December 11, 2013 at 6PM at the Stockbridge Theatre. For further details, visit www.NHTheatreAwards.org.

NHTA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, registered with the Division of Charitable Trusts and Secretary of State. The NHTA has been formed and operates pursuant to and in accordance with RSA 292. The purpose of this organization is to provide professional and community theaters in New Hampshire the opportunity to showcase entertainment to audiences of all ages. For additional information and to learn more about the Awards presentation, contact us at Admin@NHTheatreAwards.org, or visit our website at www.NHTheatreAwards.org.