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To celebrate the end of a successful 39th season, the actors, directors and supporters of the New Horizons Community Theatre (NHCT) gathered in the theatre for the 21st annual awards ceremony and scholarship awards. 

“None of this would be possible without hundreds of people who work tirelessly all season long,” said Amy Guinn, artistic director of NHCT.

Guinn hosted the ceremony and began by presenting the recipients of the Cliff Glover Drama Scholarships. The NHCT began its scholarship program in 1986. In 23 years, the NHCT has given 79 scholarships totaling $53,000. 

In 2010, after being left a generous donation in the will of a late board member, Cliff Glover, they renamed the scholarship to honor that gift. 

The 2024 scholarship recipients were Jenna Cates, Will Davis, Kinsley Locascio and Lindsey Snider.

Along with Managing Artistic Director Bill Nixon, Guinn then presented the “David” awards, fondly named after the founder and first artistic director of NHCT. 

“You make us what we are,” Nixon said to the actors, directors and other supporters of the theatre.

Each year, the NHCT names the winners of several awards: the best actor (male) in a principal role, best actor (female) in a principal role, best actor in a supporting role and best director. 

The winner of the Best Actor in a Supporting Role was Garrison Brown for his role in “Oliver.” The other nominees were James Dorminy, Jimmy James, Sophie McDow and Autumn Sanders. 

The winner of the Best Actor (male) in a Principal Role was Brad Thomas for his role in Smoke on the Mountain. The other nominees were Garrison Brown, Sherrad Hayes, Chad Kendrick and James Murphy. 

The winner of the Best Actor (female) in a Principal Role was Abby Carr. The other nominees were Donna Green, Autumn Sanders, Leslie Lowe-Weiss and Gracie Adams. 

The winner of the Best Director award went to Jimmy James, the NHCT’s new technical director. 

“The director’s award was created to honor someone who has made exceptional contributions to the theater over the past year … Tonight’s recipient doesn’t let anything get in the way of helping,” Guinn said. 

They also recognized several young actors for their roles in the junior plays. The winners of the Young Actor Award for “Finding Nemo Jr.” were Jolee Clark and Spencer Holmes. The winners of the Young Actor Award for “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” were Jace Deloach and MacKenna Gay. 

The award winners received praise for their roles in the following plays throughout the season:

•  “Swashbucklers in Seven Seas”
•  “Finding Nemo Jr.”
•  “Oliver”
•  “And Then There Were None”
•  “A Christmas Carol”
•  “Once Upon a December”
•  “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”
•  “Play on”
•  “Smoke on the Mountain”

Looking ahead, Guinn announced for the NHCT’s 40th season lineup. This summer, director Julia Langley will host the summer Performing Arts Camp for young actors. 

•  “School House Rock Jr.,” directed by Sophie McDow, in August
•  “Play on,” directed by Rick Abbot, in October
• “Always a Bridesmaid,” directed by Lydia Johnson, in October
•  “Sanders Family Christmas,” directed by Bill Nixon, in December
•  “Once Upon A December,” directed by Julia Langley, in December
•  “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” directed by James Murphy, in February
•  “Clue on stage,” directed by James Dorminy, in April

In October, “Play on” will return for its second time, and the actors will represent NHCT at the Georgia Theatre Conference in Gainesville with the play.