Prime Stage Theatre’s High School Drama Awards attracted nearly 500 students, teachers and supporting family members to applaud the winners announced in the sixth annual event. The awards for nonmusical plays honor Pittsburgh-area student actors, directors and production crews from 12 high schools, in 16 categories.
The ceremony on January 10, 2026, at Hillman Center for the Performing Arts in Fox Chapel, saw Avonworth High School win Best Overall Production for Moon Over Buffalo. Avonworth’s Paxon Masters took home Best Actor, and Adalyn Burgoyne, Best Supporting Actress.
Best Actress went to Elise Duckworth of Pine-Richland (The Election), and Best Supporting Actor was Isaac Jones (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, You Can’t Take It With You).
Among the competing schools, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School earned the most wins, including Best Student Director, Supporting Actor, Student Stage Manager and Student Scenic Design.
Throughout the evening’s award presentations, student ensembles performed short scenes from their nominated productions.
“The High School Drama Awards is our way of looking to the future,” said Dr. Wayne Brinda, Prime Stage Theatre Producing artistic director. “By encouraging these young actors and production specialists in their early efforts, we’re building a strong foundation for Pittsburgh theatre in years to come.”
“What makes these awards unique,” says Drama Awards director and Prime Stage Theatre board member John Dolphin, “is that to be eligible, the students must be in a backstage leadership role or an onstage performance role. We encourage adult mentorship and assistance, but in the end, these productions are student-run.”
Pittsburgh actor and playwright Matt Henderson served as master of ceremonies. Award presenters included actors Linda Haston, Jocelyn Hillen and Wali Jamal, scenic designer Stephanie Mayer-Staley, prop designer Katie Mikula-Winneman, lighting designer Cat Wilson, director Scott Calhoon, stage manager Tina Schackleford, composer/sound designer Stewart Blackwood, costume designer Kim Brown, video designer Nica Ross, playwright/publicist Lawrence McCullough, Point Park University Program Director of Theatre Production Aaron Bollinger and Wayne Brinda.
Categories: Arts Education
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