We had a blast at the Cloris awards nomination party last week.
We don’t do what we do for awards, we do it for audiences. Theater can take your breath away, make you laugh, make you cry, even (horror of horrors!) make you think. The artists of Iowa Stage Theater Company work long hours struggling with challenging texts, the limitations of performance conditions, and never enough money. Why? Because for each and every one of us theater changed our lives, and we want to create those breath-taking moments for everyone in central Iowa.

So we do what we do for audiences, not awards. Even so, theater is subjective, and when you’ve put your blood, sweat and tears onstage for hundreds of people, it can be really nice for all that craft and work to be appreciated.
Iowa Stage Theatre Company’s second season was recognized with two dozen Cloris nominations at the announcements on August 8th. We were recognized for every theatrical discipline, and for 6 of our 7 shows. We are proud of every single Resident Artist Company member and Guest Artist who was recognized--you can see the full list below.
And we are already at work creating the next great season of theater magic here in central Iowa. Season tickets are available now www.iowastage.org. Don’t miss a minute of next year’s Cloris nominated shows!
We are so grateful to all of the artists who made our second season so special, and especially for you, our audiences. You are the reason we keep coming back to tell the greatest stories ever told onstage.
We also want to issue a correction; we accidentally omitted Jack Gabby for his role in "Fun Home" from our original announcement. Join us in celebrating Jack among his fellow talented nominees!
Best Music Direction
Adam Yankowy, "Fun Home"
Best Direction
Katy Merriman, "Fun Home"
Performance by a Rising Star (Under 18)
Jack Gabby, "Fun Home" and "Elf: The Musical"
Best Actress in a Featured Role, Musical
Erin Horst, "Fun Home"
Best Actress in a Featured Role, Musical
Poni Lejukole, "Fun Home"
Best Actor in a Lead Role, Musical
Craig Peterson, "Fun Home"
Best Actress in a Featured Role, Play
Jennifer Hughes, "It's a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play"
Special Recognition
Kim Haymes
Foley Work Performance
Best Scenic Design
Jay Jagim, "The Lion in Winter"
Best Lighting Design
Jay Jagim, "The Lion in Winter"
Best Costume & Makeup Design
Susanna Douthit, "The Lion in Winter"
Best Actor in a Featured Role, Play
Michael Clinkscales, "The Lion in Winter"
Best Actor in a Lead Role, Play
James Serpento, "The Lion in Winter"
Best Actress in a Lead Role, Play
Kerry Skram, "The Lion in Winter"
Best Lighting Design
Todd Warming, "Gruesome Playground Injuries"
Best Actor in a Lead Role, Play
Michael LaDell Harris, "Gruesome Playground Injuries"
Best Actress in a Lead Role, Play
Maggie Harris, "Gruesome Playground Injuries"
Best Actor in a Featured Role
Jonathan DeLima, "Disgraced"
Best Actor in a Lead Role, Play
Sid Juwarker, "Disgraced"
Best Play
"Disgraced"
Best Sound Design
Josh Jepson, "Macbeth"
Best Costume & Makeup Design
Emily Ganfield, "Macbeth"
Best Actress in a Lead Role, Play
Alissa Tschetter-Siedschlaw, "Macbeth"
Best Play
"Macbeth"
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