TDPS Students and Alums Honored By 2023 New Hampshire Theater Awards

Andres Poch M.F.A. ’22 won outstanding scenic design in a community production.

Andrés Poch M.F.A. ’22 has been awarded the 2023 New Hampshire Theater Award in Outstanding Scenic Design in a Community Production for his work on “Giant Slalom” at Andy’s Summer Playhouse, a prominent youth theater in Wilton, New Hampshire. A number of additional TDPS students and alumni were finalists and semi-finalists in six additional categories in the New Hampshire Theatre Awards for their work at Andy’s. 

Jared Mezzocchi, TDPS associate professor, is the producing artistic director of Andy’s. Last summer, UMD students and alumni collaborated with Mezzocchi on productions including “The Meetinghouse Tragedy,” “Mini Musical Festival” and “Giant Slalom.” The collaborations were made possible through funding from TDPS’ Maya Brin Institute, which aims to enhance access to technology and mentorship in new performance design. 

Poch’s design transformed the scene from a mountain ski track, where the main characters—three high school ski racers—pursue their athletic careers, to a locker room that is the site of heartfelt conversations and struggles. 

The New Hampshire Theatre Awards, established in 2002, recognize exceptional talent and significant achievements in the realm of theater. 

The full list of TDPS nominees is as follows: 

Outstanding Direction in Community Production 

• Matt Reckeweg ’15 – The Meetinghouse Tragedy (SEMI-FINALIST)

Outstanding Sound Design in Community Production 

• Leo Grierson M.F.A. ’25 & Tim Kelly M.F.A. ’25 – Mini Musical Festival (SEMI-FINALIST)

Outstanding Lighting Design in Community Production 

• Tim Kelly M.F.A. ’25 – The Meetinghouse Tragedy (FINALIST)
• Peter Leibold M.F.A. ’19 – Giant Slalom (SEMI-FINALIST)

Outstanding Scenic Design in Community Production 

• Andrés Poch M.F.A. ’22 – Giant Slalom (WINNER)

Outstanding Choreography in Community Production 

• Matt Reckeweg ’15 & Jenna Murphy – The Meetinghouse Tragedy (SEMI-FINALIST)