
Awards
Since 2008, PV Theatre has participated in several local awards ceremonies, receiving recognition several times.
Of note, at the MSU Theatre Night Foxy Awards, the program has been awarded Outstanding Production (of a Drama/Comedy/Virtual Musical) four times, and our directors have been nominated for Outstanding Direction or 'Pushing the Envelope in Academic Theatre' eight times, winning for Little Shop of Horrors in 2022.
In 2014, our directors, Tom & Merielle Lupfer were awarded the Jo Ann Fox Award, given to a director who is: "an inspiration to his/her students, whose passion for theatre is infectious, and who creates a community, a loving extended family in his/her school in the process of producing high quality productions."
Montclair State University Theatre Night "Foxy" Awards
(16 awards, 73 additional nominations in 14 years of participation)
2022- Little Shop of Horrors
WINNERS
-
Outstanding Production of a Virtual Musical
-
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Virtual Musical- Tyler Toledo as Seymour
-
Outstanding Achievement in Direction of a Musical- Tom & Merielle Lupfer
-
Outstanding Achievement in Editing- Vincent Laino, Tom & Merielle Lupfer, Kelsey McGrail
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Virtual Musical- Kyle Towey as Orin
-
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Virtual Musical- Abby Lange as Audrey
-
Outstanding Achievement by an Acting Ensemble of a Virtual Musical
-
Outstanding Achievement in Virtual Background Design- Vincent Laino
-
Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design- Jonathan Melchiorre
-
Outstanding Achievement in Educational Impact & Community Outreach- Tom & Merielle Lupfer
2022- Night Night, Roger Roger
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Production of a Contemporary Comedic Play
- Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Contemporary Comedic Play: Shana Bloom as Freddie
- Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design- Jonathan Melchiorre
- Outstanding Achievement in Educational Impact & Community Outreach- Tom & Merielle Lupfer
2021- The Brother's Grimm Spectaculathon
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Production of a Virtual Play (Zoom Format with Significant Editing)
-
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Virtual Play (Zoom Format with Significant Editing): Kelly Donlan as Narrator
-
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Virtual Play (Zoom Format with Significant Editing): Tyler Toledo as Rumplestiltskin, Prince 2 & King 2
-
Outstanding Achievement in Editing
-
The Jo Anne Fox (Outstanding Theatre Teacher) Award: Tom & Merielle Lupfer
2020- A Midsummer Night's Dream
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Production of a Classical Play
- Outstanding Achievement by an Acting Ensemble of a Classical Play
- Outstanding Achievement in Stage Combat
- Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actor in a Classical Play: Dan Large as Lysander
- Outstanding Performance by a Lead Actress in a Classical Play: Shana Bloom as Helena
- Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Classical Play: Tyler Toledo as Demetrius
- Outstanding Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Classical Play: Lauren Kalfus as Hermia
- Outstanding Achievement in Stage Direction: Tom & Merielle Lupfer
- The Jo Anne Fox Veteran Award: Tom & Merielle Lupfer
2019- Brainstorm
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Work of Innovation and Invention (Kiwi Cast)
-
Outstanding Work of Innovation and Invention (Kumquat Cast)
-
Outstanding Achievement by an Acting Ensemble of a Work of Innovation (Kiwi Cast)
-
Outstanding Achievement by an Acting Ensemble of a Work of Innovation (Kumquat Cast)
2018- Crush
WINNER
-
Outstanding Achievement in Dramaturgy
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Work of Innovation and Invention
-
Outstanding Achievement in Stage Direction - Tom & Merielle Lupfer
-
Outstanding Achievement in Choreography or Movement
-
Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design- Erin O'Brien
-
Outstanding Achievement in Sound Design- Jon Melchiorre
2017- Metamorphoses
WINNER
-
Outstanding Achievement by the Acting Ensemble of a Drama
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Work of Innovation and Invention
-
Outstanding Achievement in Choreography or Movement
-
The Peter Filichia Award for Pushing the Envelope in Academic Theatre- Tom and Merielle Lupfer
-
Outstanding Achievement in Lighting Design- Erin O'Brien
-
Outstanding Achievement in Scenic Design
-
Outstanding Stage Crew
2016- Letters to Sala
WINNER
-
Outstanding Production of a Drama
-
Outstanding Leading Actress in a Drama -- Brenna Fitzmaurice as Ann Kirschner
-
Outstanding Lighting Design -- Erin O'Brien
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Overall Production of a HS Play
-
The Peter Filichia Award for Pushing the Envelope in Academic Theatre-- Tom & Merielle Lupfer
-
The Susan Kerner Award for Educational Impact and Community Outreach
-
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama -- Laura Santo as Sala Kirschner
-
Outstanding Scenic Design
2015- The Dining Room
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama -- Calvin Rezen as Father, Ted, Jim
-
Outstanding Stage Crew
-
Outstanding Scenic Design: Tom Lupfer & Adam Farnan
-
Outstanding Lighting Design: Erin O'Brien
2014- Don't Drink the Water
WINNER
-
Outstanding Scenic Design -- Tom Lupfer
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Production of a Comedy
-
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy -- Alexis Parsells as Marion Hollander
-
Outstanding Achievement in Stage Direction - Tom & Merielle Lupfer
2013- Romeo and Juliet
WINNER
-
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Classic -- Kira Player as the Nurse
2012- The Laramie Project (and Ten Years Later)
WINNER
-
Outstanding Overall Production of a Drama
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Overall Production of a High School Play
-
Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast
-
Outstanding Achievement in Stage Direction - Tom & Merielle Lupfer
-
Outstanding Lighting Design - Luke Krauss & Curtis Shields
-
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role - Scott Crepea
-
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - Kelsey McGrail
-
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role - Carlie Cattelona
2011- The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
WINNER
-
Outstanding Production of a Comedy (Evening)
-
Outstanding Leading Actor in a Comedy -- Brandon Essig as The Women
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Overall Production of a High School Play (Matinee)
-
Outstanding Overall Production of a High School Play (Evening)
-
Outstanding Production of a Comedy (Matinee)
-
Outstanding Production of a Classic (Matinee)
-
Outstanding Production of a Classic (Evening)
-
Outstanding Achievement in Stage Direction - Tom & Merielle Lupfer
-
Outstanding Achievement by an Acting Ensemble (Matinee)
-
Outstanding Acheivement by an Acting Ensemble (Evening)
-
Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design
2010- Under Milk Wood
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama -- Katherine Riley as Lily Smalls
-
Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design- Merielle Lupfer
2010- Disorientation
NOMINATION
-
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy -- Maja Kruegle as Beth
2009- Museum
WINNER
-
Outstanding Graphic Design -- Liz Lehman
-
Outstanding Properties
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Production of a New Work
-
Outstanding Achievement in Stage Direction - Tom & Merielle Lupfer
-
Outstanding Performance by an Acting Ensemble
Metropolitan Theatre Awards
sponsored by Helen Hayes Youth Theatre/LoHud
(4 awards, 45 additional nominations in 7 years of participation)
2019- Once Upon a Mattress
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Graphic Design (Al Schlesinger)
-
Outstanding Comedic Performance by an Actress (Keara Fernandez as Queen Aggravain)
2018- How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
WINNER
-
Outstanding Production Number- "Coffee Break"
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Direction: Tom Lupfer & Merielle Lupfer
-
Outstanding Musical Direction: Michael Mahadeen
-
Outstanding Choreography: Francesca Silvano, Kelsey McGrail, Merielle Lupfer
-
Outstanding Production Number: "Coffee Break"
-
Outstanding Chorus
-
Outstanding Stage Crew
2017- Pippin
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Scenic Design- Merielle Lupfer
-
Outstanding Musical Direction- Michael Mahadeen
-
Outstanding Student Critic- Jamie Ryu
-
Outstanding Duet- "Love Song" --Amy Santo & Ryan Muska
-
Outstanding Production Number- "Magic to Do"
2016- Urinetown
WINNER
-
Outstanding Vocal Performance- Female -- Maggie Capone as Penelope Pennywise
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Featured Ensemble Member -- Laura Santo as Officer Lockstock
-
Outstanding Featured Ensemble Group -- "The Poor/Rebels"
-
Outstanding Production Number -- "Urinetown"
-
Outstanding Chorus
-
Outstanding Student Critic -- Nicole Zamlout
2015- Anything Goes
WINNER
-
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical -- Calvin Rezen as Moonface Martin
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical
-
Outstanding Direction -- Tom and Merielle Lupfer
-
Outstanding Musical Direction -- Michael Mahadeen
-
Outstanding Leading Actor in a Musical -- Lukas Kruegle as Billy Crocker
-
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical -- Tyler Halligan as Bonnie Latour
-
Outstanding Acting Performance- Female -- Alexandra Brennan as Hope Harcourt
-
Outstanding Vocal Performance -- Maggie Capone as Reno Sweeney
-
Outstanding Instrumentalist -- Chandni Shah, Violin
-
Outstanding Chorus
-
Outstanding Scenic Design -- Tim DiGregorio
-
Technical Merit Award -- Melissa Gargiulo (Costume Designer & Props Mistress)
-
Technical Merit Award -- Ariana Aguero (Production Stage Manager)
2014- Cabaret
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Leading Actor in a Musical -- Calvin Rezen as the Emcee
-
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical -- Katie Collins as Fraulein Schneider
-
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical -- Lukas Kruegle as Herr Schultz
-
Outstanding Acting Performance- Male -- Justin Culshaw as Cliff Bradshaw
-
Outstanding Vocal Performance -- Maggie Capone as Sally Bowles
-
Technical Merit Award -- Kristin Verost (Stage Manager)
-
Technical Merit Award -- Ariana Aguero (Asst. Stage Manager)
2009- Seussical
WINNER
-
Outstanding Lighting Design- Luke Krauss
NOMINATIONS
-
Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role -- Liz Lehman as Gertrude McFuzz
-
Outstanding Comic Performance -- Katherine Riley as The Cat in the Hat
-
Outstanding Instrumentalist -- Graham Terry (Keyboards)
-
Outstanding Stage Crew
-
Outstanding Lobby Display -- Amanda Williamson (with Mrs. Lupfer & Parents)
-
Outstanding Scenic Achievement -- Tom & Merielle Lupfer
-
Technical Merit Award -- Rebecca Riley (Stage Manager)
-
Technical Merit Award -- Cheryl Reman (Master Carpenter/Sound Board Operator)
-
Technical Merit Award -- Sarah Kapilow (Master Carpenter/Asst. Stage Manager)
Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards
(1 award, 4 nominations, 7 honorable mentions in 12 years of participation)
2018- How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
HONORABLE MENTION
-
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role: Karl Hauck as Bud Frump
2017- Pippin
HONORABLE MENTION
-
Outstanding Choreography & Staging -- Francesca Silvano, Kelsey McGrail, Merielle Lupfer
2016- Urinetown
NOMINATION
-
Outstanding Hair & Makeup Design -- Merielle Lupfer
HONORABLE MENTION
-
Outstanding Performance by a Featured Ensemble Group -- "The Poor"
2015- Anything Goes
WINNER
-
Student Acheivement Award -- Student Choreographers/Dance Captains -- Tyler Halligan and Alyssa Zoll
HONORABLE MENTION
-
Outstanding Hair and Makeup Design — Joyce & Jen Biener
2014- Cabaret
HONORABLE MENTION
-
Outstanding Leading Actor in a Musical — Calvin Rezen as the Emcee
-
Outstanding Performance by a Featured Ensemble Group, Honorable Mention — "The Kit Kat Girls" -- Nicole Bellmay, Alexandra Brennan, Tyler Halligan, Anastasia Maltsev, Alexis Parsells, Allison Snider, Michelle Verkhoglaz, and Alyssa Zoll)
2011- Footloose
NOMINATION
-
Student Achievement Award -- Kelsey McGrail (Assistant Choreographer & Dance Captain)
2010- Into the Woods
NOMINATION
-
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role -- Brandon Essig as Jack
2009- Seussical
NOMINATION
-
Student Achievement Award -- Outstanding Stage Crew
2008- Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
HONORABLE MENTION
-
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role-- Travis Alvarez as Sweeney Todd