TDPS in the 2025 Helen Hayes Award Nominations

Congrats to the TDPS alumni, faculty and guest artist nominees!

By Mia Glatter-Droll

Congratulations to the alumni, faculty and guest artists from the University of Maryland’s School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS) who were nominated for 2025 Helen Hayes Awards! Named for actor Helen Hayes — a D.C. native and legendary “First Lady of the American Theater” — the awards recognize phenomenal work in the theater scene of D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Nominations are designated with “Helen” or “Hayes” depending on the number of Equity members involved in the production. 

The Helen Hayes Award celebration will take place on May 19, 2025 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

TDPS nominees include:

Outstanding Choreography in a Musical, Hayes

• Matthew Gardiner, Guest Artist - A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Signature Theatre) 

Outstanding Choreography in a Play, Hayes

• Casey Kaleba M.F.A. ’04, PhD ’23 - Topdog/Underdog (Round House Theatre) 

Outstanding Costume Design, Hayes

• Moyenda Kulemeka ’16 - The Colored Museum (Studio Theatre) 

Outstanding Lighting Design, Helen

• Dylan Uremovich M.F.A. ’19 - Astro Boy and the God of Comics (Flying V) 
• Alberto Segarra M.F.A. ’15 - The Nance (1st Stage) 

Outstanding Set Design, Hayes

• Sophia Tepermeister M.F.A. ’25 - Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood (Imagination Stage)   

Outstanding Set Design, Helen

• Patti Kalil ’10  - Astro Boy and the God of Comics (Flying V)   

Outstanding Media/Projection Design, Hayes

• Kelly Colburn M.F.A. ’18, TDPS Faculty - The Colored Museum (Studio Theatre) 

Outstanding Media/Projection Design, Helen

• Kelly Colburn M.F.A. ’18, TDPS Faculty - Postcards from Ihatov (1st Stage)
• Luis Garcia M.F.A. ’24 - Laughs in Spanish (1st Stage) 
• Mark Costello M.F.A. ’18 - Astro Boy and the God of Comics (Flying V)

Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Play, Helen

• Rebecca Ballinger ’14 - The Moors (Faction of Fools Theatre Company)
• Patrick Joy ’18, ’19 - The Nance (1st Stage) 

Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play, Hayes

• Jordan Leah Embrack ’24 - Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood (Imagination Stage)   

Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical, Helen

• Rebecca Ballinger ’14 - Desperate Measures (Constellation Theatre Company) 

Outstanding Director of a Play, Helen

• Deidra LaWan Starnes - Sunset Baby (Anacostia Playhouse) 

Outstanding Production, Theatre for Young Audiences

• Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood Imagination Stage - Directed by Nathaniel P. Claridad ’04, Written by Joan Cushing ’70. Sound Design by Sam Crawford, Lecturer with TDPS, and Kiefer Cure ’24.

Photo info: “Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood” (Imagination Stage); set design and image provided by Sophia Levy Tepermeister.