TDPS Alumni and Faculty Win 2026 Helen Hayes Awards

These annual awards recognize outstanding achievement from professional theatres and theatre-makers across the Washington, D.C. region.

Alumni and faculty from the University of Maryland’s School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS) have won 2026 Helen Hayes Awards.

The awards recognize phenomenal work in the theater scene of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Nominations are designated with “Helen” or “Hayes” depending on the number of Actors Equity Association members involved in the production. The awards ceremony took place May 18 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. and was hosted by TDPS alum Felicia Curry ’00.

Luis Garcia M.F.A. ’24, theatre design, won Outstanding Media/Projection Design (Helen) for “Professor Woland’s Black Magic Rock Show” at Spooky Action Theater.

Justin Schmitz, a TDPS guest artist in sound design, won Outstanding Sound Design (Helen) for “hang” at 1st Stage.

Ivania Stack M.F.A. ’09, assistant professor in costume design, won Outstanding Costume Design (Hayes) for “Merry Wives” at Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Ariana Caldwell ’20 was a member of the ensemble for “Head Over Heels” at Constellation Theatre Company, which won Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical (Helen).

Jordan Leah Embrack ’24 performed at the awards show in the Helen Hayes Ensemble.

“The Inheritance: Parts One and Two” at Round House Theatre won Outstanding Production, Play, and it featured the work of:

• Frank Labovitz M.F.A. ’10 (Costume Design)
• TDPS lecturer Kelly Colburn M.F.A. ’18 (Projections Design)
• Mark Costello M.F.A. ’18 in theatre design (Associate Projections Design)

See the full list of TDPS nominees here and the complete list of Helen Hayes Award winners here.

Photo info: Ivania Stack accepts her award for Outstanding Costume Design (Hayes). Photo provided by Lisa Nathans