Peach State Summer Theatre Claims Nine Awards: A Triumph for Arts in Georgia!

Peach State Summer Theatre Claims Nine Awards: A Triumph for Arts in Georgia!

The Peach State Summer Theatre (PSST) has recently made a splash by winning nine BroadwayWorld Tallahassee awards for its stellar 2025 season. This achievement underscores PSST’s reputation as a beloved cornerstone of the local arts scene, as it celebrates its fourth consecutive year as the Favorite Local Theatre. Artistic director Hank Rion expressed his pride, highlighting the significance of these accolades for the entire PSST community. It’s more than just an award; it’s recognition of the passion and hard work that goes into each production.

Among the celebrated productions, “The Wizard of Oz” shone brightly, capturing both Best Musical and Best Ensemble honors. This beloved classic not only enchanted audiences but also showcased the immense talent of its cast, with five cast members receiving individual awards. The accolades included Best Performer in a Musical for Aubrey Anderson and Best Choreography, Lighting, Sound, and Costume Design honors, showcasing the excellence across various aspects of the production. In particular, the names Clara Jean Kelly, Sarah Wildes Arnett, Zach Cramer, and John Hemphill Jr. have become synonymous with quality in Tallahassee’s theatrical circles.

Achievements on a Grand Scale

While PSST’s local achievements are commendable, it’s important to recognize the context of these awards. The BroadwayWorld Tallahassee Awards are a competitive arena that celebrates productions from over 100 cities across the United States, Canada, and even parts of Europe and Asia. This year’s awards recognized works that premiered between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, positioning PSST amongst a diverse array of talented performers and companies. According to BroadwayWorld, the awards encompass various categories, including Best Direction of a Musical, won by Hank Rion for “Little Shop of Horrors,” and Best Costume Design and Sound Design for “The Wizard of Oz” by Kelly and Cramer respectively.

With productions like “Little Shop of Horrors” and the high-profile win for “The Wizard of Oz,” PSST is not just a summer activity; it’s Georgia’s premiere professional summer stock theatre, operating under the auspices of Valdosta State University. The program has a venerable history, dating back to its inception in 1990 as the Jekyll Island Musical Theatre Festival, and it was officially recognized as the Musical Theatre of the State of Georgia in 2005. H. Duke Guthrie serves as the managing director, ensuring that the theatre continues to flourish as a beacon of cultural enrichment.

Looking Ahead

As PSST gears up for its 2026 season, set to run from June 5 to July 4, there’s much excitement on the horizon. The series of prestigious awards serves not only as a highlight of its past successes but also as a motivation for future productions. It will be fascinating to see how PSST builds upon this momentum and continues to engage audiences with innovative performances.

With such a high standard now set, one wonders: what will they surprise us with next? The community can look forward not only to entertainment but to the cherished memories that the arts invariably promote. For those interested in the festivities, stay tuned to local listings and get your tickets in advance; trust us, they sell like hotcakes!