Celebrating the Best in Local High School Theater at the 2025 Cappies Gala

Washington, D.C., United States - The annual Cappies Gala, a grand celebration of high school theatrical talent, took center stage on June 2, 2025, at the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the event, a milestone worth celebrating not just for its tradition but for the voices it amplifies among aspiring young artists.

With the poise characteristic of seasoned hosts, emcees Dr. Tara Taylor, Hasan Crawford, August Rivers, and Anna Maria Ferrari guided the proceedings, which were masterfully directed by Maeve Nash and orchestrated by Dr. Jim Criswell. Attendees were treated to exhilarating performances of nominated songs and scenes, igniting strong emotions—especially poignant for graduating seniors stepping into their next chapter.

A Night of Winners and Tributes

This year’s gala showcased talent from across various schools. Colgan High School made headlines for their stirring performance of „Wait for Me“ from *Hadestown: Teen Edition*, which won the Best Song award. Lake Braddock High School stole the show with their production of *The Trojan Women*, earning six Cappie Awards, including Best Play. “It’s incredible to see so many schools represented and so much hard work rewarded,” remarked one enthusiastic attendee.

Ellen Lawton from Herndon High School was another spotlighted star, claiming the prestigious Bill Strauss Outstanding Critic Award for the third time in a row. Her achievement underscores the program’s commitment to nurturing student voices in theater criticism. The gala also recognized other noteworthy winners, illustrated in the list below:

A touching tribute to co-founder Jane Strauss, who passed away in April 2025, resonated throughout the evening. Attendees were moved by the performance of „Found Tonight,“ which celebrated her enduring legacy in the Cappies community.

Highlighting a Growing Community

The Cappies program has grown tremendously since its inception. As highlighted in past awards like those held on May 21, 2024, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the initiative has now expanded to include various regions and over 290 participating high schools. The 2024 awards featured local favorites such as Archbishop McCarthy High School’s *The Curious Savage*, which won Best Play, and West Boca Raton High School’s *Mamma Mia*, which snagged Best Musical, showcasing the diversity of talent among the schools involved.

These awards serve as a platform for student critics to express their voices and opinions on high school performances. Each participating school selects a team of trained student critics to review their peers‘ productions, fostering not only a love for theater but a sense of community and artistic growth among students. The Cappies has officially recognized achievements in 48 categories ranging from performance to technical support, acknowledging everyone from actors to set designers.

According to Wikipedia, the Cappies began as a response to the tragic events at Columbine, emphasizing the importance of arts and creative outlets for youth. Over the years, it has blossomed into an international program, with thriving chapters across the U.S. and Canada.

As the curtains close on yet another successful gala, the bright lights of high school theater continue to flicker, thanks to the dedication and passion of these young artists. More than just awards, the Cappies offers students a chance to shine, reflect, and grow—proving that when it comes to talent, the sky’s the limit.

The gala will also be broadcast on Fairfax County Public Schools’ cable channel Red Apple 21, allowing even more attendees to partake in the celebration of young talent—an initiative certainly worth flipping on the TV for!

For more insights on past events, check out D.C. Theater Arts or dive into Florida Theater On Stage for highlights from previous celebrations.