Hickory, NC – The Hickory Community Theatre held its 70th annual Kay Awards Saturday, August 10th, to present awards and recognize the work and achievements of the more than 365 volunteers who make the work of the Theatre possible.

The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Andrea Long, HCT Board member and volunteer in several other areas including acting, front of house and the project to renovate the theatre’s dressing rooms. The Technical Volunteer of the Year honor was bestowed on Steve Doll, a relatively new volunteer who logged over 300 hours helping with set construction. The distinguished Charles E. Jeffers award was given to Gordon Mattichak, who spearheaded the dressing room project, working over 200 hours and securing over $3,000 in donated materials and new furniture for the work.

Awards for achievement in acting went to Emily Stober – Outstanding Lead Actress (Sophie in Mamma Mia!), Jordan Correll – Outstanding Lead Actor (Christopher in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time), Tiffany Christian – Outstanding Supporting Actress ( Sister Mary Hubert in Nunsense), Cody Stuckenschneider – Outstanding Supporting Actor (Mickey Finn in Flanagan’s Wake), Edyth Pruitt – Outstanding Character Actress (Rosie in Mamma Mia!), Donovan Harper – Outstanding Character Actor (James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls), Hannah Millette – Outstanding Newcomer Actress (Rachel Stein in End Days), and Jared Wachsmuth – Outstanding Newcomer Actor (Tidence Ledbetter in Beautiful Star.)

The Outstanding Ensemble Award was presented to the cast of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

The Hickory Community Theatre is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council. The 70th Annual Kay Awards were sponsored by CBSA Architects. Hair, the opening production of the Theatre’s 19-20 Season, will be on stage September 6-22. Call 828-328-2283 or visit hickorytheatre.org for tickets and information.

PHOTO: (Back row L-R) Steve Doll, Tiffany Christian, Donovan Harper, Cody Stuckenschneider, Christopher Honsaker and Mark Woodard; (front row L-R) Andrea Long, Emily Stober, Jared Wachsmuth, Stephanie Lindsay, Hannah Millette, Emma Lee Kurts, Jill Roberts and Gordon Mattichak are recipients of the Hickory Community Theatre’s annual Kay Awards. Not pictured are Jordan Correll and Edyth Pruitt. Photo by John Koval.