RUSTON, LA — The Dixie Center for the Arts was filled with devoted Ruston Community Theatre patrons, performers, volunteers, and supporters on Thursday evening as RCT celebrated another memorable season during its annual RusTony Awards Celebration. Following the Annual Season Members Meeting, guests gathered eagerly to find out who would take home this year’s RusTony Awards, honoring outstanding performances and contributions from throughout the 2025–26 season.
The evening kicked off with a live performance of the “Opening Number” from The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, followed by a warm welcome from RCT President Britton Kilpatrick, who served as Master of Ceremonies. Audience members reveled in watching compilation photo and video slideshows from each show of the season.
After each montage, the Heart of Community Theatre Award for that respective show was presented. This special award is given to a cast member who exemplifies what it means to be a part of community theatre and is voted on by their fellow cast members. The celebration also featured live performances from some of the season’s most memorable productions. Jude Hanchey reprised the role of teen pop star Joshie, singing “Animal Heart” from Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Two amazing musical numbers were performed from Guys and Dolls: “Adelaide’s Lament,” performed by Chloë Alexander, and the crowd-pleasing hit “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” sung by Preston Anderson and company. Caed Baines gave a sweet performance of “The Candy Man” from Willy Wonka Jr. The evening closed with the sentimental finale, “God Bless Us, Everyone,” sung by the cast of A Christmas Carol.
In addition to awards for outstanding performances, several special awards are chosen by the RCT Board itself. Board member Steele Moegle presented the Kevin Cuccia Comedic Award, which is given to a performer who brightens every rehearsal with good spirits and jovial humor; the Helen M. Thompson Volunteer of the Year Award, presented to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond during the past year to help RCT run smoothly; and the Satish Bharadvaj Creative Contribution Award, given to an individual responsible for an outstanding set piece, prop, or costume that raises the bar in a show’s production value.
The “unsung heroes“ of RCT were also acknowledged through a slideshow, giving recognition to the countless volunteers that make the shows possible. The year’s directors, stage managers, stage hands, technical crew, orchestra members and other creative team members were among the hardworking contributors listed.
The distinct awards for RCT’s junior productions were determined by a new method this year.. Instead of being voted on by the Season Membership as a whole, a committee of carefully selected participants with experience in music or the performing arts deliberated to select outstanding performers from each of the junior shows to receive the newly created Rising Star Award. While every performance is unique and valued in its own way, these particular performers stood out among their peers for their stage presence, enthusiasm, and devotion to their roles.
The RCT youth was also acknowledged as RCT youth council president Elena Baines gave an update on the activities of the youth board. Jude Hanchey will be proceeding her as president for the 2026-27 season, their first run of Java and Jazz was a success. Graduating seniors who have been involved in RCT were also acknowledged with a slide share recognition, and the RCT youth council scholarship was awarded to Teagan Leblanc.
Congratulations to all the winners!
2026 RusTony Award Winners
PLAY AWARDS
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play: Andy Halbrook as Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple
Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Play: Joe Brown as Murray in The Odd Couple
Outstanding Minor Performer in a Play: Logan Poret as the Steward in Murder on the Nile
MUSICAL AWARDS
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical: Chloë Alexander as Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls
Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical: Preston Anderson as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls
Outstanding Minor Performer in a Musical: Jude Hanchey as Joshie in Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Outstanding Individual Ensemble Member in a Musical: Levi Stephenson as a Featured Dancer in Guys and Dolls
Outstanding Musical Performance: “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from Guys and Dolls sung by Preston Anderson
Outstanding Ensemble: “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” from Guys and Dolls sung by Preston Anderson and Company
NEWCOMER AWARD
Newcomer Award: Carson Terry and Madeline Neal (tie)
Heart of Community Theatre Awards The Odd Couple: Wyatt Terry Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Carson Walker A Christmas Carol: Greg Green Stinky Cheese Man: Vaida Carroll Murder on the Nile: Madeline Neal Willy Wonka, Jr: Caed Baines Guys and Dolls: Preston Anderson and Jude Hanchey Rising Star Awards The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales: Eli Beech as Jack, Vaida Carroll as Chicken Licken, Sophie Fletcher as Little Old Lady, Luke Forbes as Jack, and Ayden Martin as Ugly Duck Willy Wonka Jr.: Esther Allen as Verruca Salt, Caed Baines as Willy Wonka, Will Easley as Charlie, Jude Hanchey as Grandpa Joe, Van Stake as Augustus Gloop, and Skyleigh Webb as Mrs Gloop
Additional Special Recognition Kevin Cuccia Community Award: Ayden Brown Helen Thompson Volunteer Award: Jude Hanchey Satish Bharadvaj Creative Set Contribution Award: Amy Crittenton
As the curtain closed on the final number, the RusTonys brought the 2025–26 season officially to a close. But… the shows must go on! Memberships are now on sale for RCT’s 49th season, which begins with The Addams Family Musical opening in October. The show has been cast and rehearsals are already underway.
Memberships will remain on sale through the run of that inaugural production. Don’t miss a single show while enjoying the benefits of a Season Membership and becoming part of the RCT family! This upcoming season promises not to disappoint, so stay tuned for more magic on stage.
