Arts society earns 25 awards nominations
By Rob Vogt
The Claresholm Arts Society has been honoured for its hard work and dedication on not one but two of its musical theatre productions.
CalgaryACTS, Calgary’s Alliance of Community Theatres recently announced the nominations for the 2026 Community Theatre Awards, where the Claresholm Arts Society earned 12 nominations for their production of “Annie” and 13 nominations for “Little Shop of Horrors”.
“Annie”
• Sharon King, outstanding production of a musical;
• Sharon King, outstanding direction of a musical;
• Michelle DeDominicis, outstanding musical direction;
• Addison Wickett, leading role in a musical as Annie;
• Tracey Ohler, leading role in a musical as Miss Hannigan;
• David Knox, supporting role in a musical as Rooster Hannigan;
• Outstanding ensemble in a musical;
• Sharon King and Stephanie King, outstanding choreography;
• Dana McLeod, Laurie Watt, Lyndsay McAleer, Shelby Murphy and Victoria DeDominicis, costume design, including hair and makeup;
• Michelle DeDominicis, engineering/SFX;
• Shannon Clay and John DeDominicis, lighting design;
• Norm Foxcroft, Shelley Foxcroft and Carmelle Steel, stagecraft/set design.
“Little Shop of Horrors”
• Sharon King, outstanding production of a musical;
• Sharon King, outstanding direction of a musical;
• Michelle DeDominicis, outstanding musical direction;
• Stephanie King, leading role in a musical as Audrey;
• Bradshaw McClung, leading role in a musical as Seymour Krelborn;
• David Knox, supporting role in a musical as Orin Scrivello DDS;
• Outstanding ensemble in a musical;
• Sharon King, outstanding choreography;
• Sharon King, outstanding fight direction;
• Dana McLeod, Laurie Watt, Shelby Murphy, Lyndsay McAleer, and Victoria DeDominicis, costume design, including hair and makeup;
• Sebastian DeDominicis, engineering/SFX;
• Shannon Clay and John DeDominicis, lighting design;
• Norm Foxcroft, Shelley Foxcroft, Evan Steel and Carmelle Steel, stagecraft/set design.
“We’re super proud of the nominees,” said Carmelle Steel of the arts society, stressing it reflects audience voting. “And that means a lot to us.”
She also pointed out the nominations came across the production from acting to direction and all the functions the crew performs.
“What I’m proud of is our team gets a lot of nominations,” Steel said, noting that includes, sound, lighting costumes and more. “I think that’s a really good reflection of us.”
She also expressed her appreciation to the audience members who took the time to vote.
“Which helps us to get better – do better – for them,” Steel said.
The recipients of the 2026 CAT Awards will be announced in person on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. at the MacEwan Hall at the University of Calgary.