Circle Theatre celebrates volunteers, performers, and upcoming season

Circle Theatre of Barnwell celebrated its past season while unveiling its upcoming season. 

The volunteer community theatre held its annual awards night on Saturday, August 16 to recognize outstanding performances from the 2024-25 season, which included three plays. 

“We had a busy, great and hilarious season,” said Circle Theatre board president Rachel Hair. 

Award winners include:

• The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge: Hannah Branch (Best Newcomer), Daniel Anderson (Best Actor), Renee Owens (Best Actor/Actress), Kell Anderson (Best Supporting Actor), Caroline Randall (Best Supporting Actress), Chuck Randall (Funniest Ghost)
• The Red Velvet Cake War: Martha Sue Fields (Best Fugitive), Chuck Randall (Funniest Costume), Brenda Chorn (Persistent Man-Chaser), Greg Walkup (Biggest Joker), Caroline Randall & Dawn Snead (Longest Girl Fight)
• Dirt Nap: Randee White (Best Actor), Nancy Knopf (Best Actress), Marion Young & Daniel Anderson (Best Supporting Actors), and Emily Barger (Best Newcomer)
• Spotlight Award: The Spotlight Award was bestowed to Dennis Knapp, a long-time theatre volunteer, historian, and board member who has “done so much for this theatre,” said Hair. Knapp was integral in starting the annual youth summer camp over 30 years ago, has directed 20 plays, and has written grants for funding. He said he shares the award with his wife Linda, his daughter Kimberly Sanchelli, and the late Betty Bohmer, who all have been integral in his theatre service.  

In addition to congratulating the winners, Hair thanked everybody who contributed to the theatre in any capacity, including onstage, behind the scenes, attending performances, and donating. 

“It takes everybody to make these shows happen,” said Hair. 

In addition to recognizing the past season, awards night unveiled the new 2025-26 season, which includes the youth production of “Animal Farm” in November 2025, Rex’s Exes (a sequel to “Red Velvet Cake War”) in February/March 2026, and “Catfish Moon” in May 2026.

Learn more about the Circle Theatre by visiting their website, https://barnwellct.weebly.com, or their Facebook page.