06/16/2026
We are honored and grateful to share that Merit Theatre Company & Orchestra received multiple Orchid Awards from ACT of Greater Cincinnati, Inc., recognizing our 2025 productions of BRIGHT STAR and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.
These recognitions reflect countless hours of collaboration, creativity, generosity, and excellence from artists, musicians, designers, technicians, volunteers, and supporters. We are humbled and thankful!
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:
🌟 BRIGHT STAR
Excellence in Direction — Benjamin & Kaitlyn Iocco
Excellence in Hair/Wigs — Jerica Henline Richardson
Excellence in Lighting Design — John Siedenberg
Excellence in Costume Design — Kaitlyn Iocco
Excellence in Musical Theatre Performance — Allison Syvertsen, Arnie Forman, Daniel Gnau, Matt Dentino, Megan Dendler Johnson, Mike Yarick, Nathan Mabry, Rachel Cobbs, Sam Parker, Sylas Craven, and Rachel Mabry
Excellence in Orchestral Performance — Aaron Brueckman, Matt Frazer, Gracie Niehaus, Laura Klein, John Gardlik, Melinda Barbosa, and Beau Heubach
Excellence in Producing — Benjamin & Kaitlyn Iocco
Excellence in Set Décor — Mia Armelli, Rachel Cobbs, Jeremiah Ignarski, Julie Ignarski, Todd Ignarski, Benjamin Iocco, Kaitlyn Iocco, Emily Phillips, and Noah Steffen
Excellence in Set Design — Benjamin Iocco
Excellence in Stage Management — Emily Phillips
Excellence in Vocal Direction — Angie Baker
Excellence in Overall Performance Quality — The Cast of Bright Star
Excellence in Choreography — Haley Haskin
Excellence in Dance Ex*****on — The Cast of Bright Star
Excellence in Musical Direction — Aaron Brueckman
Excellence in Program — Eric Dean
Excellence in Properties — Rachel Cobbs, Doug Henderson, Benjamin & Kaitlyn Iocco
Excellence in Set Construction — Benjamin Iocco & Gordon Iocco
Excellence in Sound Design — Eric Bardes
🔔 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Excellence in Acting in a Play — Jeff Carter, Kaitlyn Iocco, Hunter Muse, and Matt Dentino
Excellence in Costume Design — Kaitlyn Iocco
Excellence in Set Design — Benjamin Iocco
Excellence in Lighting Design — John Siedenberg, Sr.
Excellence in Producing — Benjamin & Kaitlyn Iocco
Excellence in Sound Design — Aaron Brueckman
Excellence in Stage Management — Emily Phillips
These productions were built by a community of people who believe stories matter and who continually pursue excellence with generosity and heart. THANK YOU! We are so grateful—and excited for what’s ahead. 🎻
