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Curtain Players Recognized at 2026 Jebby Awards

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Posted: Friday, May 15, 2026, 4:20pm

Curtain Players won two Jebby Awards at the 34th annual ceremony Saturday, May 2, in the Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre in downtown Columbus.

Bronwynn Hopton received the Jebby in the Lead Performance in a Play (Comedy) category for her role as Eleanor Bannister in Fireflies. Patrick Goldman was honored for Supporting Performance in a Play (Drama) as Ray Dooley in The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

Founded and organized by local theater actor, director, and patron Jeb Bigelow, the Jebby Awards is a yearly celebration of Central Ohio theatre, recognizing achievement in productions, performances, and design. The honors noted productions staged during the 2025 calendar year.

Curtain Players received seven total nominations. In addition to Hopton and Goldman, the following Players received recognition in their respective categories:

  • Fireflies, directed by James F. Petsche, Local Production of the Year (Play)
  • Wait Until Dark, directed by Kate Tull, Local Production of the Year (Play)
  • Randy Benge as Abel Brown in Fireflies, Lead Performer in a Play (Comedy)
  • Julie Emmert-Silvius as Myra in Colder Than Here, Lead Performer in a Play (Comedy)
  • Chloe Beck as Susy in Wait Until Dark, Lead Performer in a Play (Drama)

Casey and Sarah Merkey were among award presenters at the ceremony. Sarah Merkey, James. F. Petsche, and Kate Tull were featured in taped presentations accompanying announcements of the nominees.