Northwest Mississippi Community College’s theatre program was among those recognized at the Northwest Mississippi Theater Alliance’s annual “Allie” awards presentation on Feb. 8. The awards recognize theatrical achievements at both the high school and community theater levels.

Northwest, which is included in the community theater division, was nominated in 25 categories. Winners included Best Drama, “Medea;” Best Comedy, “Barefoot in the Park;” and Best Set, Best Lighting and Best Sound, for Northwest speech and theatre instructor Sam Weakley for “Medea.” Northwest choral instructor Susanne Spencer VanDyke won for Best Orchestral Direction for “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Recent Northwest graduate Emily Burnett won for her direction of the summer production “Barefoot in the Park.”

Northwest actors also won several awards. They included Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play (drama or comedy), Nick Bredosky, “Barefoot in the Park;” and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play (drama or comedy), Cassidy Porter, “Barefoot in the Park.” Best Performance by a Young Actor (13-17) honors also went to Bredosky for “Barefoot in the Park.”

“I’m very proud of the accomplishments of our students, and even more proud of the faculty members who guide and encourage our students to achieve at such high levels and who achieve high levels of performance themselves,” said Dr. Ken Sipley, division director of the Northwest Division of Fine Arts.

Northwest’s next production will be the popular musical “Guys and Dolls” directed by Jo Ellen Logan, speech and theatre instructor. Performance dates and times are scheduled for Thursday and Friday, Feb. 21-22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 23 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 24 at 2:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Senatobia campus. General admission is $5 and $2 for students and seniors.

For more information, contact Sam Weakley, house manager, at 662-562-3329 or e-mail sweakley@northwestms.edu