Alana Arenas, Ben Platt, Bill Camp, and Lois Smith are positioned for 2016 Actors’ Equity Foundation honors.
The Actors’ Equity Foundation named Arenas and Platt this year’s Clarence Derwent Award recipients, while Camp and Smith will be feted with the foundation’s annual Richard Seff Award.
The Clarence Derwent Award recognizes promising male and female performers.
Arenas is currently starring as Cookie in “Head of Passes.” She recently received a Lucille Lortel Award for the Public Theater production. Arenas joined Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater Company as an ensemble member in 2007 going on to perform in regional and Off-Broadway productions, including “The Bluest Eye” and “Disgraced.”
Platt is earning kudos for his starring role as Evan in the Second Stage Theater production of “Dear Evan Hansen.” He previously appeared in national tours of “Caroline, or Change” and “The Book of Mormon.” Platt’s feature film credits include “Pitch Perfect” and “Ricki and the Flash.”
The Richard Seff Award honors veteran character actors for their performances in a Broadway or Off-Broadway production.
Camp is receiving praise for his performance as Reverend Hale in the Broadway revival of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible.” The actor just picked up Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for his portrayal. Camp’s previous Broadway credits include “Death of a Salesman,” “Coram Boy,” “Heartbreak House,” “Jackie,” “Saint Joan,” and “The Seagull.”
Smith’s performances in Annie Baker’s play “John” and Playwright’s Horizon’s production of “Marjorie Prime” have not only garnered her strong notices, but also recognition from the Actors’ Equity. Smith is fresh off two wins from the Obie Awards and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle.
Previous Clarence Derwent Award winners include Annette Bening, Kristin Chenoweth, Morgan Freeman, and Allison Janney. Tom Aldredge, Lynn Cohen, Jim Dale, and Dana Ivey are among former honored vets of the Richard Seff Award.
Both the Clarence Derwent Award and the Richard Seff Award come complete with a check and crystal trophy. The awards will be handed out at Equity’s Eastern Regional Board meeting on Tuesday, May 31.
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