2020 Winners
2020 Cloris Awards
Eleven theater companies received special “DIY Cloris Awards”. Due to COVID-19, only 27 of the 45 Cloris-eligible shows were staged in the 2019-2020 season. Rather than competing for production-based awards, the participating companies unanimously agreed to stand in solidarity with those who were not able to produce any shows and honor one another with “do-it-yourself” awards created themselves. Selected by a group of peers, the lifetime achievement award was presented to designer Jay Michael Jagim.
“Best Supporting Cast” Award
Ankeny Community Theatre
For its family of volunteers, actors, directors, designers and patrons who have supported the company for nearly 40 years.
“Best Use of Recycled Materials in a Play (and Musical)” Award
Des Moines Playhouse
For salvaging the waterproof set from “Singin’ in the Rain,” which closed in March after just two performances, and repurposing it this summer for an outdoor stage for drive-in shows.
“Shake, Rattle & Roll” Award
Iowa Shakespeare Experience
For “shaking it up, rattling the cages and rolling out the fun” with a symphonic adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet” and an outdoor show called “Pick Up Lines from the Bard,” performed on the back of a pickup truck.
“Don’t Dream It, Be It” Award
Kata Klysmic Productions
For turning “The Rocky Horror Show” into an annual tradition that invites everyone to “be part of it,” creating a safe space to participate and push boundaries.
“Resilience” Award
Pyramid Theater
For giving Black artists a platform to tell stories of emotional turmoil, complex relationships, cultural experiences and struggles of being Black in the United States, even during an unprecedented health crisis.
“Best Use of Mom Jeans and Dad Jokes” Award
Urbandale Community Theatre
In recognition of the many parents who wrangle, coach, prod, clothe, feed, chauffeur – and encourage! – their kids to participate in live theater.
“Off the Beaten Path” Award
Carousel Theatre of Indianola
For producing innovative theater in Warren County, including an original comedy by an Indianola playwright.
“Family” Award
Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre
In recognition of the friends, volunteers and artists who introduce students to the transformative power of live theater.
“Season of Firsts” Award
Iowa Stage Theatre
For producing two shows in repertory (a company first), a new production of “A Christmas Carol” (an Iowa premiere) and the politically inspired musical “Adore Us! Line” (a world premiere).
“Risk Taker” Award
Open Door Rep
For producing the world’s second production of “Manic Monologues,” which premiered at Stanford University and takes aim at the stigma surrounding mental illness. All proceeds from the production benefited the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
“Polar Vortex” Award
TheatreMidwest
For opening a play about two people caught in a fictional blizzard – during an actual blizzard.
Cloris Lifetime Achievement Award
Jay Michael Jagim
Theatrical designer and mentor Jay Michael Jagim was recognized for his distinguished career, which includes productions with Edward Albee and a production of “A Christmas Carol” that has toured nationwide for three decades. He led the theater-design program at the University of California at Santa Barbara before returning to central Iowa, where his design skills and quietly collaborative people skills have benefited actors and audiences alike for more than a decade. “Jay’s theatrical talent and achievements are legendary,” Iowa Stage Artistic Director Matthew McIver stated. “His tireless work behind the scenes to raise standards, grow companies and create new spaces for theater are less well known, but just as vital. His mentorship, care and friendship are the most enduring and powerful aspects of his legacy.”