Calgary theatre season wraps with Betty Mitchell and Critics awards ahead

It's awards season for Calgary's performing arts community as the 2025–26 theatre season concludes. The Betty Mitchell Awards ceremony takes place Monday, June 29, followed by the Calgary Theatre Critics Association awards on July 6.

Critics Louis Hobson and Jenna Shummoogum recently assessed standout moments and performances from the season. Among individual performers earning recognition:

Nikko Angelo Hinayo played Mo in Theatre Calgary's Tale of the Gifted Prince. Though not his first professional role, Shummogum notes this may be his breakout moment. "He could sing and dance…he's such an artist to watch."

Kelsey Verzotti, a Calgary-born actor now based in Toronto, appeared in both Tale of the Gifted Prince at Theatre Calgary and The Verdict at Vertigo Theatre this season. Shummoogum praised her talent: "I just think her talent is amazing. She has such a strong voice."

Shaun Smythe, another Calgary native who left and returned, played the lead in Vertigo's North American premiere of The Verdict following his role in ATP's The Seafarer last year. Hobson said of Smythe, "He was so very good." Smythe is nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Dramatic Lead Role by the Theatre Critics Association.

Hannah Adamson, new to the scene, impressed audiences in the role of Dorothy at ATP's The Wizard of Oz. Shummoogum calls her a gem of a find: "She did such a good job, like—such—a good job in carrying that character…I'd never heard of her before." She is nominated for a Betty for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical.

Helen Knight drew particular praise from Shummoogum for her role in Casey and Diana, humanizing family fears during the AIDS crisis for a new generation. She is nominated for Outstanding Supporting Performance at the Betty Mitchell Awards.

Daniel Fong has become a familiar face on Calgary stages. He opened the season in Vertigo's The Brothers Paranormal and is nominated for a Betty for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama. Shummoogum noted that the play "failed abysmally" in previous productions across U.S. cities but "succeeded so much for Vertigo, like so much for Vertigo. And I think it's a function of the people on stage and the direction…And it completely hit the mark. And a lot of it rested on Daniel's shoulders." Fong also worked as a puppeteer in Tale of the Gifted Prince.

Alice Wordsworth received mention for her role in ATP's The Legend of Sleep Hollow, with Shummoogum praising her performance as bright and her ability to straddle the line between child and adult.

Both critics praised Come from Away at Theatre Calgary for highlighting local talent at high calibre. Hobson said the production could run forever. "He had 12 incredible people on that stage. And he showcased them as a group for so much of the time."