2018 Helen Hayes nominations announced
- thesmartone
- Feb 11, 2018
- 1 min read

Nominations for DC's annual Drama Prom, aka the Helen Hayes Awards, recognizing the best of D.C. theater, were announced last night and the big winner turned out to be Lin-Manuel Miranda. Sort of.
Two versions of Miranda's In the Heights were recognized with multiple nominations: the Olney Theatre-Round House Theatre co-production received 10 nominations in various "Hayes" categories (meaning if features a cast of of mostly Equity performers) while GALA Hispanic Theatre’s Spanish-language production picked up a whopping 18 nominations in "Helen" categories (for productions using mostly non-Equity actors).
Several regional theaters like 1st Stage based in Tysons, VA received multiple nominations for various productions in their season. First time Outstanding Lead Actor nominee, Frank Britton, who was recognized for his work in Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train said "I've always been so proud and privileged to be part of my DC theatre community. This is truly an honor."
Tendo Nsubuga, an actor in 1st Stage's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (which also received multiple nominations) said "I feel very blessed to have been a part of that production. 1st Stage is a great company to work with - they really take care of their actors."
The Helen Hayes Awards will take place on May 14th a the Lincoln Theater.