J. Nicole Brooks/Photo: Joe Mazza | brave lux

The continuing fallout from the pandemic combined with the MeToo movement and racial reckoning has meant the end of venerable companies and careers alike this past year. And still, the challenge of bringing audiences back from a hiatus wrought by concern for public and personal safety that has resulted in changed habits imperils nearly everyone who relies on an audience. 

But the spirit of art on our stages is undaunted, the quality of work unsurpassed. If there is any reason for hope, that is it. There has never been a better time or a better place to advance the conversation with the human soul in the singular voice of a solo performer or a troupe of players.

So join us in rejoicing in our riches represented in these our Players of 2023, and know that we must do all we can, things both big and small, to ensure that this story has the happy ending it deserves.

(Brian Hieggelke)

Players 2023: Comedy
Players 2023: Opera
Players 2023: Dance
Players 2023: Theater

Players 50 2023 is written by Tristan Bruns and Sharon Hoyer with additional contributions from Amanda Finn, Zach Freeman, Brian Hieggelke, Aaron Hunt, Hugh Iglarsh, Dennis Polkow and Mary Wisniewski.

All photos by Joe Mazza | brave lux.