Acting Irish International Theatre Festival


The Acting Irish International Theatre Festival is an annual festival of full-length Irish plays performed by Irish community theater companies from Canada, US and Ireland. The festival was started in 1994 and is performed in a different city each year.

1994 Festival; Winnipeg

The concept of the Acting Irish International Theater Festival was originated by three Irish community theater groups: the Tara Players of Winnipeg, Milwaukee Irish Arts, and Na Fianna Theatre of Minneapolis-St. Paul. These three groups held several invitational performances in each other's city between 1990–93, and all three groups participated in the 1991 Milwaukee Irish Fest. The Tara Players of Winnipeg participated in the Milwaukee Irish Fest in 1992 and 1993 as well, but because that festival was dedicated primarily to Irish music, the three groups co-founded the theater-only AIITF in 1994. The first festival was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada March 10–13, 1994 and presented at the Tara Players' theater at the Irish Association of Manitoba. One of the founders of the festival was Geoff White of the Tara Player of Ottawa.
CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIThe Poker SessionHugh Leonard
Ashling ProductionsCalgary, AB
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBRemembranceGraham Reid
Na FiannaMinneapolis-St. Paul, MNTranslationsBrian Friel

1995 Festival; Minneapolis

The 1995 AIITF was held March 9–11 at the Weyerhaeuser Auditorium in Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. Five organizations participated, hosted by Na Fianna of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The adjudicators were Mona Poehling, Dan Sullivan and Ethna McKiernan.
CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WII Do Not Like Thee, Dr. FellBernard Farrell
Ashling ProductionsCalgary, ABDancing at LughnasaBrian Friel
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBAway AloneJanet Noble
Na FiannaMinneapolis-St. Paul, MNFamineTom Murphy
Lartigue TheatreListowel, IrelandThe Estuary and The TentmakerPaddy Fitzgibbon

1996 Festival; Calgary

In 1996, the AIITF was held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada May 15 to 19, 1996 at the Irish Cultural Center. The festival adjudicators were Christopher Foreman, Pat Benedict, and Dr. Richard Wall. Six groups participated:
CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIMollJohn B. Keane
Ashling ProductionsCalgary, ABThe Death of Humpty DumptyGraham Reid
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBThe Sea HorseEdward J. Moore
Stage Éireann Dramatic SocietyVancouver, BCThe Love of Cass McGuireBrian Friel
St. Albert Irish SocietySt. Albert, AlbertaTime WasHugh Leonard
Prince George Theatre WorkshopPrince George, BCSomeone to Watch Over MeFrank McGuiness

In addition to these formal festival productions, two "showcase" productions were presented: Winners by Brian Friel, presented by the Liffey Players of Calgary, and Bag Lady, by Frank McGuiness, presented by Patabesin Productions, Calgary.

1997 Festival; Milwaukee

In 1997, the AIITF was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 790 N. Van Buren St. May 14–17. Adjudicators for this festival were Milwaukee actress Laura Gordon; Christopher Foreman, former artistic director of the Northern Arts and Cultural Center in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada; and Ray Yeates, who was the youngest director in the history of Dublin's Abbey Theatre.
CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIThe Broken JugJohn Banville
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBThe FieldJohn B. Keane
Na FiannaMinneapolis-St. Paul, MNJohn Bull's Other IslandGeorge Bernard Shaw
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILThe Year of the HikerJohn B. Keane
Irish Players of Prince GeorgePrince George, BCThe Bold GirlsRona Munro
John Fitzgerald TheatreNew York, NYAway With a SailorBrendan Loonam
Aisling ProductionsCalgaryThe Good ThingJohn B. Keane

The Best Production award in 1997 was presented to Tara Players of Winnipeg, for their production of The Field. Tadhg McMahon of the Tara Players was also presented with the Best Supporting Male award for his performance as Tadhg McCabe.
Note: The 2004 AIITF program lists the New York participant at the 1997 AIITF as the John Fitzgerald Theatre; the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article of May 14, 1997, lists the group as the Thomas Davis Players.

1998 Festival; Winnipeg

The AIITF in 1998 returned to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and was held at the Gas Station Theatre May 13–16, 1998. Groups from Toronto, Ottawa and Chicago joined the festival.

Productions

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIGreatest Hits and Blood GuiltySeán O'Casey and Antoine O'Flatharta
Ashling ProductionsCalgary, ABWomen on the Verge of HRTMarie Jones
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBThe Shadow of a GunmanSeán O'Casey
Na FiannaMinneapolis-St. Paul, MNFaith HealerBrian Friel
Toronto Irish PlayersToronto, ONLovers - Winners and LosersBrian Friel
Tara Players of OttawaOttawa, ONRat in the SkullRon Hutchinson
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago ILPaul TwiningGeorge Shiels

Awards in 1998Winnipeg Free Press May 19, 1998, pg. D7

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionThe Rat in the SkullTara Players of Ottawa
Lead MaleEric O'Brien and Don QuiringThe Rat in the SkullTara Players of Ottawa
Lead FemaleLovers-Winners and Losers Toronto Irish Players
Supporting MaleStephen MeehanThe Shadow of a GunmanTara Players
Supporting FemaleLovers-Winners and Losers Toronto Irish Players

1999 Festival; Chicago

The Gaelic Park Players hosted the AIITF in Chicago, Illinois May 25–30, 1999.

Productions in 1999

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIThe Country BoyJohn Murphy
Innishfree Irish TheatreBoca Raton, FLFrugal Comforts
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MB44 Sycamore StreetBernard Farrell
Na FiannaMinneapolis-St. Paul, MNRhapsody in Stephen's GreenFlann O'Brien
Irish American Heritage CenterChicago, ILMonday Night in a Country TownTom O'Brien
Tir Na Og TheatreDenver, COWaiting for GodotSamuel Beckett
Tara Players of OttawaOttawa, ONA Little Like ParadiseNiall Williams
Toronto Irish PlayersToronto, ONDrama at InishLennox Robinson
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILThe ChastituteJohn B. Keane

Awards in 1999

2000 Festival; Toronto

The Toronto Irish Players, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, hosted the AIITF in 2000. The festival included the North American debt of The Wheeping of Angles by Joseph O'Connor, brother of Sinéad O'Connor.

2000 Productions

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Tir Na Og TheatreDenver, CO
Innishfree Irish TheatreBoca Raton, FL
Tara Players of OttawaOttawa, MBThe Broken JugJohn Banville
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILThy Will Be DoneMichael Carey
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBThe Weeping of AngelsJoseph O'Connor
Ashling ProductionsCalgary, ABFrugal Comforts
Na FiannaMinneapolis-St. Paul, MNBailegangaireTom Murphy
Toronto Irish PlayersToronto, ONThe Steward of ChristendomSebastian Barry
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIThe Au Pair ManHugh Leonard

2000 Awards

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionFrugal ComfortsAisling Productions
Lead MaleMartin KellyFrugal ComfortsAisling Productions
Lead FemaleTena May GallivanMaryBailegangaireNa Fianna Irish Theatre
Supporting MaleKenny McCullaghFrugal ComfortsAisling Productions
Supporting FemaleVera KellyBridieThy Will Be DoneGaelic Park Players
Adjudicator's AwardDeirdre HalfertyDirecting

2001 Festival; Denver

In 2001, the AIITF was held in Denver, Colorado, USA, at the Courtyard Theatre, Auraria Campus, the University of Colorado Denver, on May 15–19, 2001. The festival was hosted by Tir Na nOg, whose name mean in Irish "everlasting youth". A special performance by PHAMALy, as guests artists, was also presented at this festival.
CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Tir Na Og TheatreDenver, COIph...Colin Teevan
Innishfree Irish TheatreBoca Raton, FLThe Cripple of InnishmaanMartin McDonagh
Tara Players of OttawaOttawa, ONThe Poker SessionHugh Leonard
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILThe CourseBrendan O'Carroll
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBBrothers of the BrushJimmy Murphy
Ashling ProlductionsCalgary, ABBeauty Queen of LeenaneMartin McDonagh
Toronto Irish PlayersToronto, ONHappy Birthday Dear AliceBernard Farrell
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIThe CavalcadersBilly Roche

The Best Production award in 2001 was presented to Innisfree Irish Theatre for their production of The Cripple of Innishmaan, by Martin McDonagh. Sean Mac Donnchadha, of Innisfree Irish Theatre, received the acting award for Best Lead Male Actor as JohnnyPateenMike in The Cripple of Innishmaan

2002 Festival; Ottawa

The AIITF was held in the Capital of Canada, Ottawa, in 2002.
CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Shapeshifters TheatreChicago, IL"Sacrilege"
Diane Shaffer
-
Tir Na Og TheatreDenver, CO"Paddywack"
Daniel Magee
-
Innishfree Irish TheatreBoca Raton, FL"Moonshine"
Jim Nolan
-
Tara Players of OttawaOttawa, ONSiveJohn B. Keane
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILThe Salvage ShopJim Nolan
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBOur Lady of SligoSebastian Barry
Aisling ProductionsCalgary, AB"The Lonesome West"
Martin McDonagh
-
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIMolly SweeneyBrian Friel
Toronto Irish PlayersToronto, ON"Da"
Hugh Leonard
-

The Best Production award was presented to the Toronto Irish Players for their production of Da by Hugh Leonard

2003 Festival; Florida

Innishfree Irish Theatre hosted the 2003 AIITF at The Crest Theatre, Del Ray Beach, Florida, May 11–17, 2003. The 2003 Festival also featured, for the first time, three groups invited from Ireland. This festival featured the first North American production of Paddy Irishman, Paddy Englishman, and Paddy...? by Declan Croghan.
CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Irish Players of RochesterRochester, NYSomeone Who'll Watch Over MeFrank McGuinness
Innishfree Irish TheatreBoca Raton, FLHappy Birthday, Dear AliceBernard Farrell
Tara Players of OttawaOttawa, ONBold GirlsRona Munro
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilawukee, WIThe WeirConor McPherson
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBPaddy Irishman, Paddy Englishman, and Paddy...?Declan Croghan
Ashling ProductionsCalgary, ABBelfryBilly Roche
Toronto Irish PlayerToronto, ONThe MaiMarina Carr
Shapeshifters TheatreChicago, ILDancing at LughnasaBrian Friel
The Hewlett-Packard PlayersKildare, Ireland44 Sycamore StreetBernard Farrell
Dundalk Theatre WorkshopDundalk, IrelandPort AuthorityConor McPherson
The Balally PlayersDublin, IrelandThe Country BoyJohn Murphy

The Best Production award was presented to the Tara Players of Winnipeg for their production of Paddy Irishman, Paddy Englishman, and Paddy...? James Bowman won the award for Best Actor in the same production The Irish Players of Rochester, an invitational group at this, their first festival, were awarded "Best Invitational Production" for Someone Who'll Watch Over Me.

2004 Festival; Winnipeg

The 2004 AIITF returned to Winnipeg for the third time, hosted by the Tara Players at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People, May 20–22, 2004.

2004 Productions

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Irish Players of RochesterRochester, NYWaiting for GodotSamuel Beckett
Innishfree Irish TheatreBoca Raton, FLElipsedPatricia Burke Brogan
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBJuno and the PaycockSeán O'Casey
Toronto Irish PlayersToronto, ONThe Cripple of InishmaanMartin McDonagh
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILAnyone Could Rob a BankThomas Coffey

The scheduled performance of the Gaelic Park Players was canceled due to weather problems.

2004 Awards

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionWaiting for GodotIrish Players of Rochester
Lead MaleKevin O'SheaJohnnyPateenMikeThe Cripple of InishmaanToronto Irish Players
Lead FemaleBarnara Taylor & Cliona KennyKate & EileenThe Cripple of InishmaanToronto Irish Players
Supporting MaleKen BordnerPozzoWaiting for GodotIrish Players of Rochester
Supporting FemaleLori DolanBridgetEclipsedInnisfree Irish Theatre
Adjudicator's AwardThe CastEnsemble performanceEclipsedInnisfree Irish Theatre

2005 Festival; Chicago

The AIITF returned to Chicago in 2005, hosted by Gaelic Park Players at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., May 18–21, 2005.

2005 Productions

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Irish Players of RochesterRochester, NYThe Kings of the Kilburn High RoadJimmy Murphy
Innishfree Irish TheatreBoca Raton, FLAbie's Irish RoseAnne Nichols
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBI do Not Like Thee, Dr. FellBernard Farrell
Toronto Irish PlayersToronto, ONTea in a China CupChristina Reid
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILThe Country BoyJohn Murphy
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIO ParnassusHugh Carr
Shapeshifters TheatreChicago, ILA Mislaid HeavenCarson Grace Becker

2005 Awards

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionA Mislaid HeavenShapeshifters Theatre
Lead MaleJohn JaegerJapThe Kings of the Kilburn High RoadIrish Players of Rochester
Lead FemaleKatie CheelyRuthA Mislaid HeavenShapeshifters Theatre
Supporting MaleSidney GrayPaddyI Do Not Like Thee, Dr. FellThe Tara Players
Supporting FemaleAmy KullArleneO ParnassusMilwaukee Irish Arts
Adjudicator's AwardAnastasia O'BrienSusyI Do Not Like Thee, Dr. FellThe Tara Players

2006 Festival; Toronto

The 2006 AIITF was hosted by the Toronto Irish Players at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts May 30 to June 3. The festival was hosted by the thirty-year-old Toronto Irish Players, which performed The Plough and the Stars by Seán O'Casey, featuring nine transplanted Dubliners in the cast.

2006 Productions

2006 Awards

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionAn Irish PlayMilwaukee Irish Arts
Lead MaleKeith TamsettDeclanAn Irish PlayMilwaukee Irish Arts
Lead FemaleJackie Murphy and Grainne JordanThe Beauty Queen of LeenaneEstuary Players
Supporting MaleRobert WallStephenPoor Beast in the RainThe Tara Players
Supporting FemaleCrystal Marie TaylorRoseDancing at LughnasaIrish Players of Rochester
Adjudicator's AwardThe ShaughraunInnisfree Irish Theatre

2007 Festival; Milwaukee

Milwaukee Irish Arts hosted the 2007 AIITF at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, May 15 to 20.

2007 Productions

Note: Starting with this festival, Innisfree Irish Theatre changed its name to the Irish Theatre of Florida.
CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIFrom These Green HeightsDermot Bolger
The Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBThe Spirit of Annie RossBernard Farrell
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILGetting BuriedPeter Cunningham
Irish Theatre of FloridaBoca Raton, FLLovers: Losers and WinnersBrian Friel
Holding Court TheatreDoublin, IrelandSummerHugh Leonard
Irish Players of RochesterRochester NYFaith HealerBrian Friel
Toronto Irish PlayersToronto, ONAt The Black Pig's DykeVincent Woods

2007 Awards

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionAt The Black Pig's DykeToronto Irish Players
Lead MaleDavid KyleTeddyFaith HealerIrish Players of Rochester
Lead FemaleLucy CarabineMiss FunnyAt the Black Pig's DykeToronto Irish Players
Supporting MaleGerry HerbertRichard HalveySummerHolding Court Theatre
Supporting FemaleJane TestarAshlingThe Spirit of Annie RossTara Players
Adjudicator's AwardGetting BuriedGaelic Park Players

Special Adjudicator Award: Gaelic Park Players "For a very entertaining, if completely insane, romp through the upper regions of Irish lunacy, confirming the old showbiz adage of 'leave them laughing when you go.'"
Honourable Mention: Costume Design for Holding Court Theatre for their production of Summer by Hugh Leonard and also for Toronto Irish Players for their production of At the Black Pig's Dyke by Vincent Woods.
In addition to the seven adjudicated productions, the 2007 Festival included two special presentations:
Townlands, by Dermot Bolger; a reading presented by the students of the Theater Department of the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.
Sneak preview of Walking the Road, also by Dermot Bolger. This play about Francis Ledwidge, a young Irish poet who lost his life in Flanders fields in 1917, while serving with the British army in World War I, had its world premiere at Axis Arts Center in Dublin June 9, 2007.

2008 Festival; Rochester

The Irish Players of Rochester, a program of the Rochester Community Players, hosted the 2008 AIITF at the Geva Theatre Center's NextStage Theatre May 13 to 17. The festival included two long one-act plays by the young Dublin playwright, Conor McPherson

2008 Productions

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Irish Players of RochesterRochester NYThe HostageBrendan Behan
Irish Players of San FranciscoSan Francisco CAThe Perfect RomanceNicky O'Brien
Irish Theatre of FloridaBoca Raton, FLOn Raglan RoadTom O'Brien
Irish-American Theater CompanyCincinnati, OHA Little Like ParadiseNiall Williams
Holding Court TheatreDublin, IrelandHappy Birthday Dear AliceBernard Farrell
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBDublin CarolConor McPherson
Liffey PlayersCalgary, ABShining CityConor McPherson
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIThe Blowin of Baile GallRonan Noone
Shapeshifters TheatreChicago, ILKnocknasheeDeirdre Kinahan
Toronto Irish PlayersToronto, ONThe Muesli BeltJimmy Murphy

2008 Awards

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionHappy Birthday Dear AliceHolding Court Theatre
Lead MaleRobert WallJohn PlunkettDublin CarolTara Players
Lead FemaleGrace PerryAliceHappy Birthday Dear AliceHolding Court Theatre
Supporting MaleDanny SullivanMossy PlunkettThe Muesli BeltToronto Irish Players
Supporting FemaleKathryn WatersNeasaShining CityLiffey Players of Calgary
Adjudicator's AwardThe castEnsemble ActingThe HostageIrish Players of Rochester

2009 Festival; Winnipeg

For the fourth time, the Tara Players of Winnipeg hosted the AIITF, in May 2009.

2009 Productions

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Toronto Irish PlayersToronto, ONA Skull in ConnemaraMartin McDonagh
Irish Players of RochesterRochester NYLove in the TitleHugh Leonard
Shapeshifters TheatreChicago, ILSomeone Who'll Watch Over MeFrank McGuinness,
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILAttaboy, Mr. SyngeDeirdre Kinahan
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBThe Patrick Pearce MotelHugh Leonard
Holding Court TheatreDublin, IrelandSalute The ServantWalter Macken
Liffey PlayersCalgary, ABThe WeirConor McPherson
Irish Theatre of FloridaBoca Raton, FLOn Raglan RoadTom O'Brien

2009 Awards

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionA Skull in ConnemaraToronto Irish Players
Lead MaleStephen FarrellMairtin HanlonA Skull in ConnemaraToronto Irish Players production of
Lead FemaleLorelei MellonCatLove in the TitleIrish Players of Rochester
Supporting MaleJonathan MusserAdamSomeone Who'll Watch Over MeShapeshifters Theatre
Supporting FemaleNeasa McCannKittySalute The ServantHolding Court Theatre
Adjudicator's AwardSalute the ServantHolding Court Theatre

2010 Festival; Chicago

The 2010 AIITF was held May 17 to 22, 2010 at the Irish-American Heritage Center, 4626 North Knox Avenue, Chicago.

2010 Productions (in order or presentation)2010 AIITF Program

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Shapeshifters TheatreChicago, ILAnd Neither Have I Wings to FlyAnn Noble
Estuary PlayersDublin, IrelandThere Came a Gypsy RidingFrank McGuinness
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILThe Patrick Pearse MotelHugh Leonard
The Irish American Theatre CompanyCincinnati, OHMollJohn B. Keane
Liffey Players Drama SocietyCalgary, ABPortia CoughlanMarina Carr
Heads on Stage Dublin, IrelandThe Passion of JeromeDermot Bolger
Irish Theatre of FloridaSouth FloridaClose to HomePat Clark
Irish Players of Rochester Rochester, NYThe Cripple of InishmaanMartin McDonagh
Toronto Irish PlayersToronto, ONThe Factory GirlsFrank McGuinness

2010 Awards

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionThe Passion of JeromeHeads on Stage, Dublin
Lead Male
Lead FemaleBarbara Kenny
as Moll, Irish American Theater Company Cincinnati
Supporting Male
Supporting Female
Adjudicator's Award

2011 Festival; Calgary

The of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, hosted the 2011 Festival at the Vertigo Theatre at the base of the Calgary Tower, from May 16–21, 2011.

2011 Productions

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Liffey Players Drama SocietyCalgary, ABThe SeafarerConor McPherson
Estuary PlayersDublin, IrelandSame Old MoonGeraldine Aaron
An AmharclannSaint John, NBPride of Parnell StreetSebastian Barry
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILThe Castlecomer JukeboxJimmy Murphy
Irish Players of Rochester Rochester, NYDublin CarolConor McPherson
The Irish American Theatre CompanyCincinnati, OHWhat Happened Bridgie Cleary?Conor McPherson
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBMiddenMorna Regan
Heads on StageDublin, IrelandStolen ChildYvonne Quinn/Bairbre Ni Chaoimh

2011 Awards

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionDublin CarolThe Irish Players of Rochester
Lead MaleJohn JaegerJohnDublin CarolThe Irish Players of Rochester
Lead FemaleKaitlyn GrohBridgie ClearyWhat Happened Bridgie Cleary?The Irish American Theatre Company, Cincinnati
Supporting MaleJamal AbdunnasirMarkDublin CarolThe Irish Players of Rochester
Supporting FemaleAnastasia O'BrienMabsMiddenTara Players, Winnipeg
Adjudicator's AwardThe CastEnsemble ActingSame Old MoonEstuary Players, Dublin

2012 Festival; Dublin

The Axis-Ballymun Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, hosted the 2012 Festival from May 14–19, 2012.

2012 Productions

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Heads on StageDublin, IrelandThe Loves of Cass MaguireBrian Friel
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIWhite Woman StreetSebastian Barry
Liffey Players Drama SocietyCalgary, ABSomeone Who'll Watch Over MeFrank McGuinness
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBThe Muesli BeltJimmy Murphy
Irish American Theater CompanyCincinnati, OHA Couple of BlaguardsFrank McCourt & Malachy McCourt
The Irish Players of RochesterRochester, NYA Moon for the MisbegottenEugene O'Neill

2012 Awards

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionSomeone Who'll Watch Over MeLiffey Players Drama Society, Calgary
Lead MaleBruce MitchellAdamSomeone Who'll Watch Over MeLiffey Players Drama Society, Calgary
Lead FemaleStephanie RoosaJosieA Moon for the MisbegottenThe Irish Players of Rochester
Supporting MaleFred DigginsJames MirandaWhite Woman StreetMilwaukee Irish Arts
Supporting FemaleNeasa McCannTrilbe CostelloThe Loves of Cass MaguireHeads on Stage, Dublin
Adjudicator's AwardBernard FarrellySpirit of the Festival AwardGaelic Park Players, Chicago

2013 Festival; Chicago

The Festival was hosted by Chicago's Gaelic Park Players from May 21–25, 2013. The festival took place at Chicago's Gaelic Park, 6119 West 147th Street; Oak Forest, Illinois. The adjudicator for the festival was Brad Armacost. Attending the Awards Ceremony on May 26 was Aidan Cronin, Counsel General of Ireland, Chicago, Illinois.

2013 Productions (in order of presentation)

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
The Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILA Wake in the WestMichael Joe Ginnelly
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBJohn Patrick Shanley
Heads on StageDublin, IrelandMolly SweeneyBrian Friel
The Irish Players of Rochester Rochester, NYIs Life Worth Living? Lennox Robinson
Irish American Theater CompanyCincinnati, OHDancing at LughnasaBrian Friel
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIEclipsedPatricia Burke Brogan
Irish Theatre of FloridaSouth FloridaHere We Are Again StillChristian O'Reilly
Liffey Players Drama SocietyCalgary, ABThe Beauty Queen of LeenaneMartin McDonagh

2014 Festival; Delray Beach, Florida

The Festival was hosted by the Irish Theatre of Florida from May 20–25, 2014. The festival took place at the Artns Garage, 180 NE 1st Street, Delray Beach. The adjudicator for the festival was John Countryman, Director of Theatre at Berry College in Georgia.

2014 Productions (in order of presentation)2014 AIITF program

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Irish Theatre of FloridaDelray Beach, FLThe Irish DraculaJames Doan
The Irish Players of Rochester Rochester, NYShining CityConor McPherson
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago ILThe Butterfly of KillybegsBrian Foster
Heads on StageDublin, IrelandBrightonJim Nolan
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBThe HousekeeperMorna Regan
Liffey Players Drama SocietyCalgary, ABStones in his PocketMarie Jones
Irish American Theater CompanyCincinnati, OHTho' It Were Ten Thousand MilesWilliam H. A. Williams
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIThese Halcyon Days''Dierdre Kinahan

2015 Festival; Cincinnati, Ohio

The Festival was hosted by the Irish American Theater Company from May 19–24, 2015. The festival took place at the Irish Heritage Center, 3905 Eastern Avenue, Cincinnati,. The adjudicator for the festival was George Heslin, Artistic Director of Origin Theatre Company, NY.

2015 Productions (in order of presentation)

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Irish American Theater CompanyCincinnati, OhioThe CalvacadersBilly Roche
The Irish Players of Rochester Rochester, NY"The Field"John B. Keane
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago ILThe Maiden AuntJimmy Keary
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBThe New Electric BallroomEnda Walsh
Liffey Players Drama SocietyCalgary, ABSea MarksGardner McKay
Irish Theatre of FloridaDelray Beach, FLThe Chastitute"John B. Keane
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIMoment''Dierdre Kinahan

2015 Awards

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionThe New Electric BallroomWinnipeg Tara Players
Lead Male
Lead FemaleLindsey GaglianoNiamh LynchMomentMilwaukee Irish Arts
Supporting MaleNate PressNial LynchMomentMilwaukee Irish Arts
Supporting Female
Adjudicator's Award

Nominees for awards:

2016 Festival; Milwaukee

The Festival was hosted by Milwaukee Irish Arts from May 24–28, 2016. The festival took place at Next Act Theatre, 255 S Water Street, Milwaukee, WI. The adjudicators for the festival were.

2016 Productions (in order of presentation)

CompanyCityProductionAuthor
Milwaukee Irish ArtsMilwaukee, WIThe Plough and the StarsSean O'Casey
Magpie Theatre Company Chicago, ILThe CheekJim Lynch
Liffey Players Drama SocietyCalgary, ABEdenEugene O'Brien
Heads on StageDublin, IrelandChapattiChristian O'Reilly
Gaelic Park PlayersChicago, ILShadow of a GunmanSean O'Casey
Irish Players of RochesterRochester, NYThe SeafarerConor McPherson
Irish Theatre of FloridaDelray Beach, FLFookedGillian Grattan
Irish American Theatre CompanyCincinnati, OHThe WeirConor McPherson
Tara PlayersWinnipeg, MBThe Last Days of CleopatraLaoisa Sexton

2016 Awardsactingirish.com

AwardActorRolePlayCompany
Best ProductionEdenLiffey Players Drama Society
Lead MaleJerod BlakeBillyEdenLiffey Players Drama Society
Lead FemalePeggy HamiltonNatalieThe Last Days of CleopatraTara Players
Supporting MaleMark John DonahueMr LockhartThe SeafarerThe Irish Players of Rochester
Supporting FemaleMarssie MencottiThe CheekMagpie Theatre Company
Adjudicator's AwardFor generating the greatest jolt of audience energy in the roomThe Irish Players of Rochester

Finalists for awards in 2016:
Best production: Eden; The Seafarer; The Last Days of Cleopatra
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: Jerod Blake ; Denis Holmes ; Quinn Greene
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Katelyn Morishita ; Neasa McCann ; Peggy Hamilton
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Dylan Bolan ; Mark John Donahue ; Mick McEvilley
Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Liz Shipe ; Marssie Mencotti ; Bridget Christianson