Pomperaug High School Theatre Company had an incredible showing at the 20th Annual HALO Awards on May 31, 2025, at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, CT. Sponsored by Seven Angels Theatre, the HALO Awards honor the best in high school theatre across Connecticut, with 90 schools participating and awards presented in over 40 categories.

PTC was recognized with 17 nominations and took home five major awards for their productions of Teach Me How to Cry and Shrek. Nominations included Best Classical Play and Best Contemporary Musical, and Pomperaug stood out in a highly competitive field where most schools typically receive two or three awards.

Congratulations to Our 2025 HALO Award Winners:

• Sophia Ltaif – Best Student Direction for Teach Me How to Cry
• Pomperaug High School Orchestra/Pit Band – Outstanding Orchestra for Shrek
• Amanda Pistawka – Best Costume Design
• Cast & Crew of Teach Me How to Cry – The Fearless Award for excellence in performing challenging material
• Xavier Chu – Best Supporting Male Role in a Musical for his role as Donkey in Shrek

“This has been an extraordinary year for PTC,” said Madge O’Toole, PHS drama teacher and Artistic Director. “These students have shown tremendous heart, creativity, and teamwork, and these awards are a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

O’Toole also expressed her appreciation for the many adults who supported the program:
“Thank you to Jeanne Hawley for helping everywhere, especially with house management; Nick Napoli for building our sets; Rhiana Johnson for her amazing work on makeup and hair; John Tzetzo for directing our award-winning pit orchestra; Rachel Sloane for musical and vocal direction; and Tom Marks for props and behind-the-scenes help. Theatre is a team effort, and we are lucky to have such a dedicated and talented team supporting our students.”

Congratulations to everyone involved in Pomperaug Theatre Company’s 2024–2025 season. We look forward to seeing what these students create next!