Zhailon Levingston & Darrell Grand Moultrie Honored with 2024-25 Joe A. Callaway Awards
NEW YORK, NY – November 14, 2024 – The Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) has announced the recipients of the prestigious 2024-25 Joe A.Callaway Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in directing and choreography in Off-Broadway theatre. This year’s honors go to Zhailon Levingston for his direction of Table 17 at MCC Theater, and Darrell Grand Moultrie for his choreography of Goddess at The Public Theater.
The Joe A. Callaway Awards stand apart as the only awards specifically recognizing directors and choreographers, judged by a panel of their peers – a testament to the importance of these honors within the theatrical community.
(Image: Darrell Grand Moultrie and Zhailon livingston, recipients of the Callaway Awards for choreography and directing, respectively. Photos courtesy of SDCF)
A Rising Star: Zhailon Levingston
Levingston, a 27-year-old Louisiana native, is quickly establishing himself as a vital voice in contemporary theatre. His recent co-direction of Cats: The Jellicle ball at the Perelman Arts Center alongside Bill Rauch garnered notable acclaim, including an Obie Award and nominations for Drama Desk, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle Awards. He made history as the youngest Black director on Broadway with Chicken and Biscuits, and continues to champion change through his multifaceted work.
Beyond his directorial achievements, Levingston is deeply committed to advocacy and education. he serves on the board of the Broadway Advocacy Coalition, leads the Inheritance Theater Project as its artistic director, and co-created a groundbreaking “Theatre of Change” course at Columbia University School of Law.
Master Choreographer: Darrell Grand Moultrie
Darrell Grand Moultrie’s dynamic and impactful choreography has graced stages across the country and beyond. A Princess Grace Choreography Fellow, his credits include the Broadway production of Fat Ham and numerous collaborations with the Public Theater, including Goddess and Good Bones.
Moultrie’s versatility shines through his diverse portfolio, encompassing productions like saturday Church at new York Theatre Workshop, Shakespeare in the Park’s 12th Night and Merry Wives, Disney’s Aida in the Netherlands, and Daddy at The New group. He has also contributed his artistry to productions at American Repertory Theater, Manhattan Theatre club, Second Stage, Portland Center Stage, and Kansas City Rep, demonstrating a remarkable range and commitment to innovative movement.
2024-25 Callaway Award Finalists:
The SDCF also recognized the following finalists for excellence in direction:
* Ken Rus Schmoll for I’m Assuming You Know David Greenspan at Atlantic Theater Company
* Whitney White for Liberation at Roundabout Theatre Company
About SDCF:
the stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) is the nonprofit arm of the Stage Directors and Choreographers society (SDC). SDCF provides support and resources to theatre directors and choreographers, fostering artistic growth and innovation. https://sdcweb.org/
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