Joseph Earns HSMTA Nomination
FWCD’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is nominated for Outstanding Technical Crew and Technical Execution at the 2026 Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA), which recognize the extraordinary work of students in the performing arts.
This annual event celebrates standout student performers and theatre technicians from across the region and includes ensemble performances from some of the year’s productions, Broadway song mashups, scholarship presentations totaling over $65,000, and Tony Awards-style acceptance speeches across multiple categories. This year’s celebration is on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 7:30 p.m., at Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas.
Technical Theatre Director Eric Tysinger shared that the nomination reflects the dedication, teamwork and leadership of the students who worked tirelessly to bring the production to life.
The team was led by Stage Manager Sam Saade ’26, Assistant Stage Manager Roeser Thomas ’26, and Student Technical Director Henry Murphey ’26, whose leadership helped set the tone for the crew. Other students contributing to the production were Brooklyn Ogozalik ’26 (Light Board Operator), Clara Cimo ’28 (Sound Playback Operator), Riley Hudman ’26 and Stella Weiskittel ’28 (Follow Spot Operators), Charli Pickard ’28 (Deck Crew), and Luci Gonzalez ’26 and Emily Simpson ’27 (Costume/Hair Assistants). Scenic construction support came from Vie Walker ’22, and Wade Laboissonniere designed selected costume pieces.
“I am so proud of this group because they are really starting to understand how to care about the product as a whole,” Tysinger said. “There is no ‘them and us’ when it comes to cast versus crew. They have embraced their roles as storytellers just as much as the cast. What they do and how they do it directly impact the story. We are always in service to the story.”
Work on the production began long before opening night. Design planning started more than a year in advance, with construction and technical work ramping up during the spring semester. Students built nearly the entire set in-house, tried with new stagecraft techniques, and worked with visiting professionals who mentored them in lighting design and scenic painting.
Technical highlights included the construction of several large set pieces, a flying-pyramid effect in Act II, and t a kabuki drop that revealed an Egyptian tapestry. Each of those moments added visual impact and helped bring the story to life on stage.
For Tysinger, the nomination represents more than recognition for a single show. “This nomination shows our students that the details matter,” he said. “Our production may not be the biggest or most expensive among the many schools that entered, but that doesn’t change the effort you give. It speaks to the strength of our technical theatre program and the direction it’s heading.”
“We are so incredibly fortunate to have the experience and professionalism that Eric Tysinger brings to our Technical Theatre Department,” said Lindy Heath, Director of Fine Arts. “His guidance and leadership of our students is amazing. Joseph was a big show with lots of music cues, props, lights, scenic pieces and costume changes. This crew of students kept things running smoothly and kept all our actors safe and supported. I am so proud of their work. I knew I could count on them for anything.”
FWCD’s HSMTA nomination marks an exciting recognition for the School’s Theatre Department and highlights the collaborative work of students, faculty and theatre professionals whose creativity and craftsmanship helped transform the stage into the colorful world of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
