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To the WATCH Board, Judges, and Alternates:
Happy New Year, and welcome to the 2026 WATCH year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.
Typically these reports will go out each Wednesday, but with shows opening as soon as next week, I did not feel like we could wait for the first Wednesday in January, hence the Thursday delivery.
Thank you all for agreeing to serve as judges this year. We could not do it without you. For those of you joining us for the first time, my name is Kira Hogan, and I will be serving as your Adjudication Coordinator once again.
This section at the top is where I post important information. Please take the time to read it. I won’t have something here every week, and I try to keep it relatively short (despite what the below might suggest). But if I do include anything here, it is because it is something important that I think everyone needs to know, so please read it. (If I think it is not being read, I may institute quizzes. 😉)
Most important for everyone to know is that we have a new ballot this year. We tried to keep everything as similar as possible with the previous ballot, with some slight improvements, so hopefully it will be a seamless transition from a user perspective. But I wanted to mention it because you will likely notice a difference in how it looks. The new ballot is not active yet, but when it is, you will be able to access it on the WATCH website, and I will include a link every week in the “Useful Links” section of this report. The ballot will be active before our first show opens.
Below is the remaining basic information you need to know for judging – essential for new judges, but it wouldn’t hurt for returning judges to read as a refresher (especially those I have to repeatedly ping about their reservations and/or ballots).
There are basically four steps to the judging process:
- Search the weekly report for your name. If you see your name listed for a show and have not yet made your reservation, do so and then send me an email with your reservation date. (This last step is the most overlooked step in the process. I need to track every judge who sees every show to make sure a show is fully covered; if I do not hear from you, I will send you and your rep pestering emails.)
- See your show.
- After seeing the show, submit your ballot (link coming under “USEFUL LINKS” below and on the WATCH website). The deadline for submitting a ballot is 30 days after the show closes, and no ballot will be accepted after this date. However, we strongly recommend you get the ballot submitted within 10 days of viewing the show, while it is still fresh in your mind.(2 to 3 days is even better.) It might be a good idea for anyone filling out a ballot for the first time or who needs a refresher to watch the balloting section of training again right before filling out their first ballot. There is a precise way it needs to be done, and if done incorrectly, it makes the job of Margaret, our tabulator, much harder and leads to more errors in tabulation.
- Once a ballot is submitted, our tabulator will send a confirmation of receipt to you, to your rep and to me. Once I receive this receipt, I will remove your name from the report. If you see your name still listed as missing a ballot on the next report but have already submitted, it probably means I did not receive the receipt, so let me know. Margaret likes to receive copies of the playbills for every show, so if you have the capability, please send her a copy of the playbill at watchtab@mac.com (her email address also appears in the Useful Links section each week).
And that’s it in a nutshell. Pretty easy, right?
I will send a report every Wednesday (starting next week). However, if for some reason you do not receive a report one week, there is a blog site where I post each week’s report shortly after sending it out. This link is also listed in Useful Links, and I highly recommend you bookmark this site on both your phone and computer so you can easily access it if you need to. These reports contain all the information you need for each theater, so having the blog site bookmarked on your phone could come in handy as you are on your way to the venue.
Please make sure you read this report every week. Schedules change and shift across the year, so while the matrix can be used as a guideline, this report is the final word on scheduling. So even if you don’t think you have an assignment coming up, read the report anyway, just in case. And if you see your name listed for a show you were not expecting, please don’t worry. Production and schedule changes may result in you seeing a show you were not expecting to see and/or at a time you did not expect it. If you do not see a show listed that you were expecting to see, it means that show has been cancelled or postponed.
If you have an assignment you cannot fulfill, your first stop should be your theater’s rep. They will contact the other judges from your theater to see if someone can take your assignment or possibly swap with you. If they cannot find someone they will contact me and I will put a call out in the next weekly report to see if a judge from another theater can cover it for you. As you can see, it’s not a quick process. So please reach out to your rep as soon as possible. If you wait until right before the show is scheduled to close, you may be out of luck.
On that note, on some reports you will see a note “Alternate Needed” next to a judge’s name. This means that the assigned judge could not attend the production and their theater’s primary and alternate judges also could not attend. If you can adjudicate the production as an alternate, please let me know. Similarly, if you see a show that you were not assigned to in a non-WATCH capacity (i.e. just for fun), please keep your program and let me know. That way I can call on you if we end up needing an alternate ballot after the show closes. And I love it when you take another judge as your +1 to the shows allowing companion tickets as it ensures a built-in alternate ballot if one becomes needed after a show closes. But, of course, please feel free to take whomever you want.
All new judges are required to review the training videos before their first assignment, and it is up to each rep to make sure their judges are trained. Training videos can be found under the “For Judges” tab of the WATCH website (it is called “Adjudication Criteria”). Please let your rep know when you have watched all of the videos.
The “Just the Facts” document with every theater’s information will also be posted on the WATCH website and the link will be in each report as well. But please note that the information for each theater listed in the weekly report contains the most up to date information. Things may change across the year, but we do not update the Just the Facts document with these changes. We also recommend downloading a copy, printing it out and keeping a copy in your car in case you ever need information on the way to the theater and cannot check online.
If you have any questions at any point, feel free to email me at watchadjudication@gmail.com. I would recommend adding this to your email address book, both for ease of contacting me and in hopes my emails to you do not get bounced and/or sent to Spam.
And now, is everyone excited? Is everybody ready? Because ready or not, here we go … May the odds be ever in your favor … (JK, I promise, it’s not that bad)
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NOTE: Balloting for a show closes 30 days after the show closes. If you owe us a ballot, please get it in as soon as possible.
Friendly Reminders:
- DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL.It’s very long, and the reply will include the entire thing.Please send a new email to watchadjudication@gmail.com
- DO email me your reservation dates.Really, I want to know!
- DO search this entire report for your name, including in the “Closed” section to see if you owe any ballots.
- If you go see a show that you were not assigned to see, please let me know in case we need an alternate.Try to keep the playbills for all shows you see at WATCH company theaters, at least until you see that it has closed with all ballots received.Similarly, if you see a note that an alternate is needed and you are available to see that show, please let me know.
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USEFUL LINKS:
(Please bookmark or add to your email address book)
Adjudication Coordinator’s email address (Kira) – watchadjudication@gmail.com
Tabulator’s email address (Margaret) – watchtab@mac.com
Weekly Report back up website – http://watchweeklyreport.blogspot.com/
Ballot – [TBD]
WATCH website – http://www.washingtontheater.org
Just the Facts – https://www.washingtontheater.org/wp-content/uploads/JustTheFacts2026.pdf
Training materials – https://www.washingtontheater.org/for-judges/adjudication-criteria/
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CLOSING THIS WEEK (no shows close by January 4)
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OPENING THIS WEEK (no shows open January 2)
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RUNNING (no shows are running now)
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OPENING NEXT WEEK (2 shows open January 9)
Colonial Players of Annapolis (CPA) – Other Desert Cities
January 9 – 31
| ACCT Judge 2 | Elizabeth Replogle |
| ASGT Judge 3 | Pat Browning |
| DTC Judge 3 | Jason Damaso |
| FCT Judge 2 | Tina Embree |
| GAC Judge 4 | Cate Krage |
| KCP Judge 3 | Noel Schoonover |
| LTA Judge 1 | Franklin Coleman |
| RMT Judge 3 | Maggie Modig |
| SP Judge 1 | Jim Bowen-Collinson |
| VTC Judge 2 | Jocelyn Steiner |
Performance Address: 108 East Street, Annapolis MD 21401
Company Website: thecolonialplayers.org
How to reserve WATCH judge tickets: Either email boxoffice@thecolonialplayers.org or call the box office at (410) 268-7373 opt. 2, and identify yourself as a WATCH judge
Companion Comp Policy: Free companion ticket available
Curtain Times: Thursdays – Saturdays at 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00 pm
Seating Type: Reserved
Ticket Prices: $23 adults, $18 seniors (65+)/full-time students/active military with ID
Watch Rep Name: Terry Averill
Watch Rep E-Mail: cpa@washingtontheater.org
Directions to performance space(s): From the Beltway, take Route 50 East to Exit 24 for Rowe Blvd South. Proceed about 1 mile to the College Creek bridge.
Parking for the theater is easiest at the large Calvert Street Garage (State Garage) at 19 St. John's Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, which is free of charge from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am Mon-Thu nights and all weekends from 6:00 pm Friday night to 6:00 am Monday. In addition to the State Garage, the Gotts Court Garage at West and Calvert Streets is also within walking distance. Visit annapolisparking.com or accessannapolis.com for more information on parking options.
Directions to the Calvert Street Garage: Stay in the left lane when crossing the College Creek bridge. Turn left at the next light onto Calvert Street. Go to the stop sign and turn left on to St. John's St. The garage entrance is on the left.
The theater is about 6 blocks away. From the Calvert Street Garage, walk up St. John’s Street and cross College Avenue. Proceed on North St. to State Circle. Turn left on State Circle and walk two blocks to East Street. Turn left and the theater will be on your left a half block ahead.
Directions directly to the theater: Stay in the left lane when crossing the College Creek bridge, proceed straight at the light to College Ave. Turn left on to College Ave. Proceed one block and turn right on to North St. Turn right at State Circle and drive approximately halfway around the Circle to East Street. Turn right and the theater is one half block on your left.
Kentlands Community Players (KCP) – A Man for All Seasons
January 9 – 25
| BP Judge 2 | Ellen Kaplan |
| CFTC Judge 1 | Courtney Marsh |
| CRT Judge 2 | Sally Ann Flores |
| DS Judge 2 | Paul Caffrey |
| HBP Judge 1 | Jim Watson |
| LMP Judge 4 | Marge McGugan |
| PPF Judge 2 | Ward Kay |
| SMP Judge 1 | Paul Brewster |
| SSP Judge 2 | Gene Valendo |
| VLOC Judge 1 | Amanda Jones |
Performance Address: 311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg MD 20878
Company Website: www.kentlandscommunityplayers.org
How to reserve WATCH judge tickets: Email KCP rep Meredith Fogle at meredith@meredithfogle.com
Companion Comp Policy: No companion ticket
Curtain Times: Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00pm
Seating Type: General Admission (not reserved)
Ticket Prices: $22 adults; $20 seniors and students
Watch Rep Name: Meredith Fogle
Watch Rep E-Mail: kcp@washingtontheater.org
Directions to performance space(s): Head northwest on I-270 N, Take exit 6B to merge onto MD-28 W/W Montgomery Ave toward Poolesville/Darnestown. Continue on MD-28 W. Drive to Firehouse Ln in Gaithersburg
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OPENING IN TWO WEEKS (4 shows open January 16)
Hard Bargain Players (HBP) – What the Constitution Means to Me
January 16 – 31
| BCT Judge 4 | Joanne Bauer / Jennifer Franklin |
| CPA Judge 4 | Amy & Richard Atha-Nicholls |
| MCP Judge 3 | Mike Holland |
| MP Judge 2 | Joy Wyne |
| PWLT Judge 1 | Terri Ritchey |
| RCP Judge 3 | Richard Durkin |
| RLT Judge 4 | Laura W. Andruski |
| SSI Judge 2 | Rebecca Hanauer |
| SSS Judge 2 | Debbie Peetz and William Kolodrubetz |
| TAP Judge 1 | Alden Michels |
Performance Address: Indian Head Center for the Arts, 4185 Indian Head Highway, Indian Head, MD 20640
Company Website: www.hardbargainplayers.org
How to reserve WATCH judge tickets: Call or text HBP rep Suzanne Donohue at 301-643-6129
Companion Comp Policy: Free companion ticket available
Curtain Times: Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm
Seating Type: General Admission (not reserved)
Ticket Prices: $15
Watch Rep Name: Suzanne Donohue
Watch Rep E-Mail: hbp@washingtontheater.org
Directions to performance space(s): The Indian Head Center for the Arts is located just 30 minutes south of Washington, DC. in the Town of Indian Head, MD, in Western Charles County.
From the Capital Beltway - Take Exit 3 to Route 210 South (Indian Head Hwy South). Travel approximately 20 miles and turn left on Indian Head Ave. We are on the left just after Indian Head Town Hall. Parking in rear.
From the D.C. Area - Take Indian Head Hwy south (Rt 210) all the way to Indian Head Ave. (Rt 210 connects to I495 just east of the Wilson Bridge). Turn left on Indian Head Ave. We are on the left just after Indian Head Town Hall. Parking in rear.
From LaPlata - Take 225 to Indian Head Hwy South. Turn left on Indian Head Hwy and in about 2 miles, turn left on Indian Head Ave. We are on the left just after Indian Head Town Hall. Parking in rear.
Laurel Mill Playhouse (LMP) – Save My Black Soul
January 16 – February 1
| ASGT Judge 1 | Jeff Slater |
| DS Judge 3 | Gary DiNardo |
| GAC Judge 1 | John Decker |
| LTA Judge 2 | Scott Strasbaugh |
| MCP Judge 1 | Claire Tse |
| RCP Judge 1 | Steve Cairns |
| RLT Judge 4 | Laura W. Andruski |
| RMT Judge 4 | Eric Scerbo |
| SSS Judge 3 | David Gorsline – reserved |
| VTC Judge 4 | Charlie Boone |
Performance Address: 508 Main Street, Laurel MD 20707
Company Website: laurelmillplayhouse.org
How to reserve WATCH judge tickets: Email lmp508main@gmail.com or call 301-617-9906
Companion Comp Policy: Free companion ticket available
Curtain Times: Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00pm
Seating Type: General Admission (not reserved)
Ticket Prices: Plays - $20 adults, $15 senior/child/student/military
Musicals - $23 adults, $18 senior/child/student/military
Watch Rep Name: John Cholod
Watch Rep E-Mail: lmp@washingtontheater.org
Directions to performance space(s): From I-95 take exit for Route 216 East. Turn left at the third traffic light onto Main Street. In 2/10 of a mile, theater will be on your right.
Port Tobacco Players (PTP) – Doubt: A Parable
January 16 – February 1
| CRT Judge 1 | Richard Prien |
| DS Judge 4 | Jeff Davis |
| GAC Judge 2 | Gretchen Jacobs |
| HBP Judge 4 | Tessa Silvestro |
| LTA Judge 3 | Beck Webster |
| PWLT Judge 2 | Deb Hansen |
| SMP Judge 3 | Ned Kieloch |
| SSI Judge 1 | Dana Bonistalli |
| SSP Judge 1 | Diane Schwartz |
| SSS Judge 1 | Tristan Poje / Gemma Davimes |
Performance Address: 508 Charles Street, La Plata MD 20646
Company Website: www.ptplayers.com
How to reserve WATCH judge tickets: Call the Box Office at 301-932-6819 and identify yourself as a WATCH judge. Leave your phone number, email, and whether you wish to reserve a companion seat. WATCH Judges are highly encouraged to call early when attending a Musical or our Holiday show because these productions regularly sell out. Sunday matinee performances also sell out very quickly for both plays and musicals
Companion Comp Policy: Free companion ticket available
Curtain Times: Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm; Sundays at 3:00 pm
Seating Type: Reserved
Ticket Prices: Plays: $15 - $18; Musicals: $17 - $20
Watch Rep Name: Ben Simpson
Watch Rep E-Mail: ptp@washingtontheater.org
Directions to performance space(s): From Baltimore: Get on the Washington beltway (495), and take Exit # 7, Maryland Route 5 South towards Waldorf. Continue South on Route 5 for about twenty miles. Route 5 will merge with Route 301 and in Waldorf, Route 5 will split off to the left towards Leonardtown. Keep going straight on Route 301 towards La Plata. Before leaving La Plata, you will reach a stop light (Maryland Route 6), turn left. PTP is about half a mile down Route 6 (Charles Street) on your left, just past the railroad tracks. It is a very tall conspicuous building in its surroundings and you should find it easily. Do not park in the urgent care center parking lot; if you do, your car will be towed.
From Virginia: Once across the Wilson Bridge take Exit # 3A, Route 210 South towards Indian Head. Travel South on Route 210 for about 10 miles and take a left on Route 228, Berry Road, going towards Waldorf. Continue on 228 for about 7 miles until you reach the intersection of Route 301. Turn right (headed South again) on Route 301 for about 10 miles until you reach Maryland Route 6 in La Plata. Turn left on Route 6 (Charles Street) and PTP will be about a half mile on the left, just after the railroad tracks. It is a very tall conspicuous building in its surroundings and you should find it easily. Do not park in the urgent care center parking lot; if you do, your car will be towed.
Reston Community Players (RCP) – She Kills Monsters
January 16 – February 1
| CFTC Judge 1 | Courtney Marsh |
| CPA Judge 2 | John Purnell |
| CRT Judge 2 | Sally Ann Flores |
| KCP Judge 4 | Tracy Husted |
| MP Judge 4 | Nic Stearns / Roger Stone |
| PWLT Judge 3 | Jon Radulovic |
| RLT Judge 1 | Leena Dev / Teresa Gillcrist |
| RMT Judge 1 | Cathy Kieserman |
| SSP Judge 4 | Aref Nader Dajani |
| VLOC Judge 3 | Kent Woods |
Performance Address: Reston Community Center’s CenterStage, Hunters Woods Village Center, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston VA 20191
Company Website: www.restonplayers.org
How to reserve WATCH judge tickets: Call the Reston Community Center Box Office at (703) 476-4500 x38 and leave a voicemail identifying yourself as a WATCH judge, with your first and last name, phone number and email address, as well as the number of tickets you require. The box office will follow up with an email containing the tickets and/or confirming will call tickets which will be scanned at the theater door
Companion Comp Policy: Free companion ticket available
Curtain Times: Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00 pm
Seating Type: Reserved
Ticket Prices: $30 adults; $25 seniors and students
Watch Rep Name: Liz Mykietyn
Watch Rep E-Mail: rcp@washingtontheater.org
Directions to performance space(s): From Dulles Toll Road (W); take Exit 12 (Reston Parkway), turn left at the traffic signal, and cross over the Dulles Toll Road; go to the third traffic light, and turn left onto Glade Drive. Turn left at the first traffic light onto Colts Neck Road. Enter the Hunters Woods Village Center immediately on your right (at the huge Safeway). Walk to the Community Center located behind Ledo’s Pizza. See map on website.
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CLOSED – 117 shows scheduled in 2026: 0 closed – 0 with all ballots, 0 with outstanding ballots, 0 closed with less than 10 ballots
Note: Only recently closed shows and those still missing ballots appear below. 76 additional shows have closed with all ballots received.
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Okay, thanks!
Kira
(Excited for the new year — Well, excited and scared [credit to LRRH and Mr. Stephen Sondheim])
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