CAPPIES

The Cappies “Critics and Awards Program,” was originally sponsored by the Capitol Steps and the Northern Virginia Theatre Alliance, to bring excitement, mutual support, audience, and recognition to high school theater.

Today, Cappies is nation-wide with chapters in 14+ city areas throughout the US. Lake Braddock is a member of the National Capital Area Chapter which serves 24 FCPS high schools and approximately 2,500 students. Participating high schools select one Cappies show (musical or play) per school year. Student critics are trained in theatre criticism, the Cappies rules, and fairness and respect for their fellow students, under the guidance of mentors from high school theater departments, the Capitol Steps, and other local performers. The mentors select student reviews to be submitted to the Washington Post, high school newspapers, and other local media for publication.

At the end of the school year, student and mentor critiques will provide the basis for Cappie nominations, and Cappie awards. Each participating school will also give four end-of-year awards to its own students: two Theatre Achievement (TA) awards to graduating seniors and two Rising Star awards to younger performers or tech crews. The Cappies Gala is the culminating event where individual students, casts, and school productions are recognized for achievement.  

To be considered for Cappies Critic, students submit a sample critique. Each selected student then attends five shows and writes critiques on each.

2024-2025 LAKE BRADDOCK CAPPIES CRITIC TEAM

Lead Cappies Critic

Bella Molino

Critics

Ashley Kennedy

Christine Dang

Cora Ahlstrom

Kinsey Lin

Leah Rajnik

Madison Eismeier

Rebecca Weingast

Warner Smith

Alternate

Lily Maher

Critics in Training

Carly Bruckmann

Sydney Treon