Pointless Theatre Company Receives John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company

theatreWashington has announced that the 2014 John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company will be presented to Pointless Theatre, an ensemble of young artists who work collaboratively to write, design, promote, and produce theatrical works that pair live performers with imaginative puppetry.

The John Aniello Award bears the name of the late theatre supporter, beloved for his encouragement of emerging talent and for fledgling theatre companies that continually bring new ideas and energy to the Washington theatre scene. The award recognizes groups that have shown great promise in their early years, and that have proven their lasting commitment with a body of work that is both groundbreaking and compelling.

"The John Aniello Award is a beautiful demonstration of the overall purpose of the Helen Hayes Awards," said Linda Levy, President and CEO of theatreWashington, which administers and produces the annual awards. "Each Helen Hayes Award that is given encourages future success, even as it honors past achievements. The Aniello Award makes that message very specific. It puts a bright, young company in the public eye and says, 'Keep an eye on these kids. You're going to be hearing a lot more from them.'"

Founded in 2009 by an ensemble gathered under the leadership of co-artistic directors Patti Kalil and Matt Reckeweg, Pointless Theatre is dedicated to merging ensemble work, puppetry, and vivid stage design. Highlights of recent seasons include Minnie the Moocher and Canterbury, based on Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. The company's unique take on Sleeping Beauty, subtitled "a puppet ballet," opens April 9 at the Mead Theatre Lab.

Kalil commented, "This award is invaluable to us as a young, ambitious theatre company. We have challenged ourselves for years to ensure constant artistic growth and innovation through our art. This award is a recognition of our accomplishments. We can continue to unabashedly create original, multi-disciplinary art, knowing we have the support from inspiring artists and passionate audiences in DC. We are extremely honored."

Reckeweg noted the importance of the Aniello Award's encouragement of future growth. "As Pointless evolves," he said, "we hope to emerge as a national leader in puppetry and ensemble-created theatre, while keeping our commitment to enriching the DC arts community."

The previous six recipients of The John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company include Dizzy Miss Lizzie's Roadside Revue (2013), Faction of Fools Theatre Company (2012), Factory 449: A Theatre Collective and No Rules Theatre Company (2011), 1st Stage (2010), Constellation Theatre Company (2009), and Taffety Punk Theatre Company (2008).

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