Abington Friends School is proud to announce that students have received multiple nominations from the Cappies and the Philadelphia Independence Awards (PIA), recognizing outstanding achievement in high school theater across the region.

The Cappies, an international program that celebrates and elevates student work in theater, criticism, and playwriting, is uniquely student-driven—offering young artists the opportunity to evaluate productions and recognize excellence among their peers. This year, Abington Friends School’s spring production of Twelfth Night was selected for consideration.

Students from Twelfth Night have been recognized in several categories:

• Special Effects and/or Technology (Shadow Puppets):
  Grace Johnson, Izzie Pugh, Josephine Zemsky, Sydney Zimney
• Creativity (Music Composition and Orchestration):
  Clellan Hirlinger, Nathaniel Taylor
• Comic Actor in a Male Role in a Play:
  Harper Flak (Sir Andrew Aguecheek)
• Supporting Actor in a Male Role in a Play:
  Vic Moyer (Feste)
• Lead Actor in a Female Role in a Play:
  Ruby Schumm (Viola)

In addition, AFS students were also recognized by the Philadelphia Independence Awards for their fall production of Alice by Heart, receiving nominations in the following categories:

• Stage Management and Crew
• Lighting Design: Percy Kent and Axel Oravec
• Set Design: AFS JMASS
• Creativity (Projections): Josephine Zemsky

These nominations reflect the depth of talent across Abington Friends’ theater program—from performers to designers, technicians, and student critics. Together, they highlight a collaborative community where students take ownership of their work, support one another, and contribute meaningfully to the broader theater landscape.

Award recipients will be announced later this season.

Special thanks to three AFS student critics—H. Elkin, Serafina Kubersky, and Sterling Bickford—who participated in the Cappies program, attending and reviewing at least five productions across the Philadelphia area.