Goodspeed Musicals Awards
Andrew A. Isen Prize to Keirsten Hodgens
Annual Prize Supports Emerging Musical Theatre Professionals

EAST HADDAM, Conn. (March 27, 2024) – Goodspeed Musicals is pleased to announce that Keirsten Hodgens has been selected as this year’s recipient of The Andrew A. Isen Prize at Goodspeed Musicals. This award is funded through a generous gift given by DC-based entrepreneur and musical theatre devotee Andrew A. Isen and was created to give young people who are in the early stages of professional development financial assistance and encouragement to focus on artistic excellence in musical theatre.

Hodgens, an actor who recently performed in Goodspeed Musicals’ Dreamgirls, said this upon learning of the decision, "Describing how much winning this award means to me in so few words is incredibly difficult. I am so grateful and honored! To be awarded a gift that has been set in place to aid aspiring artists like myself is so inspiring and has fueled me in ways unimaginable. I was very specific in the ways that I intend to use the award, and I plan on achieving each and every goal. My wish is to continue to embody every element of what this award stands for. I will continue to grow and pour into my craft, to inspire, and give back in all of the ways that have been given to me! I am so thankful to Andrew Isen and the entire team at Goodspeed! My gratitude is endless."

Isen served on the selection committee and is thrilled with the recipient.  "This was our dream – to acknowledge young theatre artists in the beginning stages of their career, especially those who are rarely recognized for their vital contributions," Isen said. "Keirsten has a vision that is unique and vital. I am pleased we are able to facilitate an important step in her pursuit of a career in musical theatre. She has a rare talent, a strong vision for her future and a passion to make a difference in the world through her art." 

The Andrew A. Isen Prize at Goodspeed Musicals is the first-of-its-kind prize dedicated to supporting emerging musical theatre professionals across all disciplines. Given annually, this prize recognizes a young person between the ages of 20 and 29 who has demonstrated excellence in their work during the previous Goodspeed Musicals’ season. Chosen by a committee of theatrical professionals, the honoree will be awarded $5,000 to aid in their pursuit of a career in musical theatre. The establishment of this award with Goodspeed Musicals will also serve to enhance Goodspeed’s efforts to recruit exceptional technicians, designers and other theater professionals.

For more information about employment opportunities at Goodspeed Musicals, please visit gooodspeed.org.