“Thank you to my parents,” said Peter Oyloe, winner in the category of best supporting actor in a play for his work in “The Pillowman” at Red Twist Theatre,”for believing that you don’t have to have money to be successful.”

James T. Scott, winner for his work on Quest Theatre Ensemble’s “Evolution/Creation” thanked “the residents of Andersonville” for allowing the contents of their dumpsters to be recycled into Jeff Award-winning puppets.

Other major acting awards presented at Monday night’s event at the Park West nighterie went to Kendra Thulin, who played the title role in Steep Theatre Company’s hit production of “Harper Reagan,” Courtney Crouse of “Chess” and Darrell Cox of “Killer Joe.” The much-coveted award for ensemble was awarded to the Raven Theatre’s company for “Twelve Angry Men.” New-plays kudos were shared by Ellen Fairey (for “Graceland”) and Michael Rohd and Phillip C. Klapperich (for “Wilson Wants it All” at the House Theatre). And the Jeff committee presented a special award to Circle Theatre, which has been producing theater in Forest Park for 25 years.

“Our companies,” said Glen Z. Herring, chair of the Jeff Awards Committee, introducing Circle Theatre as emblematic of the entire Chicago theater, “are both fierce and fearless.”

David Cromer, who has two shows in Chicago this season and two shows on Broadway next season, presented the two Jeff awards for best play and musical. The theater-loving Ald. Joe Moore was present supporting Theo Ubique, located in his Rogers Park ward.

Hosts Kevin Bellie and Frances Limoncelli had many droll tricks up their sleeves, including a medley poking fun at the popularity of musicals by adding songs to plays (“The Pillowman can…”) that ended with the hosts leading the crowd at Park West, lighters in hand, singing “all we are saying, is give plays a chance.”

2010 NON-EQUITY JEFF AWARD RECIPIENTS

PRODUCTION / PLAY
“Killer Joe” – Profiles Theatre

PRODUCTION / MUSICAL
“Chess” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

DIRECTOR / PLAY
Rick Snyder for “Killer Joe” – Profiles Theatre

DIRECTOR / MUSICAL
Fred Anzevino and Brenda Didier for “Chess” – Theo Ubique with Michael James

ENSEMBLE
“Twelve Angry Men” – Raven Theatre

ACTOR IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE / PLAY
Darrell W. Cox in “Killer Joe” – Profiles Theatre

ACTOR IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE / MUSICAL
Courtney Crouse in “Chess” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

ACTRESS IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE / PLAY
Kendra Thulin in “Harper Regan” – Steep Theatre Company

ACTRESS IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE / MUSICAL
Maggie Portman in “Chess” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE / PLAY
Peter Oyloe in “The Pillowman” – Redtwist Theatre

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE / MUSICAL
John B. Leen in “Chess” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTNG ROLE / PLAY
Nancy Friedrich in “The Crucible” – Infamous Commonwealth
Vanessa Greenway in “The Night Season” – Vitalist Theatre with Premiere Theatre

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE / MUSICAL OR REVUE
Kate Garassino in “Bombs Away!” – Bailiwick Repertory Theatre

NEW WORK
Ellen Fairey for “Graceland” – Profiles Theatre
Michael Rohd and Phillip C. Klapperich for “Wilson Wants It All” – House Theatre of Chicago

NEW ADAPTATION
Frances Limoncelli for “Busman’s Honeymoon” – Lifeline Theatre

CHOREOGRAPHY
Brenda Didier for “Chess” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

ORIGINAL INCIDENTAL MUSIC
Trevor Watkin for “The Black Duckling” – Dream Theatre Company

MUSIC DIRECTION
Ryan Brewster for “Chess” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre with Michael James

SCENIC DESIGN
John Zuiker for “I Am My Own Wife” – Bohemian Theatre Ensemble

LIGHTING DESIGN
Sean Mallary for “St. Crispin’s Day” – Strawdog Theatre Company

COSTUME DESIGN
Theresa Ham for “The Glorious Ones” – Bohemian Theatre Ensemble
Joanna Melville for “St. Crispin’s Day” – Strawdog Theatre Company

SOUND DESIGN
Miles Polaski for “Mouse in a Jar” – Red Tape Theatre

ARTISTIC SPECIALIZATION
Lucas Merino: Video design for “Wilson Wants It All” – House Theatre of Chicago
James T. Scott: Puppets for “Evolution/Creation” – Quest Theatre Ensemble

FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY
Geoff Coates for “Treasure Island” – Lifeline Theatre

SPECIAL AWARD
Circle Theatre