By Joe Siegel

I am honored to announce the five recipients of New England Theater’s 2026 Lifetime Achievement Awards.

The first honoree is Ida Zecco. Ida is a multi-talented singer, actress, and director. Over the last 30 years, Ida has been appearing in several, one-woman performances in theaters across the U.S., that she has written and created, accompanied by her Musical Director, Jim Rice. Her performances combine music, theater and stand-up comedy.

Ida has an extensive list of regional theater roles in and round New England. To Boston audiences she is most known for her roles as Barbara DeMarco, Mrs. Shubert or as Sgt. Mikey Thomas in Shear Madness, at the Charles Playhouse in Boston.

Ida won rave reviews for her performances in “Lost in Yonkers” and “Noises Off” at The Arctic Playhouse. She directed “Steel Magnolias” and “Laughter on the 23rd Floor at Arctic and also sits on the Board of Directors.

Ida is a recipient of Best Female Vocalist Award by Independence Reviewers of New England (IRNE). She also reviews theater in Rhode Island.

IDA ZECCO

Our next honoree is Lynne Collinson, an accomplished actress and director. Most recently, Lynne directed “The Memory of Water” at Burbage Theatre Company. At the performance I attended, she filled in as the Mother and delivered a deeply moving portrayal.

She directed the critically acclaimed drama “Hang” at Burbage and “20th Century Blues” for The Players.

Lynne co-starred in “Playhouse Creatures” at Burbage in 2023 and co-directed “The Revlon Girl” for The Players in 2024.

Collinson also served as Executive Director of 2nd Story Theatre in Warren for several years before forming the Women Works Theatre Collaborative.

Lynne Collinson

Our next honoree is Geoff White.

Geoff is a charismatic performer who has appeared in several productions, including the classic murder mystery “And Then There Were None” at Rhode Island Stage Ensemble.

He has appeared in several plays written and directed by Lenny Schwartz. Geoff amusingly portrayed comic book legend Stan Lee in “Ditko” in 2018.

Geoff doesn’t shy away from taking on tough roles. He memorably played Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” at Attleboro Community Theatre (ACT) as well as Frankenstein in “The People v. Frankenstein.”

Other appearances include “The State of Florida v. Mike Diana,” “Bill Finger: Rise of the Bat,” “The Motion Picture Camera of Louis Le Prince,” “Seduction of the Innocent,” and “Jerry and Joe – Birth of the Superhero.”

Next up for White is a role in “The Theater People of Huxley Street,” opening next month.

Geoff White (in middle) with Dave Almeida and Derek Laurendeau in “Bill Finger: Rise of the Bat”

Our next honoree is David Jepson.

David is an exceptionally talented actor and director, as well as set designer.

Last May, he directed the ensemble comedy “Arsenic and Old Lace” at The Arctic Playhouse.

While serving as Artistic Director at the Granite Theatre in Westerly (wife Beth served as Assistant Artistic Director), Jepson acted in and directed the dramas “Proof” and “On Golden Pond” (where he co-starred with Beth), and designed gorgeous sets for “The Hollow,” “Barefoot in the Park,” and “Black Coffee.”

Jepson also played Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” at Granite in 2018.

In 2024, Jepson directed “And Then There Were None” for The Arctic Playhouse.” He co-starred in the comedy “Noises Off” at Arctic in 2022.

David Jepson in “Proof”

Our final honoree is Vince Petronio.

Vince has acted in and directed several highly acclaimed productions over the years.

He brilliantly played Julius Caesar in a 2014 Burbage production. Other roles include “Our Town,” “The School for Lies,” and “The Lyons” at 2nd Story.

Petronio directed “Thom Pain” and “The Altruists” for Burbage and “Wait Until Dark,” “A Murder is Announced,” and “Into the Breeches” for The Players.

Vince has a dedication to the craft which continues to inspire others.

Vince has also received acting/directing awards: Newport Mercury Newspaper: Best Actor in Drama or Comedy, 2008 Another Part of the Forest; ACTRI: 1985 Best Actor Award; RIC: 1979; Asst. Director The Robber Bride Groom, National College Theater Festival National Winner.

Vince Petronio