Adding energy, pizazz and unique moments to their productions, here are the 2025 Orlando Sentinel honorees for best ensemble, as selected by theater critic Matthew J. Palm.

Although it’s impossible for one person to see every local production, as the Orlando Sentinel’s theater critic, each year I see a broad array of dramas, comedies and musicals. The individuals selected for this 2025 theatrical honor roll, presented here alphabetically, elevated Central Florida’s theatrical arts. Go to OrlandoSentinel.com/entertainment to see the honorees in other categories, and check back on Dec. 22 to learn the Critic’s Pick in this category.

Theatre at St. Luke’s

In August: The extra-large ensemble of “Big Fish” helped make the protagonist’s tall tales larger than life in multiple ways — from a pep rally to a circus. And the performers did it all in ways that augmented the principal characters without pulling focus from them.

Orlando Shakes

In February: The hard-working crew of “Cabaret” made all that hoofing look effortless. The performers successfully made it feel like they were old pros at working the Kit Kat Klub, where they provided a crucial segment of setting the scene. And they had to do it all up close and personal with patrons in the VIP seats.

Osceola Arts

In July: The “Catch Me If You Can” ensemble, from flirty flight attendants to merry medicos, added to the sense of fun that permeated this musical, executing their moves with a sense of giddy glee,  a reflection of the protagonist’s excitement as he gets away with lie after lie.

Renaissance Theatre

In July: The “Hair” ensemble captured an undercurrent of anger behind the show’s exuberance. Strong in voice, these performers were perpetually in motion as they created the show’s energy, leaping up and down the tiers of the central stage with almost unnerving ferocity.

Theater West End

In June: In keeping with the production’s concept, ensemble members were encouraged to bring themselves to the stage. This made for a diverse and interesting group of performers who smartly found ways to be part of the collaborative-group nature of a show while showing us their individuality.

Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment.