There are  many theater awards, which makes the most talented performers extra busy in May, appearing at ceremonies and receptions, such as the one for the 2016 Drama Desk Award nominees yesterday. In the video below the photographs I ask almost two dozen nominees: What show convinced you to become a performer?

Click on any photograph to see it enlarged.

Benjamin Walker, American Psycho photograph by Jonathan Mandell

The cast of The Humans, from left to right: Reed Birney, Jayne Houdyshelll, Cassie Beck, Lauren Klein, Arian Moayed photograph by Jonathan Mandell

Frank Langella, The Father photograph by Jonathan Mandell

Cynthia Erivo, The Color Purple photographed by Barry Gordin

Danielle Brooks, photograph by Jonathan Mandell

Megan Hilty, Noises Off photograph by Barry Gordin

Steve Martin and Carmen Cusack,Bright Star photograph by Jonathan Mandell

Jessie Mueller, Waitress photographed by Barry Gordin

Danny Burstein, Fiddler on the Roof photographed by Barry Gordin

Jessica Lange (Long Day’s Journey Into Night) with Frank Langella (The Father) photograph by Jonathan Mandell