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Emerging Theatre Award

Broadway In Chicago sponsors the League of Chicago Theatres Emerging Theatre Award out of a commitment to the Chicago Theatre Community.

The Emerging Theatre Award was created to highlight young theatres in Chicago that have demonstrated artistic excellence. Applications for theatres are now open and can be submitted HERE.

The deadline to submit is September 6, 2024.

The Backstage Champion Award recognizes an individual within the Chicago theatre industry who has made a positive impact on our community and is not traditionally recognized. Nominations for this award are being accepted and can be submitted HERE.

Broadway In Chicago is honored to be part of such a rich diverse community with over 200 theatres throughout Chicago. Created in 2007, this award allows the theatre community to acknowledge one of its own. Companies that have distinguished themselves being on the verge of great growth, both in size and scope, emerging in the footsteps of Chicago Theatre Institutions that started in the same way they did – theatres like The Goodman, Steppenwolf Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare to name a few.

Eligible companies must be a member of the League of Chicago Theatres, have been in existence at least 3 and no longer than 10 years, and have demonstrated artistic excellence and fiscal responsibility in business practices.

Nominated by a committee of industry professionals, educators and League Board Members, five finalists are selected each year, and from those, a majority vote from the League Membership determines the winner. Broadway In Chicago provides a $5,000 cash prize.

“This award speaks to the heart of the theater community in Chicago,” said Lou Raizin, President of Broadway In Chicago. “What makes Chicago special is our ability to celebrate each other’s accomplishments, acknowledge the work we have done and create mentorship which abounds and is quite unique to Chicago.”

Emerging Theatres Award