The Stage Awards

Any performing arts organisation, regardless of size, is able to be nominated for The Stage Awards. An open nominations process allows any individual to nominate themselves or another organisation they admire. After nominations are submitted by the public, the judging panel consult 50 leading figures within the UK theatre industry, working across all sectors, and ask for their input for the long list. At this point, senior figures within The Stage's editorial team are also consulted. Finally, a judging panel meet to consider all submissions, choosing the shortlist and winners.[4]

The judging panel has included The Stage's current editor Alistair Smith, previous editor Brian Attwood, associate editor Mark Shenton, associate editor Lyn Gardner, theatre critic Aleks Sierz, theatre critic Susan Elkin, news editor Matt Hemley, reviews editor Natasha Tripney, critic Tim Bano, features editor Nick Clark, former Theatrical Management Association president AK Bennett Hunter, reporter Natalie Woolman.[5]

As of 2021, the current judging panel comprises of: The Stage's current editor Alistair Smith, BBC Front Row and Newswatch presenter Samira Ahmed, Daily Mail entertainment columnist Baz Bamigboye, joint lead critic for The Stage Tim Bano, Columnist for The Stage and critic for Variety David Benedict, features editor of The Stage Nick Clarke, associate editor for The Stage Lyn Gardner, news editor of The Stage Matt Hemley, chief reporter of The Stage Georgia Snow and reviews editor of The Stage Natasha Tripney.

When first established, the only categories were Regional Theatre of the Year, London Theatre of the Year, Fringe Theatre of the Year, Producer of the Year and School of the Year.

The Unsung Hero Award was added in 2012, to recognise individuals who had made a key contribution to the theatre industry out of the limelight. In its first year, the award was presented to 3 individuals: Edwin Shaw, Heather Miller and Frances Coyle.[6]

Two new categories were added for 2015: Theatre Building of the Year and the International Award.[7] The Theatre Building of the Year award can be given to any physical structure of space hosting theatrical performances. The International Award was set up to recognise achievements with an international element, including touring abroad or working in collaboration.

For 2017, two further categories were introduced: the Innovation Award and the Sustainability Award.[8] The first category aims to recognise new design, technical or creative developments in the sector, and the latter category celebrates environmental initiatives undertaken by performing arts organisations.[9]

For 2020, the Achievement in Technical Theatre award was introduced to celebrate excellence in technical theatre, recognising the superb work that has been going on behind the scenes in theatres and performance spaces all over the country.

Current categories at The Stage Awards:

• Regional Theatre of the Year
• London Theatre of the Year
• Fringe Theatre of the Year
• Theatre Building of the Year
• Producer of the Year
• International Award
• Innovation Award
• Achievement in Technical Theatre
• Unsung Hero

First introduced in 2012, the award is presented to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the performing arts industry. Edwin Shaw, Heather Miller and Frances Coyle were the inaugural winners of the award.

Edwin Shaw worked in the West End for more than 50 years, and served as box office manager at the London Palladium for over 35 years. Nominated by producers David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, they said: "not a day goes by" when producers from across Theatreland do not consult Shaw. Heather Miller won for her work as a chaperone on numerous productions in the West End and on tour including Oliver!, Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. She was nominated by casting director Jo Hawes, who worked with Miller for over 17 years. Frances Coyle was presented with the award for her work at Glasgow's Citizens Theatre, where she worked for over 40 years having joined the venue in 1967.[10]

In 2013, the Unsung Hero award was given to Anne McNulty and Chris Isherman. Anne McNulty was awarded for her 20-year career at the Donmar Warehouse as its casting director. Nominated by artistic director Josie Rourke, she was praised for unearthing talent including Tom Hiddleston and Lara Pulver.[11] Chris Isherman was presented with the Unsung Hero award for his long standing service as the theatre manager of the Duchess Theatre, London. Nominated by producer James Seabright, he was described as "one of the last of the ‘old school’ theatre managers” that still sported a dinner jacket and greeted every audience member with care and attention before every production."

Theatre consultant Andy Collier was presented with the Unsung Hero award posthumously in 2014.[12] The award was collected by his son Ben Collier.

The 2015 award was presented to Sue Nightingale, Birmingham Repertory Theatre's head of wardrobe for her extensive career and commitment to theatre outside of the limelight.[13]

Stage manager Roger Miller was named Unsung Hero at The Stage Awards 2016. He won the award for his work towards saving the Felixstowe Spa Pavilion Theatre.[14]

Ned Seago won the Unsung Hero award at The Stage Awards 2017. Seago has worked at the Old Vic, London for over 30 years with artistic director Matthew Warchus calling him "unfailingly sensitive, kind, discrete, loyal and supportive".[15]

At The Stage Awards 2018, the award was presented to interior designer Clare Ferraby. Ferraby is behind the interiors of more than 80 theatres including the London Palladium and Theatre Royal, Nottingham, as well as the refurbished Victoria Palace, home of Hamilton.[16]

Pat Nelder, capital development associate at Theatre Clwyd since 1977, was awarded the Unsung Hero in 2019. He joined the theatre as a junior member in the LX department, but has since worked in various roles and is now the capital development associate. The theatre's artistic director Tamara Harvey said: "Quietly, constantly and with unceasing humility, he is the very best of us."

In 2020, front of house assistant Mary Joseph at the Almeida Theatre was awarded with the Unsung Hero award. While she started working at the Almeida as a cleaner in 1995, Joseph now works six days a week - mainly in the box office kiosk. Having worked at the north London theatre for a quarter of a century, Joseph is the “essence of the Almeida” according to its artistic director Rupert Goold.

• The Stage
• The Stage Debut Awards
• The Stage Awards for Acting Excellence