The Stage Awards
January 31, 2020
12:00 - 15:00
Royal Opera House
The Stage Awards are the highest profile awards celebrating theatre across the whole of the UK and beyond.
Theatre is not short of awards ceremonies. But most focus on the stars, the West End glitz, the people whose names are already up in lights. When we launched The Stage Awards, we wanted a ceremony that recognised the full scope of British theatre.
Since then, our winners have included major national and international organisations such as the National Theatre and Sonia Friedman Productions, but also companies from across the British Isles, touring companies, fringe theatres located in back rooms above pubs, casting directors, stage managers, box office managers, a wardrobe manager… we believe in celebrating the whole of UK theatre.
Awards Step
Categories
Regional Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Berkley London
London Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by LMA
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by encoreinsure.com
Theatre Building of the Year
Sponsored by TAIT
Producer of the Year
Sponsored by PRG
International Award
Sponsored by Ambassador Theatre Group
Innovation Award
Sponsored by Charcoalblue
Achievement in Technical Theatre
Sponsored by ETC
Unsung Hero
Sponsored by Get Into Theatre
Timeline
October 24, 2019
Public nominations for The Stage Awards open for all categories. The Unsung Hero award is the only category that is not self-nominated
November 18, 2019
Nominations close for The Stage Awards
End of November 2019
The Stage Awards’ judging panel meets
December 12, 2019
Shortlist announced for The Stage Awards
January 31, 2020
Winners announced at The Stage Awards
"The award recognises the work being done behind the scenes to create a fair and inclusive industry."
Artistic Directors of the Future, winner of the Innovation Award at The Stage Awards 2020
Get Involved
Share The Stage Awards on social media
Share your reaction on social media with #TheStageAwards and tag The Stage @TheStage.
Sponsor
Gain vital exposure for your business and help celebrate the best in the theatre industry by sponsoring a category. Contact simon@thestage.co.uk on 020 7939 8488
The Stage Awards Headline Sponsor View All
The Stage Awards Sponsors
The Stage Awards Headline Sponsor
The Stage Awards Sponsors
Winners 2020
The Stage Awards 2020 winners
Regional Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Berkley London
WINNER: Sheffield Theatres
Also shortlisted: Derby Theatre & Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh
London Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by LMA
WINNER: Queen's Theatre Hornchurch
Also shortlisted: London Palladium & Theatre Royal Stratford East
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by encoreinsure.com
WINNER: Bunker Theatre, London
Also shortlisted: Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle & Orange Tree Theatre, London
Theatre Building of the Year
Sponsored by TAIT
WINNER: Leeds Playhouse
Also shortlisted: Boulevard Theatre, London & Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London
Producer of the Year
Sponsored by PRG
WINNER: ATG Productions
Also shortlisted: Fuel & Michael Harrison Entertainment
Achievement in Technical Theatre
Sponsored by ETC
WINNER: Sheffield Theatres’ Life of Pi creative and production teams
Also shortlisted: Max and Ben Ringham, and the team behind National Theatre’s Anna & Young Vic’s team for Death of a Salesman scratch performances
International Award
Sponsored by Ambassador Theatre Group
WINNER: Selladoor Worldwide
Also shortlisted: Coronet Theatre, London & Milo Rau
Innovation Award
Sponsored by Charcoalblue
WINNER: Artistic Directors of the future for its work to diversify theatre boards
Also shortlisted: & Juliet for its Smash Hits marketing campaign & Immersive LDN for providing a hub for immersive theatre in London
Unsung Hero
Sponsored by Get Into Theatre
WINNER: Mary Joseph
Eligibility
The Stage Awards have an open nominations process that runs in the Autumn every year.
Organisations can put themselves forward, or you can nominate another organisation you admire. The only category that should not be self-nominated is the Unsung Hero award, sponsored by Get Into Theatre.
When does the public nomination process close?
Nominations closed on November 18.
What are the judging criteria?
When telling us why are you are nominating an organisation/individual, you should try to back up any assertions with detailed figures. So, for example, if you are talking about a theatre increasing its audience numbers or box office, please include the level from and to. The artistic success of an organisation is of course taken into account – you might like to back this up with other awards, or reviews – but it is not the sole factor upon which judgements will be made. Examples of innovative business practices, outreach work, financial success – among many other factors – will also be taken into account. The awards focus on work since December 2018 – with the exception of the Unsung Hero award, sponsored by Get Into Theatre, which can cover any period.
What is the judging process?
Following the public nominations process, the nominees across all categories are considered in December by The Stage’s judging panel, which can also submit its own nominations. The shortlist for each category (excluding Unsung Hero, for which there is no shortlist) is announced on December 12, with the winners announced at The Stage Awards ceremony on January 31, 2020.
Is there a fee to enter?
There is no fee to nominate an organisation/person for The Stage Awards in association with Integro Insurance Brokers Ltd.
How can my nomination be used?
It is a condition of entry that all material submitted as part of your entry can be reproduced by The Stage Media Company at no cost.
What if I disagree with the shortlist or result?
The judging panel’s decision is final.
How we choose our shortlists and winners
Stage one In October and November, we hold an open nominations process. Organisations are able to put themselves, or others, forward for consideration across all the categories.
Stage two We ask leading figures from the UK theatre industry, working across the commercial, independent and subsidised sectors, who they would nominate in each category. We also consult senior figures from The Stage’s editorial team.
Stage three The final judging panel meet to consider all the submissions and choose the final shortlist. The panel is chaired by The Stage’s editor Alistair Smith.
If you have any other questions about the awards or nomination process please contact rachel.pottle@thestage.co.uk
Criteria
To be eligible for The Stage Awards, please make sure you familarise yourself with the criteria for each category before submitting a nomination.
Regional Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Berkley London
The top theatre outside of the capital over the past 12 months. Theatres in the UK’s nations (Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) are also eligible. Judged on criteria including (but not limited to) artistic quality, business success, innovation.
London Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by LMA
The top theatre in the capital over the past 12 months. Any venue based in Greater London is eligible. Judged on criteria including (but not limited to) artistic quality, business success, innovation.
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by encoreinsure.com
The top small-scale theatres across the UK that don’t receive core government funding. Judged on criteria including (but not limited to) artistic quality, business success, innovation etc.
Theatre Building of the Year
Sponsored by TAIT
Theatre venues or any physical structure or space hosting theatrical performance are eligible for this award. The building or space must have launched (or relaunched) within the past 12 months. Judged on criteria including (but not limited to) innovation, design, facilities.
Producer of the Year
Sponsored by PRG
Any producer or production-company – of any scale, subsidised or commercial – is eligible. Judged on criteria including (but not limited to) artistic quality, business success, innovation etc.
Innovation Award
Sponsored by Charcoalblue
The Innovation Award highlights the best new design, technical or creative developments in the performing arts in the past 12 months. Any theatre company or organisation working in the sector is eligible and it will be judged on supporting evidence. The judges will take scale into account and are expecting submissions from organisations large and small.
International Award
Sponsored by Ambassador Theatre Group
As with our other awards, this recognises excellence over the past 12 months. Any type of theatrical organisation or person (e.g. theatre, producer, school) is eligible for this award. However, it specifically recognises work with an international element. This could be UK companies taking work abroad, international companies bringing work to the UK, or organisations or people operating entirely outside the UK. Judged on criteria including (but not limited to) artistic quality, business success, innovation.
Achievement in Technical Theatre
Sponsored by ETC
The Achievement in Technical Theatre Award recognises individuals or teams who have excelled within their field in the past 12 months. This excellence can have manifested within any aspect of technical theatre. Individuals or teams working for any theatre company or organisation in the sector are eligible. Judges will be looking for evidence of how the individual or team has contributed to the success (artistic or otherwise) of a production or theatre organisation. New products are not eligible for this category, but should be entered in the Innovation Award category. The award is specifically for achievements in the past 12 months, it is not a lifetime achievement award.
Unsung Hero
Sponsored by Get Into Theatre
An individual or team who/which has gone above and beyond the call of duty in its work in the performing arts industry. Perhaps this could be someone working front of house or as an usher, or someone who has run a theatre club or society for years without public recognition. High profile figures who feature or have featured previously in The Stage 100 are unlikely to be considered.
Previous Winners
Winners of The Stage Awards have ranged from national theatres and large scale organisations to tiny theatres above pubs and stage door keepers.
Nominees and Winners 2019
Regional Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Evolution Productions
WINNER: Nottingham Playhouse
Also shortlisted: Royal Exchange, Manchester & Theatr Clwyd, Mold
London Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Managed Networks
WINNER: Bush Theatre
Also shortlisted: Almeida Theatre & Young Vic Theatre
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by encoreinsure.com
WINNER: Barn Theatre, Cirencester
Also shortlisted: Omnibus Theatre, London & Vault Festival, London
Theatre Building of the Year
Sponsored by TAIT
WINNER: Battersea Arts Centre, London
Also shortlisted: Bristol Old Vic & Royal Opera House, London
Producer of the Year
Sponsored by PRG XL Video
WINNER: Sonia Friedman Productions
Also shortlisted: Fiery Angel & Fuel
School of the Year
Sponsored by TodayTix
WINNER: Open Door, London and East Midlands
Also shortlisted: Great Torrington School, Devon & Young Lyric at the Lyric Hammersmith, London
Nominees and Winners 2018
Regional Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Evolution Productions
WINNER: Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Also shortlisted: Birmingham Hippodrome & Royal Exchange, Manchester
London Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Managed Networks
WINNER: Almeida Theatre
Also shortlisted: Barbican Centre & National Theatre
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by encoreinsure.com
WINNER: Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester
Also shortlisted: Orange Tree Theatre, & London Summerhall, Edinburgh
Theatre Building of the Year
WINNER: Bridge Theatre, London
Also shortlisted: Bush Theatre, London & Storyhouse, Chester
Producer of the Year
Sponsored by PRG XL Video
WINNER: Hull City of Culture
Also shortlisted: Michael Harrison Productions & Sadler’s Wells, London
School of the Year
Sponsored by TodayTix
WINNER: Royal Exchange Young Company, Manchester
Also shortlisted: Sandringham School, St Albans & Scottish Youth Theatre, Glasgow
International Award
Sponsored by Ambassador Theatre Group
WINNER: Imaginate for the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival
Also shortlisted: 1927 & Cervantes Theatre
Innovation Award
Sponsored by Charcoalblue
WINNER: The Everyman Company, Liverpool
Also shortlisted: National Theatre Open Access Capture pilot scheme & Team behind The Believers Are But Brothers
Sustainability Award
Sponsored by GDS
WINNER: Arcola Theatre
Also shortlisted: The Attic & The Mill at Sonning
Unsung Hero
Sponsored by White Light
WINNER: Clare Ferraby
Winners 2017
Regional Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Evolution Productions
Sheffield Theatres
London Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Managed Networks
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by encoreinsure.com
New Diorama Theatre, London
Theatre Building of the Year
Sponsored by Audience Systems
King’s Cross Theatre, London
Producer of the Year
Sponsored by PRG XL Video
Sonia Friedman Productions
School of the Year
Sponsored by TodayTix
Musical Theatre Academy
International Award
Sponsored by Ambassador Theatre Group
Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures
Innovation Award
Sponsored by Charcoalblue
Complicite
Sustainability Award
Sponsored by Global Design Solutions
Tara Theatre, London
Unsung Hero
Sponsored by White Light
Ned Seago
Winners 2016
Regional Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Theatre 2016
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
London Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Haagen-Dazs
Almeida Theatre
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by encoreinsure.com
The Other Room, Cardiff
Producer of the Year
Sponsored by John Good
Sonia Friedman
School of the Year
Sponsored by Digital Theatre Plus
Arts Educational Schools London
Theatre Building of the Year
Sponsored by ABTT and Richard Pilbrow
NT Future, London
International Award
Sponsored by Ambassador Theatre Group
War Horse China
Unsung Hero
Roger Miller
Winners 2015
London Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Haagen-Dazs
Young Vic Theatre
Producer of the Year
Sponsored by Ticketmaster
Sonia Friedman
School of the Year
Sponsored by Nick Hern Books
Young Everyman Playhouse, Liverpool
International
Sponsored by Nyman Libson Paul
Shakespeare’s Globe
Regional Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Audience Systems
Nuffield, Southampton
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by encoreinsure.com
Park Theatre, London
Theatre Building of the Year (joint winners)
Sponsored by Richard Pilbrow
Roundabout Theatre, Paines Plough / Shakespeare’s Globe
Unsung Hero
Sponsored by ABTT
Sue Nightingale, head of wardrobe at Birmingham Rep
Winners 2014
Regional Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Audience Systems
Sheffield Theatres
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by encoreinsure.com
Southwark Playhouse
School of the Year
Sponsored by Nick Hern Books
National Youth Theatre
London Theatre of the Year
Sponsored by Haagen-Dazs
Hampstead Theatre
Producer of the Year
Sponsored by Ticketmaster
Michael Grandage Company
Unsung Hero
Sponsored by the Association of British Theatre Technicians
Andy Collier
Winners 2013
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Union Theatre
Producer of the Year
A Play, a Pie and a Pint
School of the Year
ALRA North
London Theatre of the Year
Shakespeare’s Globe
Regional Theatre of the Year
Sheffield Theatre
Unsung Hero (joint winners)
Anne McNulty and Chris Isherman
Winners 2012
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Jermyn Street Theatre, London
Producer of the Year
National Theatre, London
School of the Year
Musical Theatre Academy
London Theatre of the Year
Bush Theatre
Regional Theatre of the Year
Chichester Festival Theatre
Unsung Hero (joint winners)
Anne McNulty and Chris Isherman
Winners 2011
London Theatre of the Year
The Bush Theatre
Regional Theatre of the Year
Chichester Festival Theatre
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Jermyn Street Theatre
Producer of the Year
The National Theatre
School of the Year
Musical Theatre Academy
Unsung Hero
Edwin Shaw, Heather Miller and Frances Coyle
Winners 2010
London Theatre of the Year
The Royal Court Theatre
Regional Theatre of the Year
Northampton Royal and Derogate
Fringe Theatre of the Year
Finborough Theatre
Producer of the Year
English Touring Theatre
School of the Year
Sylvia Young Theatre School
About our sponsors
The Stage Awards could not happen without the generous support from our sponsors
If you are interested in being a sponsor in 2021 please get in touch or take a look at the sponsorship packages here
Integro Insurance Brokers Ltd
headline sponsor
Integro, who are rebranding to Tysers, is a market leading insurance brokerage and risk management company; Our Worldwide Entertainment and Sport practice provides specialist insurance for the entertainment world.
We have provided insurance for over 65% of the West End productions & advise approximately 130 theatres and venues in the UK. We provide advisory and risk management services to prestigious West End and Broadway theatre productions, national & international stage production companies and theatres & many fringe venues throughout the UK.
Our clients include: Theatres, Arts & Multimedia Venues, Producers & Production Companies, Dance Companies, Management Companies, Equipment Hire Companies, Management Consultants, Event Management & Production & Set Builders.
Our Team of experts meet the insurance needs of those engaged right across the entertainment industry and are always happy to provide a quotation and advice. We are extremely proud to be sponsoring The Stage Awards for a sixth year and would like to wish the nominees in each category of the awards the very best of luck.
Berkley London
sponsor of Regional Theatre of the Year
Berkley London was born from a dream; to provide the ultimate in bespoke chauffeur services to a discerning clientele, from the vehicle to the chauffeur. In both regards, Berkley has left nothing to chance. We offer the most exclusive fleet of Range Rovers anywhere in the world, complete with complimentary, fully licensed minibars, served by crystal glasses, plus the latest in touchscreen media entertainment. Our employed chauffeur’s undergo intensive and ongoing training programs to ensure the ultimate in client drive comfort, wellbeing & security. All vehicles are fully fitted with the latest 5G Wi-Fi for fast communication on the move.
LMA
sponsor of London Theatre of the Year
LMA live and breathe music, creative media and performing arts.
LMA is an institution that offers BA (Hons) degrees in Digital Film & TV Production, Cinematography Directing, Post Production, Scriptwriting, Acting, Screen Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance Performance, Music Performance & Industry, Drums, Guitar, Piano and Vocals. All degrees are awarded by Staffordshire University. LMA have campuses in Liverpool and London.
encoreinsure.com
sponsor of Fringe Theatre of the Year
encoreinsure.com is an online theatre insurance facility specialising in fringe productions. We take the hassle out of insurance and can provide a competitively priced quote in minutes.
encoreinsure.com is your step by step, easy to follow, one stop solution to your production insurance requirements. With access available to your account 24/7, everything can be processed at a time convenient to you.
Fringe Theatre provides a forum for the energy, passion and creative zeal of new theatre makers to produce fantastic work without extortionate budgets. We are very proud to be sponsoring the Fringe Theatre of the Year Award & wish all of the nominees the best of luck!
TAIT
sponsor of Theatre Building of the Year
TAIT is the World Market Leader in designing, constructing and delivering the finest live event solutions in the world. Whether it’s creating awe-inspiring spectaculars, complex touring stages, theatre engineering solutions, brand activations or cruise ship installations, TAIT delivers world-class solutions for live experiences. With its proprietary entertainment automation platform, custom-made products, and creative engineering, TAIT’s cutting-edge offerings continue to advance industry standards and exceed client expectations. As a global network of over 700 employees in 12 office locations, TAIT has worked on projects in over 30 countries, all 7 continents and even outer space.
PRG
sponsor of Producer of the Year
PRG is a multi-award-winning supplier of lighting, video and rigging systems to the events and entertainment industry in the UK. Its clients include theatre designers, show producers, touring companies, television and film production, and the producers of special events. The range of services offered by PRG covers everything from support at the creative design stage, to supply of video and lighting technology, and 24 hour support whilst a production is live. PRG is part of Production Resource Group, which operates in 15 countries globally, and enables it to support theatre productions on worldwide touring projects.
Ambassador Theatre Group
sponsor of International Award
Ambassador Theatre Group is the world’s number one live-theatre company with close to 50 venues in the UK, the United States and Germany, including many historic West End, Broadway and regional theatres. Ambassador Theatre Group covers every discipline in the theatre industry, from operating venues to ticketing platforms and producing award-winning shows. Its ambition is to help great shows find the largest possible audiences. Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees of The Stage Awards from everyone at Ambassador Theatre Group.
Charcoalblue
sponsor of Innovation Award
Charcoalblue delivers specialist design services for performance and creative spaces. Their work ranges from theatres of historic significance through to contemporary workplaces; from permanent buildings to temporary spaces; and from the physical through to the digital world. Charcoalblue provide a full spectrum of consultancy services from strategic analysis and creative concept generation through to detailed design and full project leadership. Their services integrate world-class acoustic, technical and digital design solutions from the outset. Collaboration is at the heart of everything they do, resulting in unique, innovative solutions that draw the best out of every space.
ETC
sponsor of Achievement in Technical Theatre
A global leader in the manufacturing of lighting and rigging technology, ETC employs nearly 1400 people in 13 corporate offices around the world. ETC is proud of its industry reputation for unmatched technical and customer service, 24/7/365. With a family of over 300 authorized service centers throughout the world, staffed by hundreds of certified technicians, customers are never far from an ETC resource with a face and a name. We develop professional tools and make them accessible to everyone. Our products are found in small and large venues worldwide, such as theatres, opera houses, schools, television studios and theme parks.
Get Into Theatre
sponsor of Unsung Hero
Get Into Theatre is the essential website to help you find all the information and opportunities you need to pursue a successful career in theatre in the UK. From backstage to performing, training to apprenticeships, you will find up-to-date theatre jobs information and advice. Get Into Theatre is the UK’s leading theatre careers website. It is produced by The Stage and generously funded and supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and UK Theatre/Society of London Theatre. Race, background or disability shouldn’t be a barrier – everyone should have the same chance to have a career in the theatre industry and easy access to current information.
