The Stage Debut Awards

September 27, 2026

18:00 - 23:00

8 Northumberland Avenue, W1

Celebrating the emerging theatre stars of tomorrow

The Stage Debut Awards, in association with Netflix, are back for 2026. Join us as we celebrate another extraordinary year of emerging actors and theatremakers at a glittering ceremony on Sunday, September 27 2026, at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London.

The Debuts are a year-round movement championing the next generation of talent. We recognise the performers and creatives whose artistry mark the beginning of remarkable careers on stage. Previous winners include Golden Globe winner Rachel Zegler, award winning Red Pitch writer Tyrell Williams, BAFTA-winning star Jodie Comer, television star Rose Ayling-Ellis MBE and Olivier award-winner Monique Touko.

Each year, our shortlist recognises the industry’s most exciting new names across performance, writing, directing and design.

Being part of The Stage Debut Awards means championing new diverse voices. To find out more about sponsorship opportunities, get in touch with Sarah DuMay at sarah.dumay@thestage.co.uk.

Submit Entry

Yasmin Norvill

yasmin.norvill@thestage.co.uk

Add to Calendar

Awards Step

Best Performer in a Play

Best Performer in a Musical

Best Director

Best Designer

Best Writer

Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer

Best West End Debut Performer

Best Creative West End Debut

Enter the Debuts

We want to hear about your fabulous talent! Or anyone else you have worked with or whose work you admire, as long as they are making their debut between 18th July 2025 and 9th July 2026 in a production reviewed by The Stage.

Submissions only need to be entered once per category to be considered. Every submission, regardless of the amount of entries it has, is assessed equally and fairly by the judging panel.

Enter the Awards

Be part of the Debuts

Being part of The Stage Debut Awards means championing new diverse voices. From sponsorship of a specific category to a supportive role for the awards as a whole, our sponsors gain vital exposure for their business and help support home-grown, emerging talent.

If you're interested in supporting the Debuts, contact sarah.dumay@thestage.co.uk

Media Pack

Timeline

21 May

Submissions open

Submit Entry

25 June

Submissions close

20 August

Shortlist announced

And Best West End Debut voting opens

27 September

Ceremony date

Look forward to seeing you there!

[Winning a Debut Award has] definitely increased my visibility in the theatre world. After four years of acting, London Tide was my second theatre audition. Since The Stage Debut Awards, that number has gone way up.

Ellie-May Sheridan

Winner of Best Performer in a Play

I think these opportunities are really important for emerging artists to be seen. So new plays... are really important, and it will be new writers who bring that fresh perspective.

Milly Sweeney

Joint winner of Best Writer

Alistair Smith on the connections formed at The Stage Debut Awards

Beyond spotlighting the best emerging talent, The Stage Debut Awards also aim to bring that talent together to forge vital connections, says Alistair Smith