Broadway In Chicago Backstage Champion Award Presented by League of Chicago Theatres

We are excited to announce the return of the Broadway In Chicago Backstage Champion Award Presented by the League of Chicago Theatres. This award recognizes an individual within the Chicago theatre industry who has made a positive impact on our community and was designed to showcase members of the Chicago theatre industry who are not traditionally recognized.

With this award, we would like to pull back the curtain and uplift the work of our Chicago Technicians, Designers, Actors, and industry members who go above and beyond behind the scenes.  Through their work in Chicago theatre, this awardee’s professional career, social impact or personal commitment has been invaluable to the field.

A nominating committee comprised of Chicago theatre professionals will review the applications and select the finalists. The awardee will be selected from this group of finalists by a majority vote of League of Chicago Theatre’s members to receive this award and $1,000 at the League of Chicago Theatre’s Annual Spotlight Gala.

If you have any questions about this award, please email our Director of Programming, Tony Bondoc at programming@chicagoplays.com

 

Nomination Requirements:

  • Must be a resident in Chicago for at least 3 years.
  • Must work in a theatrical field.
  • Must have worked with a League of Chicago Theatres Member company in the last year January 2025-December 2025.
  • Has not been widely recognized for their work in the past.

To nominate someone, please fill out the Broadway In Chicago Backstage Champion Award Nomination Form using the link below.

 

TO NOMINATE SOMEONE CLICK HERE

Submissions are due by August 21, 2026 at 5:00pm CST.  

 

Final Reminders

  1. This nomination submission will be made public to the League of Chicago Theatres Membership for membership review and voting.
  2. Submission deadline: August 21, 2026, at 5:00pm CST.
  3. The award will be presented at the League of Chicago Theatres Annual Spotlight Gala:
    Monday, October 19,2026
    5:00pm – 9:00pm
    Recess – City Hall
    838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642
  1. If you have any questions or concerns, contact programming@chicagoplays.com or call 312-554-9805.