Nominations are now being accepted from theater companies for The Jeff Impresario Award, recognizing an outstanding Chicago Non-Equity theater stage manager who has played a vital role in the behind-the-scenes work bringing Chicago productions to life over the last season. This award, launched in 2025, is presented for both Non-Equity and Equity theaters at the annual Jeff Awards ceremonies.
Given the importance and understanding of the role, stage manager nominations will be accepted from Chicago area theater companies exclusively. Nominations from individuals will not be eligible for consideration. All nominations for Non-Equity stage managers are due by Friday, January 30, 2026 by 5pm (CST).
Theater company representatives can use the following link to make their nominations:
JEFF-IMPRESARIO-AWARD-NOMINATION
Or copy link address below to your browser -
https://forms.gle/HiVK7xQ4sCewfSs48
For more information, theater companies can contact Jeff Awards Non-Equity Wing Chair Brittany Chhutani at nonequitywing@jeffawards.org.
To continue its mission to promote theater excellence, the Jeff Awards looks for opportunities to support the theater community and celebrate artistic and technical excellence. Today, the organization evaluates excellence in more than 30 categories. The Impresario Award is the fourth expansion of recognition that the Jeff Awards has added in the last four years, including Short Runs and World Language Productions, as well as the Jeff Impact Fellowship (a cash award to emerging artists of color).
WATCH FOR INFORMATION ON THE 2026 NON-EQUITY JEFF AWARDS
The 52nd Jeff Awards for Non-Equity Theater will be held Monday, March 23, 2026 at the Harris Theater in Chicago. Event details, how to access tickets and other information will be available in February. Nominations for the annual awards will also be announced in February.
Stay tuned for more details!
ABOUT THE JEFF AWARDS
The Jeff Awards is one of the most active and engaged theater awards organizations in the country evaluating hundreds of theatrical productions annually and holding two awards ceremonies highlighting work over the past Equity and Non-Equity seasons. Through recommendations, awards, and honors the organization helps foster the growth of companies, encourages artists, brings new appreciation for diverse storytelling, and cultivates civic pride in the achievements of the Chicago theater community. Originally chartered in 1968 to recognize Equity productions, the Jeff Awards Non-Equity Wing was established in 1973 to celebrate outstanding achievement in non-union theatre. For more information, visit www.jeffawards.org.