In preparation for the upcoming 52nd anniversary Jeff Awards for Non-Equity Theater, nominees for The Jeff Impresario Award are announced. This award, launched in 2025, recognizes 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 honor is presented for both Non-Equity and Equity theaters at the annual Jeff Awards ceremonies. Nominations come exclusively from Chicago area theater companies.
The inclusion of the Jeff Impresario Award nominations bring the total to 157 theater artists who will be in the spotlight at this year's Non-Equity Awards which honor the most recent season, January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.
2025 NON-EQUITY JEFF IMPRESARIO AWARD NOMINEES
Lindsey Chidester – Idle Muse Theatre Company
Samantha Flipp and Beep Trefts – Invictus Theatre Company
Erin Galvin – Promethean Theatre Ensemble
Shane Hogan – The Factory Theater
Danny J. Mahr – Open Space Arts
Kendyl Meyer – First Floor Theater and Kokandy Productions
Sara Segneri – Strawdog Theatre Company
Reagan Stevenson – Theatre Above the Law
Becky Warner – TUTA Theatre
The 52nd Anniversary Jeff Awards for Non-Equity Theater will be held Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Harris Theater in Chicago, IL. Doors open at 6:00pm with a cash bar available, and the awards show begins at 7:00pm. Tickets are available at www.jeffawards.org. General Admission tickets are $71.50 (includes ticket + required fees). A group rate of $54.25 (includes ticket + required fees) is available for parties of 10 or more by contacting the Harris Theater box office at 312-334-777.
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 our recommendations, awards, and honors we help foster the growth of companies, encourage artists, bring new appreciation for diverse storytelling, and cultivate 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 theater. he Jeff Awards is professionally independent and voting members of the committee are unaffiliated with any theater companies or producing organizations. For more information, visit www.jeffawards.org.