Life is a cabaret! Winners announced for 2026 Wilmington Theater Awards
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County honored the region’s top stage talent during the 2026 Wilmington Theater Awards on March 25, celebrating a year of standout performances and productions across the local theater community.
Hosted by Erin Sullivan, the annual event brought together artists, technicians and audiences to recognize excellence on and off the stage, with 17 theater companies represented among this year’s nominees.
Opera House Theatre Company dominated the evening, with its production of Cabaret earning eight awards, including Outstanding Musical. The show entered the night with a leading 11 nominations.
The collaborative production of Home, staged by Thalian Association Community Theatre, Pender County Arts Council and the Arts Council, took home three honors, including Outstanding Play.
Meanwhile, Big Dawg Productions saw strong recognition for Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, which earned four awards, making it the most-awarded play of the night.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Theatre secured two wins, while Theatre for All celebrated its first-ever win for Original Production.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lela Thompson Award for Enduring Contribution to Wilmington Theater to Terry Collins of The Scenic Asylum. Collins, a longtime set designer with more than 25 years of experience, was recognized for his contributions to hundreds of local productions as well as national touring work, earning a standing ovation.
“We’re proud that the Wilmington Theater Awards continue to serve as a meaningful celebration of the incredible talent in our community,” said Rhonda Bellamy, president and CEO of the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County. “This event brings together artists and supporters in one place to recognize the power of live theater and the connections it creates. It’s a chance to honor the work on stage and behind the scenes while strengthening the sense of community that makes Wilmington’s theater scene so special.”
Top honors included Outstanding Musical for Cabaret and Outstanding Play for Home, along with multiple acting, directing and design awards recognizing excellence across productions throughout southeastern North Carolina.
