The $100,000 Siminovitch Prize starts with a peer nomination. Who will you put forward?
The Siminovitch Prize recognizes groundbreaking theatre artists whose work shapes the evolution of theatre in this country.
Last year, in honour of the Prize’s 25th anniversary, we opened nominations to a broader range of theatre artists beyond the traditional annual category rotation. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, and the calibre and breadth of nominations were extraordinary. Building on last year’s momentum, the Siminovitch Theatre Foundation will continue with this approach for the 2026 Siminovitch Prize.
The Siminovitch Prize honours outstanding artists whose work demonstrates innovation, artistic excellence, and transformative impact. By welcoming nominations for playwrights, directors, designers, and multidisciplinary creators in the same year, the community is better able to recognize outstanding artists at the moment their work has the greatest impact, irrespective of discipline.
We invite peers to nominate mid-career theatre artists with an exceptional body of work who have made an outstanding contribution to Canadian theatre. Eligible nominees have between 10 and 30 years of professional experience and demonstrate an artistic trajectory that is actively growing and evolving.
The nomination period for the 2026 Prize is now open, but only until June 1. Help shine a national spotlight on an artist whose work is transforming Canadian theatre. Learn more about the nomination criteria and submit a nomination.
“As the art evolves, so too should the Prize—it’s inspiring to see it grow with our industry by celebrating those who spark new ideas.”
– Jillian Keiliey, 2004 Siminovitch Prize Laureate
“The Prize’s openness to all artistic disciplines encompassed by theatre is a sign that this tradition is more relevant than ever and that it adapts to the medium’s evolution and to the extraordinary resilience of artists who, despite all kinds of difficulties, continue to search and innovate to offer the world new visions.”
– Marie Brassard, 2022 Siminovitch Prize Laureate
It is always a privilege to see which artists this community chooses to champion. I look forward to seeing who you nominate,
Aimée Ippersiel
Executive Director | Siminovitch Theatre Foundation
