At an annual ceremony and during an afternoon party attended by former winners and invited members of the theatre community, six actresses and six actors are presented with a Theatre World Award for their Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway production.

The Theatre World Award remains the oldest one given for a debut theatre performance on On or Off-Broadway.

The contribution the Award has made to the theatre is incaluable. It is not a competition and is only given once. Because it is given for a debut performance, it encourages and inspires newcomers to the stage to continue to pursue their dream. It is freely given at a time when encouragement is so necessary in an industry known more for rejection than reception.

The Theatre World Award winners are chosen by the Theatre World Awards committee, which is comprised of David Cote (Time Out New York), Peter Filichia (Theatermania.com), Harry Haun (Playbill), Matthew Murray (TalkinBroadway.com), Frank Scheck (New York Post), Doug Watt (Critic Emeritus, New York Daily News), Linda Winer (New York Newsday), and coordinated by Peter Filichia, Theatre World Editor John Willis, and Theatre World Associate Editor Ben Hodges.

If you would like to learn more about how the Theatre World Awards are made possible, please click on "About Us" and "History" above.

If you would like to make your own contribution to the ongoing success of Theatre World Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, please click on the following:

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The Theatre World "Janus" Award (right) is an original bronze sculpture in primitive-modern style created by internationally recognized artist Harry Marinsky. It is adapted from the Roman myth of Janus, God of Entrances, Exits, and All Beginnings, with one face appraising the past and the other anticipating the future. It is cast and mounted by Sculpture House of New York.

May 29, 2009
The 65th Annual Theatre World Award ceremony will be held at Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre June 2, 2009. (261 West 47th Street). If you did not receive your invitation and are on our mailing list and would like to attend, please e-mail rsvp@theatreworldawards.org or call (646) 435-1155. Doors open at 1:30 pm, the ceremony begins at 2:00 pm. An after party will be held at Trattoria Dopo Teatro immediately following (125 W. 44th Street). Or email rskotd@gmail.com for a pdf invitation. Business Casual Attire and seating is limited.

May 11, 2009
The 2009 Theatre World Award winners have been announced!
Click here to view them!

Past Theatre World Award Winners:

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To learn about the Theatre World book, which includes coverage of the annual Theatre World Awards ceremony, click on the Applause Theatre and Cinema Books link below.
Purchases of Theatre World publications do not benefit the Theatre World Awards, Inc.