WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Theater Awards takes place every spring and this year’s event will feature host Erin Sullivan. But who are the nominees? That will be revealed at the end of the month when the arts council hosts its nominations party.
Hosted by the Arts Council of Wilmington & New Hanover County, the party takes place on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at The Eagle’s Dare in downtown Wilmington at Third and Red Cross streets. Theater artists, supporters, and fans are encouraged to attend to see top contenders in a variety of categories from Best Play to Best Actor in a Musical to Best Set Design and more.
READ MORE: 2026 Wilmington Theater Awards has a date, host
Also, the Lela Thompson Award for Enduring Contribution to Wilmington Theater is given annually and in 2026 it goes to Terry Collins of The Scenic Asylum. The award — named after the late co-founder of The Willis Richardson Players — honors people who have helped shape the local theater scene.
Collins has constructed set designs for hundreds of stage shows in town for more than 25 years and worked on national Broadway tours. He also has also won a Wilmington Theater Award multiple times throughout the years, most recently last year for the set design for Opera House Theatre Company’s “Death of a Salesman.”
“Collins’ selection for the Lela Thompson Award comes during a deeply challenging time, as he recently suffered a life-altering injury,” according to the release from the arts council. “His enduring influence, generosity, and commitment to the craft of theater have left a permanent and indelible mark on Wilmington’s artistic community.”
Voting for the 2026 Wilmington Theater Awards will open to the public after the nominations party, with the ceremony held March 25 at Thalian Hall. Learn more here.
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