WILMINGTON — The Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Wilmington Theater Awards, which celebrated excellence across Wilmington’s vibrant theater community on March 25, 2026. Hosted by Erin Sullivan, the awards brought together artists, technicians, and audiences for an evening recognizing the outstanding work produced on local stages over the past year.
Opera House Theatre Company’s production of “Cabaret” captured eight awards, including Outstanding Musical, after entering the evening with a field-leading 11 nominations. “Home,” a collaboration between Thalian Association Community Theatre, Pender County Arts Council, and the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County, earned three honors, including Outstanding Play.
Big Dawg Productions’ comedy “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” was the most-lauded play, earning four awards, including those for supporting actress and supporting actor. UNCW’s Department of Theatre nabbed two wins for Actress in a Play and Director of a Play, while Theatre For All earned its first-ever win for Original Production.
The 2026 event was presented in partnership with Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts and sponsored by CFCC’s Wilson Center, The Eagle’s Dare and Richard Trubia. The awards reflected another strong season for local theater, with 17 companies represented among the nominees. The evening featured parody performances from Sullivan alongside performances from many of the nominated musicals and plays.
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. For more than 25 years, Collins has been a cornerstone of Wilmington theater as a set designer, contributing to hundreds of productions locally and supporting national touring work. His lasting influence and dedication to the craft were recognized with 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,” Rhonda Bellamy, president and CEO of the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County, said in a press release. “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.”
A complete list of winners
Outstanding Musical: “Cabaret,” Opera House Theatre Co.
Outstanding Play: “Home,” Thalian Association Community Theatre, Pender County Arts Council and the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County
Outstanding Director, Musical: Shane Fernando, “Cabaret,” Opera House Theatre Co.
Outstanding Director, Play: Ed Wagenseller, “The Play That Goes Wrong,” UNCW Department of Theatre
Outstanding Actor, Musical: Casey Burton as the Emcee in “Cabaret,” Opera House Theatre Co.
Outstanding Actor, Play: Kaleb Edward Edley as Cephus in “Home,” Thalian Association Community Theatre, Pender County Arts Council and the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County
Outstanding Actress, Musical: Mary Mattison as Sally Bowles in “Cabaret,” Opera House Theatre Co.
Outstanding Actress, Play: Sierra Fiskin as Isabella in “Measure for Measure,” UNCW Department of Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actress, Musical: Kim Pacheco Beatty as Motormouth Maybelle in “Hairspray,” Opera House Theatre Co.
Outstanding Supporting Actress, Play: Anna Gamel Huber as various roles in “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” Big Dawg Productions
Outstanding Supporting Actor, Musical: Robin Dale Robertson as Herr Schultz in “Cabaret,” Opera House Theatre Co.
Outstanding Supporting Actor, Play: Casey Burton as various roles in “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” Big Dawg Productions
Outstanding Choreography: Carson Hobbs, “Cabaret,” Opera House Theatre Co.
Outstanding Costume Design: Debbie Scheu and Stephanie Aman, “Hairspray,” Opera House Theatre Co.
Outstanding Lighting Design: Joshua Zieseniss, “Home,” Thalian Association Community Theatre, Pender County Arts Council, and the Arts Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County
Outstanding Music Direction: Brian Whitted, “Cabaret,” Opera House Theatre Co.
Outstanding Set Design: Terry Collins, “Cabaret,” Opera House Theatre Co.
Outstanding Sound Design: Steve Vernon, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” Big Dawg Productions
Outstanding Newcomer: Keon Joel, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors,” Big Dawg Productions
Outstanding Original Production: “The First Day of Spring,” Theatre for All
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
