Celebrating Theatre in the Granite State
New Hampshire Theatre Alliance
newNHTA@nhtheatrealliance.org
Special Awards
In addition to the adjudicated performance and production awards, each year the NHTA also recognizes outstanding theatre achievements with a variety of special awards.
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Nominations for special awards are submitted by the public and evaluated by the NHTA board. Please refer to Policies and Procedures for full information about the nomination and selection process.
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Francis Grover Cleveland Award for Lifetime Achievement
2026 Winner: Dr. Alan D. Kaplan​
This is an award for a lifetime of service to the New Hampshire theatrical arts community, though it does not imply that the person's contributions have ended or declined. The award was named for the founder of The Barnstormers Summer Theatre, the nation's oldest summer stock theatre company, still operating in Tamworth.​
Award for Significant Contribution to the Performing Arts in New Hampshire
This award was not given in 2026
This is an award for individuals or organizations that, through completion of a single project or through their ongoing work, have made a significant and lasting contribution to the performing arts community in New Hampshire. Examples may include completion of large capital projects that significantly expand the footprint of the NH performing arts community or substantive ongoing work that makes significant new resources available to members of the NH performing arts community.
Kevin Riley New Hampshire Theatre Hero Award
This award was not given in 2026
This is an award for individuals whose work has had a substantial and broad impact on the New Hampshire performing arts community outside of any single theatre company or project, with a special emphasis on community building. The award is named in the memory of Kevin Riley, an accomplished director and beloved member of the Southern New Hampshire theatre community. Over many years he served such varied roles as President of the New Hampshire Theatre Guild, director of the summer Shakespeare In The Park program in Nashua’s Greely Park, and principal organizer of the NHTA adjudication program.
Recognition of Special Achievement in Youth Theatre
2026 Winner: Ryan Kaplan
This award is given in recognition of a special achievement in the area of youth theatre. It may be given to individuals or entire organizations. Candidates for this awards may be nominated by the general public.An award winner may be selected by the NHTA board after consideration of each nominated candidate. Candidates will be evaluated on the scope and depth of the impact their work has had on children and young adults in New Hampshire. Preference will be given to candidates whose work creates substantially new levels of access to theatre education or other theatre resources to a specific youth community in New Hampshire. The NHTA board reserves the right to not name a winner in years it determines a suitable candidate was not nominated.
Recognition of Excellence in Playwriting
2026 Winner: SMJ Meeker
Battle of the Books, Andy's Summer Playhouse
This award is given by a special reading committee of the NHTA Board to one or more playwrights in recognition of excellence in playwriting. Candidates for this award are nominated by our participating companies. A company may nominate any play that:
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·they have submitted for adjudication for the current awards year
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meets our criteria for an ‘Original Production’
