2025 Winners
2026 Awards Show
March 10, 2026 | 6:30PM
BMO Theatre Centre, Vancouver
Celebrating Young Theatre Talent in Canada.
In Canada’s vibrant arts scene, young talents are at the forefront of shaping the future of theatre. From professional productions and school shows to after-school musical theatre programs, these passionate actors bring stories to life on stage. Recognizing their dedication not only celebrates their achievements but also fosters a thriving community of emerging talent, inspiring new storytellers and enriching the Canadian theatrical landscape.
The Canada Young Theatre Awards proudly honours and supports these aspiring actors and their educators, amplifying their voices within Canadian theatre.
Awards
Show
The Awards Judging Process
The annual Canada Young Theatre Awards will be judged by local theatre professionals, who will evaluate applicants’ video submissions from January to February. The awards ceremony will take centre stage on March 10, 2026, showcasing two hours of performances by nominees, winners, and guest artists. Recipients will receive well-deserved recognition through trophies, gifts, and prizes from sponsors.
The Show
Date: March 10, 2026
Cocktail Reception: 6:30-7:30pm
Enjoy a lively atmosphere with a DJ, dancing, and a photo booth.
Award Ceremony: 7:30-9:00pm
Winners announcements and live performances.
Venue: BMO Theatre Centre, Vancouver
Dress Code: Formal
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Capacity: 210 guests. Due to venue size, tickets are available by invitation only.
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Celebrating exceptional performances by actors in leading roles. Ages: 9-11, 12-14, 15-17 and 18-24.
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Celebrating actors who delivered remarkable performances in supporting roles. Ages: 9-11, 12-14, 15-17 and 18-24.
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Celebrating actors who made an outstanding contribution to an ensemble performance. Ages: 9-11, 12-14, 15-17 and 18-24.
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This award honours individuals who exemplify dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm, inspiring their peers and enhancing the theatre experience. It recognizes those who contribute significantly to productions, whether as newcomers, ensemble members, or in smaller roles, embodying the true spirit of theatre.
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Celebrating actors who have demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments across multiple disciplines, including acting, dancing, singing, film, television, commercials and academics.
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Celebrating youth who have made significant contributions as directors, music directors, or choreographers, showcasing leadership and vision.
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Celebrating individuals who have made exceptional contributions behind the scenes, including stage management, props, sets, or costumes.
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Celebrating individuals for outstanding work in lighting, sound design, or other technical crew roles essential to theatre productions.
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Celebrating teachers, directors, music directors, or assistants who have provided exceptional guidance and inspiration to young performers.
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Awarded to an individual performer who demonstrates exceptional storytelling, musicality, technique, and stage presence through dance. Ages: 9-11, 12-14, 15-17 and 18-24.
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Awarded to an individual performer delivering an exceptional solo song from a musical theatre work, demonstrating vocal skill, character interpretation, and emotional storytelling. Ages: 9-11, 12-14, 15-17 and 18-24.
Individual
Awards
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Celebrating a school or program for excellence in producing an outstanding theatre production.
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Celebrating the creative team (directors, music directors, choreographers, etc.) responsible for the success of a school or program production.
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Awarded to a small group (2-9 performers) with exceptional cohesion, storytelling, and musical theatre style. Ages: 9-11, 12-14, 15-17 and 18-24.
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Awarded to a large ensemble (10+ performers) that demonstrates strong staging, synchronization, theatrical storytelling, and impact. Ages: 9-11, 12-14, 15-17 and 18-24.
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Awarded to a group (small or large) that exemplifies the highest level of musical theatre dance artistry, including concept, execution, and theatrical impact.
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Awarded to two or three performers who demonstrate strong vocal blend, chemistry, and dramatic interaction through a shared musical theatre song. Ages: 9-11, 12-14, 15-17 and 18-24.
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Awarded to a group performance that shows musical cohesion, clarity of character, and effective storytelling. Ages: 9-11, 12-14, 15-17 and 18-24.
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Awarded to a performer or group whose musical theatre song demonstrates exceptional acting through song, where character, intention, and narrative drive the performance. Ages: 9-11, 12-14, 15-17 and 18-24.
Group
Awards
How to
Apply
Due Date
Submissions are due February 20, 2026 for judging.
Who is Eligible
The Canada Young Theatre Awards aim to highlight and honour Canadian youth theatre, dance, and vocal talent, as well as their educators. For this year’s awards, individuals and groups residing in British Columbia are eligible to participate. Individuals under the age of 24 may submit for individual awards, and elementary schools and after-school programs that staged a theatre production may compete in the school production categories.
Dance performances must be rooted in musical theatre tradition and storytelling. Jazz, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, and hybrid styles are welcome when presented within a clear theatrical or narrative context.
Vocal performances must originate from musical theatre repertoire and demonstrate clear character, storytelling, and dramatic intention through song. Performances may be solo or ensemble and may include appropriate movement when it supports the theatrical context.
Submissions will be accepted for works completed between January 2025 and December 2025.
The Prizes
Nominees will receive a certificate. Award winners will be presented with a trophy or a medal, a limited-edition mascot stuffy, and gifts from sponsors.
Enter a Submission
Applicants can apply by completing a submission form, and uploading required and optional content from their performance/contribution for consideration. More details are available within the submission form. A Google sign-in is required. If you have any issues or questions, please email info@ctora.ca.