In 2025, the Jeff Impresario Award celebrating an outstanding Chicago theater stage manager became a new annual award presented by the Joseph Jefferson Awards. Nominations are made by theater companies to recognize excellence of a stage manager who has been a vital part of the behind-the-scenes work bringing Chicago productions to life over the last season. Individual awards will be presented for both Equity and Non-Equity theater at the annual Jeff Awards ceremonies.
Announcing the Jeff Impresario Award
The first award was presented at the 2025 Non-Equity Awards to Kyle Aschbrenner for his work with Blank Theatre Company.
The inaugural Impresario Award in the Equity Wing was presented to Laura D. Glenn for her work with Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
Subsequent recipients:
- 2026 - Non-Equity: Kendyl Meyer, First Floor Theatre and Kokandy Productions