All of Illinois Theatre Is Connected!

Eight theatre professionals, educators and organizations from across Illinois were honored by the Illinois Theatre Association (ITA) with its 2026 Awards of Excellence on August 29. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to Illinois theatre across high school, college/university, community, professional and youth theatre.

The awards were presented during ITA's Annual Members Celebration, All of Illinois Theatre is Connected!, held at Jen's Guesthouse in Willow Springs.

Each year, ITA recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership, artistry, education, mentorship and service strengthen theatre throughout Illinois. Honorees are nominated by members of the Illinois theatre community and selected by the ITA Board of Directors.

“Illinois theatre thrives because of the extraordinary people and organizations who dedicate their talent, creativity and leadership to making theatre possible in communities across our state,” said Mark Begovich, President of the Illinois Theatre Association. “These honorees represent the very best of what happens when we educate, mentor, create and collaborate. We are proud to celebrate their contributions and the impact they continue to make on Illinois theatre.”

2026 Awards of Excellence

Award of Honor — Member
Jeremy Morton, High School District 214 Fine Arts Coordinator and Prospect High School Head Theatre Director

Award of Honor — Non-Member
Megan McCann, Director of Conference Services, Illinois State University

Anne Thurman Mentorship Award
Kristen Mackie

Division Awards

College/University Theatre

Morton College Theatre Department (Award accepted by Michael Kott, Associate Dean) 

Community Theatre

Richmond Hill Players (Award accepted by Jonathan Grafft, President)

High School Theatre                                                           

David Morrison (Theatre Director, Bolingbrook High School)

Professional Theatre

AB Productions (Award accepted by Anthony Bartucci, President)

Youth Theatre

The Children's Theatre of Elgin and Fox Valley Theatre Company (Award accepted by Vanessa Cardona Kepp, Managing Director)                   

The eight honorees reflect the breadth of the Illinois theatre community and ITA’s commitment to connecting and celebrating the people and organizations making theatre happen across the state.

ABOUT THE ILLINOIS THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Illinois Theatre Association is the statewide home for everyone who makes theatre happen. ITA connects and supports Illinois' youth, high school, college/university, community and professional theatre communities through education, advocacy, collaboration, networking and statewide programming.

ITA works to strengthen theatre throughout Illinois and celebrate its power to educate, inspire and connect communities. Learn more at illinoistheatre.org.

For more information about the Illinois Theatre Association, visit www.illinoistheatre.org or call (773) 804-8975.