The Stage Debut Awards, the only awards devoted solely to recognising breakthrough theatre talent both on and off stage, announces that submissions for 2024 are now officially open. The live ceremony will be held on Sunday 29 September and promises to be an unforgettable night celebrating the outstanding achievements of upcoming performers and creatives who have made their professional debuts on stages across the UK over the past 12 months.
This much-anticipated annual fixture in the awards calendar will be hosted again at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London. On the night, a mix of the industry’s freshest talent and a starry who’s who of established names will be entertained by Theatreland’s most exciting artists, performing musical numbers up close in this intimate space. Tickets will go on sale soon.
Newly rebranded ATG Entertainment returns as the headline sponsor. Trafalgar Entertainment reaffirms its sponsorship for the Best West End Creative category, Crossroads Live for Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer and Sonia Friedman Productions for Best Writer. This year, we welcome the Noël Coward Foundation and Michael Harrison Entertainment to The Stage Debut Awards’ esteemed stable of sponsors with their support for the Best West End Debut Performer and Best Performer in a Musical respectively.
The eight eligible categories championing performers, directors, designers, writers, composers and lyricists are Best Performer in a Play; Best Performer in a Musical; Best Director; Best Writer; Best Designer; Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer and Best West End Creative Debut. The winner of the Best West End Debut Performer is the only category to be determined by a public vote. Last year, theatre audiences picked former Strictly Come Dancing’s breakout star Rose Ayling-Ellis as the winner for her standout debut performance in As You Like It at @sohoplace. The star has recently announced landing a major upcoming BBC television role.
Anyone who has made their professional debut between 18 July 2023 and 17 July 2024 will be eligible. Submissions can be made here and entries will close on the 30 June. The shortlist of nominees will be announced in August.