Western Australia’s top performers and productions will take centre stage at the 2026 Performing Arts WA Awards, celebrating excellence in professional live performance across the State.
The gala event will be held on Monday, April 20 at the Heath Ledger Theatre in the State Theatre Centre of WA, supported by DCITS and the Arts & Culture Trust. Hosted by Artist Relief Fund WA, the annual ceremony recognises outstanding achievements in theatre, dance, musicals, opera and cabaret — spanning both mainstage and independent productions.
Artist Relief Fund WA Chair Nick Maclaine said the awards continue to play a vital role in celebrating the State’s creative talent. “We’re thrilled to host the Performing Arts WA Awards again this year,” he said. “It’s so important to recognise the incredible achievements in professional performing arts in WA, and we’re set for another fantastic ceremony.”
Leading the nominations this year is Urinetown by Western Sky Projects, which received 14 nominations. Freeze Frame Opera’s Dead Man Walking follows with nine, while Co3 Dance Australia and ACO Collective’s In the Shadow of Time and The Blue Room Theatre and Tone List’s O,D,E each earned eight.
WA Ballet leads the dance categories with 18 nominations across five productions, while Drew Anthony Collective received 10 nominations from three shows.
Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA secured 11 nominations across four productions from its 2025 season.
Independent powerhouse The Blue Room Theatre once again dominates the field, with 46 nominations across multiple productions — reaffirming its reputation as the heart of Western Australia’s independent theatre scene.
In total, 47 productions will compete for awards this year, alongside the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award and a new honour — the Ripple Effect Award — created in memory of the late Georgia Malone.
New Award Honours Georgia Malone’s Legacy
The Ripple Effect Award celebrates an individual whose passion for the arts inspires positive change and uplifts others through quiet, tireless contribution. The award encourages recipients to use their prize to continue making a meaningful impact within the arts community.
The idea for the award came from Georgia Malone’s husband, John Carter, who discovered an entry in her diary expressing her wish to have a “ripple effect” on the world.
Carter said he knew Georgia would have wanted her legacy to support others who share her deep love for the arts.
Malone’s career spanned more than three decades, from her early days as an intern and stage manager to her leadership roles as CEO, mentor and donor.
Her influence touched countless artists and arts leaders across Australia, many of whom credit her honesty, wisdom and generosity for shaping their careers.
“Georgia fought tirelessly for what she believed in,” said Maclaine. “Her impact on the arts community will continue to be felt for generations.”
The inaugural Ripple Effect Award winner will be announced at the gala ceremony on April 20.
Artist Relief Fund WA is also running a fundraising campaign through the Australian Cultural Fund to ensure the award’s ongoing legacy.
Event Details
Date: Monday April 20 – Time: 7pm – Venue: Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WA
Tickets: artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/state-theatre-centre-of-wa/whats-on/the-performing-arts-wa-awards
More information: performingartswaawards.com
The 2026 Performing Arts WA Awards promise to be a night of celebration and recognition, honouring the artists, companies and creative teams who continue to shape Western Australia’s rich performing arts landscape.
