The 25-26 Lively Awards will be held August 29, 2026 at 6:30pm.
Nominations are now open and will close July 31, 2026. Anyone may submit a nomination. You may nominate yourself if appropriate. After July 31, the 2026 Nominating committee will review nominations against the “Who did what” list and nominees will be announced August 7. For a copy of this list, email LAT Co-Artistic Director Andre Eaton Jr at andreeatonjr@liveartstheatre.org. Members who are current on their dues as of July 7, 2026 will receive a ballot to their email on August 7. Voting closes August 21 and winners will be announced at the 2026 Lively Awards on August 29.
Sign up to attend the Lively Awards on August 29 at 6:30pm at Pinckneyville Community Center. Please sign up, so that we make sure we have space for everyone!
And the winners from 2024-25 are:
best performance by an actor in a leading role
Andre Eaton Jr.: Venus in Fur
Liz McMurran: Venus in Fur
best performance by an actor in a Minor supporting role
Rodney L. Johnson: Single, Looking for Love
D.Norris: Hay Fever
best performance by an actor in a Major supporting role
Derek Zakari: Chicken & Biscuits
Lauren Casola: Single, Looking for Love
best Director
Becca Parker: Chicken & Biscuits
Excellence in choreography
Amber Brown: Venus in Fur (intimacy choreography)
Excellence in Stage management
Rich Hammett: Hay Fever
best performance in a staged Reading
Jeffrey Liu: In the Slush
Celeste Campbell: Right On (Juneteenth)
favorite performance in a special event
Rodney L. Johnson: Cookies & Carols
Becca Parker: Murder Mysteries
Best set Design
Andre Eaton Jr.: Skylight
Best lighting/projection Design
Jeffrey Liu: Chicken & Biscuits (lights)
Best sound Design
Morgan Gresham: Venus in Fur
Best costume Design
Jordan Hermitt: Chicken & Biscuits
Best hair/makeup Design
Jordan Hermitt: Chicken & Biscuits
Best props Design
J.Blair Sanders: Skylight
Best Ensemble
Chicken & Biscuits
Best Newcomer
Derek Zakari
Princess King
volunteer of the year
Robert Jones
Lively award- individual
Dawn Davridge
Lively award- Organization
Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church
Favorite special event
The February Reading Series
Favorite Reading
Right On (Juneteenth)
Favorite Production
Chicken & Biscuits
CLICK HERE TO SEE WINNERS FROM PAST SEASONS.