Washington Theatre’s
Big Night Out

May 18, 2026
The Anthem

The 2026 Helen Hayes Awards bring the region together in celebration of a full season of artistic excellence. Join us as we honor our nominees and the DC-area theatre community with a glamorous red carpet arrival, dinner, and awards ceremony that reflect the essential role theatre plays in the cultural and civic life of Washington, DC.

Join the Celebration!

Helen Hayes Awards Leadership Circle

Bonnie Nelson Schwartz

Founder, Helen Hayes Awards
Jan Du Plain
Annie Totah
Beth Mendelson
Edie Fraser
Catherine Hand
Jose Alberto Ucles & Tom Knoll

Transformative Cultural Impact Award

Adrienne Arsht

Philanthropist and Business Leader

Host Committee

2026 Host Committee

Producer

Andrew R. Ammerman

John & Meg Hauge

Craig Pascal

The Savada-Stevenson Family

Director

Michael Burke & Carl Smith

Kevin Hennessy & David Lamdin

Renee Klish & Debbie and Bill Jackson-Lammers

Sharon Lewis Tompkins

Abel Lopez

Bonnie Nelson Schwartz

Supporter

Nathan & Debbie Ainspan

Susan & Dixon Butler

Robert E. Hebda

Elizabeth Karcher

David & Rita Sirignano

Carol Schwartz

Join the Host Committee!

The Helen Hayes Awards Host Committee supports the visibility of the Awards and makes our esteemed guest list – of over 400 nominated artists, theatre leadership, local, national, and international dignitaries, and community leaders – possible.

Sponsorship Levels

Host Committee Producer - $10,000
Host Committee Director - $5,000
Supporter - $1,500
Friend of Helen Hayes - $500
Click right for more information
$5,000 Director

A curated Leadership Table of of 10 seats:
8 seats reserved for host committee member invited guests
2 seats reserved for Theatre Washington distinguished invited guests (diplomats, civic leaders, prominent artists)
VIP red carpet access for all guests

Recognition in Helen Hayes Awards printed materials, website, and ceremony presentation deck
$10,000 Producer

Premier Leadership Table Experience
10 seats reserved for host committee member invited guests
Premium table placement in the Anthem
VIP red carpet access
Additional recognition with your/your businesses' name placed on a nominee table as an artist sponsor

Recognition
Name announced live on stage
Listed in Helen Hayes Awards printed materials, website, and ceremony presentation deck
Listed in Helen Hayes Awards press release

2 tickets to Fall 2026 Productions at select DC-area theatres
$1,500 Supporter

2 seats reserved for host committee member and a guest
VIP red carpet access
Recognition in printed materials, website, and ceremony presentation deck
Friend of Helen Hayes

One reserved seat for the Helen Hayes Awards
VIP red carpet access

Join Us

Complete the form to let us know you’re ready and interested in being a part of the 2026 Helen Hayes Awards. We will follow up with more information.

Want to learn more about the Theatre Washington’s Helen Hayes Awards?

Please email us at helenhayesevent@theatrewashington.org or call Amy Austin at 202-491-1685.

Corporate Opportunities

By becoming a corporate sponsor, you’re contributing to the cultural vitality of the region.

$25,000 Corporate Sponsor

Opportunity to present a Helen Hayes Award
One table (10 tickets) for you and your guests with name recognition
Sponsorship of nominee table with name recognition
Recognition in all printed and digital material, including screens on stage
Distinct visibility opportunities throughout the event - can be customized for your desired audience, activation, placement, brand
Invitation to exclusive Theatre Washington events throughout the year, including the Helen Hayes Awards Nominations and Preview events

Corporate packages are available at different levels and tailored to your organization. Please email helenhayesevent@theatrewashington.org for more information.