Siminovitch Prize, NAC joining forces
One of Canada’s leading theatre prizes is joining forces with the National Arts Centre.
The Siminovitch Prize and the NAC have announced a call for nominations for the prize, launched in 2000 in honour of the scientist Lou Siminovitch, who turns 96 on May 15, and his late wife Elinore.
The Siminovitch Prize carries with it an annual award of $100,000. Over a three-year cycle, the prize will go to a director, playwright or designer. This year, the prize will be awarded to a director on Oct. 28 at the National Arts Centre.
The prize also recognizes the importance of mentorship. The recipient receives $75,000 and, in turn, chooses a protégé to receive $25,000.
Both the NAC’s English Theatre and French Theatre are led by Siminovitch laureates — Jillian Keiley (2004) and Brigitte Haentjens (2007). The 2015 prize was awarded to designer Anick La Bissonnière and protégé Marilène Bastien.
“We are so happy to be a part of making the Siminovitch Prize truly national,” Keiley said in a media release. “The Siminovitch Prize values and strengthens Canadian theatre, and the NAC’s aim of celebrating the work of Canadian art and artists fits perfectly with their mission. It’s a natural partnership.”
“The Siminovitch Prize made a big difference in both my career and the way others see my work,” says Brigitte Haentjens, Artistic Director of NAC’s French Theatre.
“It’s an extraordinary award that recognizes the talent of young creative artists, and opportunities like these are pretty rare. I am also thrilled that the National Arts Centre will now be a partner in celebrating some of the most exciting artists in Canadian theatre today. I can’t wait to raise my glass to this year’s nominees.”
The shortlist for this year’s Siminovitch Prize will be announced in mid-October 2016. In addition, this fall the NAC will bring together nominees and students from the National Theatre School of Canada for workshops and podcast discussions.
The deadline for nominations is July 15 at 5 p.m. ET.
Information on eligibility can be found at siminovitchprize.com.