The Stage Debut Awards Return For 2026

THE STAGE DEBUT AWARDS RETURN FOR 2026

NETFLIX CONTINUES AS HEADLINE SPONSOR AHEAD OF 10TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2027

The Stage Debut Awards will return in 2026, with Netflix confirmed as the headline sponsor for a second year. 

The awards, in association with Netflix, are the only major theatre awards dedicated to recognising breakthrough performers and creatives making their professional debuts on stages across the UK. The 2026 ceremony will take place at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, on Sunday, 27th September, 2026.

Submissions are now open, with debut performers, writers, directors, designers, composers, lyricists and book writers who made their professional debuts between 18th July, 2025 and 9th July, 2026 invited to put themselves forward for consideration along with their agents and producers.

Submissions can be made via The Stage Debut Awards website until 25th June, 2026.

The shortlist will be revealed on 20th August, 2026. 

Now approaching its 10th year, The Stage Debut Awards has become a key fixture in the theatre awards calendar, championing the next generation of theatremakers and recognising a string of exceptional breakthrough talent that has gone on to be celebrated at the Olivier and Tony Awards.

Following a successful launch, Netflix continues its support as headline sponsor for a second year, reinforcing the company’s commitment to championing emerging creative voices and celebrating the future of theatre as the awards prepare to mark a decade of celebrating debut talent in 2027.

Anne Mensah, Vice President, UK Content at Netflix said: 

“We’re delighted to continue our partnership with The Stage Debut Awards as headline sponsor. Supporting creative voices is incredibly important to us at Netflix and we're proud to help celebrate the performers and creatives making their professional debuts and look forward to another inspiring year of breakthrough talent.” 

Alistair Smith, managing director, The Stage said:  

“There is nothing more exciting than seeing a major talent emerge for the first time. The Stage Debut Awards exist to celebrate those moments and give breakthrough performers and creatives the recognition they deserve at a time in their careers when it really matters. As we look forward to our 10th anniversary in 2027, we are thrilled that Netflix is continuing its vital support as headline sponsor and helping us champion the future of theatre.”

To be eligible for the 2026 awards, individuals must have made their professional debut between 18th July, 2025, and 9th July, 2026. 

Honouring excellence across the industry, the awards span eight categories covering performers, directors, designers, writers, composers and lyricists. These include Best Performer in a Play, Best Performer in a Musical, Best Director, Best Writer, Best Designer, Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer, Best West End Debut Performer and Best West End Creative Debut. 

The Best West End Debut Performer award stands out as the only category decided by a public vote. Last year, theatre audiences picked Olivier award-winning Rachel Zegler as the winning recipient for her leading role in Evita at the London Palladium. Speaking on her win, Zegler said: “Thank you to everyone at The Stage and everybody who voted. I can't believe it – playing Eva Perón was one of the best experiences of my life!” 

Previous recipients of The Stage Debut Awards include Spitlip (Operation Mincemeat), Rob Madge (My Son's A Queer (But What Can You Do?), Miriam-Teak Lee (On the Town), Jim Barne and Kit Buchan (The Season/ Two Strangers (Carrying a Cake Across New York), Rose Ayling-Ellis (As You Like It), Grace Hodgett Young (Sunset Boulevard), Katy Rudd (The Almighty Sometimes) and Tyrell Williams (Red Pitch).