Industry professionals dedicated to touring Broadway received top honors as the Broadway League announced the winners of its 2026 League Awards.
The presentation took place on May 20 at the Broadway League 2026 Spring Road Conference. This year's theme focused on Beyond the Curtain: Addressing Today’s Issues to Secure Tomorrow’s Stage. Attendance exceeded 950 individuals hailing from roughly 93 U.S. markets and 10 countries around the world.
The League Awards are designed to recognize those who have shown exemplary service to the Touring Broadway industry. They cover a range of accomplishments that help sustain and grow live theater performances on the road. These awards highlight the dedication of individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring high-quality productions to audiences nationwide.
Among the honorees, J. Lynn Singleton received the Distinguished Lifetime Service Award. This accolade acknowledges his many years of commitment and influence within the sector. His career has spanned numerous successful tours and initiatives that strengthened the touring network.
Rich Jaffe earned the Samuel J. L'Hommedieu Award for Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Management. His efforts in overseeing presenter operations stood out to the selection committee. Through careful coordination he ensured smooth operations across multiple venues.
Amy Katz was the recipient of the George MacPherson Road Award. The honor reflects her notable contributions to road productions and operations. Her work has helped streamline logistics for complex touring schedules.
Brett Baker achieved recognition through the Outstanding Achievement in Road Group Sales award. This category celebrates success in driving group ticket sales for touring shows. His campaigns have boosted attendance and community involvement in live events.
For her work in outreach and learning programs, Jennifer DiBella received the Outstanding Achievement in Education and Engagement award. She developed programs that introduce new audiences to the magic of theater.
John Gilmour was awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Road Marketing & Press. His strategies helped promote touring Broadway effectively in various markets. Innovative approaches allowed shows to reach wider demographics successfully.
The Star of Touring Broadway honors were bestowed upon George Alvord, Merle JO Finks, Timi Kaufman, Jack Koraleski, and Carol Massey. These individuals have each played pivotal roles in advancing touring theater experiences. Their collective efforts have enriched the cultural landscape of many cities.
Jason Laks, the president of The Broadway League, spoke about the broader impact during the event.
Touring Broadway remains essential to the future of our industry, connecting audiences across North America to the power of live theatre while supporting communities, jobs, and the next generation of theatregoers.
Such recognitions come at a time when the industry navigates evolving audience preferences and economic factors. The conference provided opportunities for attendees to address these matters directly. Discussions covered strategies for growth and sustainability in live performance sectors.
