What's New > 2026 Siminovitch Prize Finalists
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Congratulations to the finalists for the 2026 Siminovitch Prize!
CATHERINE BOURGEOIS (Montreal, QC)
OLIVIER KEMEID (Montreal, QC)
THE OLD TROUT PUPPET WORKSHOP (Calgary, AB)
SHERRY J. YOON & JAY DODGE (Gibsons, BC)
Recognized by a jury of peers for being visionaries in their field, this year’s finalists bring distinct voices to the national and international stage. Representing a range of artistic practices and perspectives from across the country, these finalists reflect the ambition, innovation, excellence and vitality of Canadian theatre.
On November 30, one finalist will be named the 2026 Siminovitch Prize Laureate and receive the $100,000 award. The remaining finalists will receive $10,000 each; the Protégé chosen by the Laureate will receive $25,000; and three additional emerging artists selected by the finalists will each receive $5,000.
For this year’s award, the Siminovitch Theatre Foundation welcomed nominations of directors, playwrights, and designers, as well as multi-disciplinary theatre creators. The finalists honoured this year demonstrate an extraordinary range of Canadian innovation and outstanding talent.
“The 2026 Siminovitch Prize shortlist shows a drive to build bridges and see 'the other' differently. Whether it's inviting audiences to see themselves in someone else’s experience, building creative partnerships that elevate everyone around them, or making room for collaborators too often left out of the room, these artists share a pull toward connection and possibility. That’s a hopeful thing to find in theatre right now, and it’s what this shortlist celebrates.” - Adrienne Wong, 2026 Jury Chair