With the close of the most recent Equity theater season, the prestigious Joseph Jefferson Awards announces the date for its annual celebration of theater excellence to be held Monday, September 29, 2025. This year’s ceremony will light up the stage at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago, where more than a hundred theater artist nominees from across more than 30 artistic and technical categories will be honored in a live production that returns the annual awards program to the heart of Chicago’s theater district.
Ceremony producers and long-time Jeff Awards members Paulette Petretti and Merril Prager welcome back decorated theater director, actress and singer E. Faye Butler, who will direct this year’s high energy celebration. Butler is the recipient of multiple Jeff Awards and served as host of the 54th Equity Awards program. More details on the event, production team and exciting new highlights will be shared later this summer.
E. Faye Butler with Jeff Awards Chair John Glover
(Photo: Joe Mazza/Brave Lux)
Nominations for the 57th Anniversary Equity Awards will be announced in mid-August. Following the announcement of this year’s nominations, information on ticket sales will also be available.
The Chicago Equity theater season runs from July 1– June 30 and this most recent season featured nearly 100 productions considered by members of the Jeff Awards. Those productions that received a Jeff Recommendation become eligible for award nominations.
ABOUT THE JEFF AWARDS
The Jeff Awards is one of the most active and engaged theater awards organizations in the country evaluating hundreds of theatrical productions annually and holding two awards ceremonies highlighting work over the past Equity and Non-Equity seasons. Through recommendations, awards, and honors the organization helps foster the growth of companies, encourages artists, brings new appreciation for diverse storytelling, and cultivates civic pride in the achievements of the Chicago theater community. Originally chartered in 1968 to recognize Equity productions, the Jeff Awards Non-Equity Wing was established in 1973 to celebrate outstanding achievement in non-union theatre.
For more information, visit www.jeffawards.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and X.