New York Innovative Theatre Awards


The New York Innovative Theatre Awards were founded in 2004. These annual awards honor excellence in Off-Off-Broadway Theatre and help nurture and promote the Off-Off-Broadway community.

Mission statement

The New York Innovative Theatre Foundation was created to bring recognition to the great work being done in New York City's Off-Off-Broadway, to honor its artistic heritage, and to provide a meeting ground for this extensive community. The organization advocates for Off-Off-Broadway and recognizes the unique and essential role it plays in contributing to American and global culture. We believe that publicly recognizing excellence in Off-Off-Broadway will expand audience awareness and appreciation of the full New York theatre experience.
The IT Awards is a not-for-profit arts organization supporting the Off-Off-Broadway community by:
This organization was founded in 2004 by Jason Bowcutt, Shay Gines and Nick Micozzi.
STAFF: Shay Gines, Executive Director; Nick Micozzi, Executive Director; Akia, Company Manager; Christopher Borg, Communications & Outreach; Hillary Cohen, Judge Wrangler; Desmond Dutcher, Judge Coordinator; Doug Strassler, Update Editor; Morgan Lindsay Tachco, Community Services Manager; Katie Rosin, Public Relations
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Jason Bowcutt, Roman Feeser, Shay Gines, Benjamin Hodges, Bob Lee, Roger LeFevre, Leone Rendon de Litt, Nick Micozzi, Linda S. Nelson
ALUMNI STAFF/BOARD: Michael Michell, Board President; Tim Pinckney, Board Member; Nancy Kim, Members Coordinator; Emily Sandack, Update Editor

Judging System

The awards are selected based on a peer evaluation system that includes adjudication from 3 assigned Off-Off-Broadway artists as well as the average of audience votes.
The judging system is a direct result of the endeavour to provide opportunities for artists to see each other's work and create a venue for them to become familiar with other Off-Off-Broadway companies and artists, some of which they might otherwise never know.
In 2008 a was created to detail this process and can be viewed on YouTube.

Additional Programs

The IT Awards authored a book entitled Producing Off-Off-Broadway which will be published by in 2007.

2011 IT Awards Recipients

The 2011 New York Innovative Theatre Awards were held on Monday, September 19 at Cooper Union's Great Hall in New York City and was attended by 800 artists and their guests. The event was hosted by comedian Harrison Greenbaum, directed by Tom Wojtunik and a presentation by the Flux Theatre Ensemble. Presenters included Susan Stroman, Jay O. Sanders, David Henry Hwang, John Glover, Shirley Knight, and John Patrick Shanley.

2009 IT Awards Recipients

The 2009 New York Innovative Theatre Awards were held on Monday, September 21 at New World Stages in New York City and was attended by 750 artists and their guests. The event was hosted by Julie Halston with script contributions by Matthew Freeman, opening number performed by Scott Williams and directed by Christopher Borg and a presentation by The Brick Theater Company.
The 2009 Artistic Achievement Award for significant artistic contribution to the Off-Off-Broadway community was presented by Nilo Cruz to Maria Irene Fornes.
The 2009 Stewardship Award for significant contribution to the Off-Off-Broadway community through service, support and leadership was presented by Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kate D. Levin to Harriet Taub and Materials for the Arts.
The 2009 Caffe Cino Fellowship Award for consistent production of outstanding work, was presented by Ben Hodges and Jeff Riebe to The Brick Theater.
AwardRecipientProductionProducerPresenter
Outstanding EnsembleChristopher Borg, Jeffrey Cranor, Kevin R. Free & Eevin Hartsough Just A Day Like Any OtherNew York Neo-FuturistsCharles Busch
Outstanding Original Short ScriptNico VreelandThe Interview, Elephants on Parade 2009EBE EnsembleBekah Brunstetter
Outstanding Original Full Length ScriptNat CassidyThe Reckoning of Kit & Little BootsThe Gallery Players in association with Engine37Bekah Brunstetter
Outstanding Solo PerformanceJeff GrowCreating Illusion!soloNOVA Arts FestivalJames Scruggs
Outstanding DirectorSuzi TakahashiLee/gendaryHERE Arts CenterAustin Pendleton
Outstanding Choreography/MovementAustin McCormickThe Judgment of ParisCompany XIVCasey Nicholaw
Outstanding Set DesignMichael P. KramerRagtimeAstoria Performing Arts CenterLoy Arcenas
Outstanding Lighting DesignBruce SteinbergBlue Before MorningterraNOVA CollectiveBeverly Emmons
Outstanding Sound DesignAsa WemberAngel EatersFlux Theatre EnsembleJeremy Lee
Outstanding Costume DesignMichelle BeshawThe Very Sad Story of Ethel & JuliusGOH ProductionsConstance Hoffman
Outstanding Original MusicKimmy Gatewood, Andy Hertz, Rebekka Johnson, Sarah Lowe & Jeff SolomonThe Apple SistersThe Apple SistersAndrew Lippa
Outstanding Actor in a Leading RoleJulian ElferTwelfth Night, or What You WillT. Schreiber StudioKevin Chamberlin
Outstanding Actress in a Leading RoleElyse MirtoAny Day NowWriter's Forum at Manhattan Theatre SourceKevin Chamberlin
Outstanding Actor in a Featured RoleWilliam Apps IVAmerissiahThe Amoralists Theatre CompanyJackie Hoffman
Outstanding Actress in a Featured RoleConstance ParngLee/gendaryHERE Arts CenterJackie Hoffman
Outstanding Performance Art ProductionCreating IllusionCreating IllusionsoloNOVA Arts FestivalTaylor Mac
Outstanding Production of a MusicalLike You Like ItLike You Like ItElizabeth Swados
Outstanding Production of a PlayLee/gendaryLee/gendaryHERE Arts CenterMagie Dominic and Bob Dahdah
Outstanding Stage Manager AwardJillian ZemanRagtimeAstoria Performing Arts CenterTom Wojtunik and Taryn Drongowski

  1. of the ceremony with blog commentary by Aaron Riccio.
  2. with the presenters and recipients by Michael Gilboe on Broadway Bullet
  3. that were nominated for the 2009 awards

    2008 IT Awards Recipients

The 2008 New York Innovative Theatre Awards were held on Monday, September 22 at the Fashion Institute of Technology's Haft Auditorium in New York City and was attended by 750 artists and their guests. The event was hosted by Lisa Kron with performances by the Blue Man Group and a presentation by Boomerang Theatre Company's Jennifer Larkin, Joe Whelski and Vinnie Penna.
The 2008 Artistic Achievement Award for significant artistic contribution to the Off-Off-Broadway community was presented by Olympia Dukakis to Judith Malina.
The 2008 Stewardship Award for significant contribution to the Off-Off-Broadway community through service, support and leadership was presented by Kirk Wood Bromley to the - Martin Denton and Rochelle Denton.
The 2008 Caffe Cino Fellowship Award for consistent production of outstanding work, was presented by Leonard Jacobs and Akia to .
AwardRecipientProductionProducerPresenter
Outstanding EnsembleElena Chang, Noshir Dalal, Jon Hoche, Kelley Rae O'Donnell, Melissa Paladino, Maureen Sebastian, Andrea Marie Smith, Paco Tolson, Temar UnderwoodFight Girl Battle WorldMichael Dahlen & Bill Irwin
Outstanding Original Short ScriptAliza ShaneThe Three SilliesTina Howe
Outstanding Original Full Length ScriptBekah BrunstetterYou May Go NowTina Howe
Outstanding Solo PerformanceAndrea CabanYou Got Questions? I Got Answers!Desiree Burch
Outstanding DirectorEdward ElefterionThe Night of NosferatuIsaac Byrne & Daniel Talbott
Outstanding Choreography/MovementQui NguyenFight Girl Battle WorldRob Ashford
Outstanding Set DesignSean BreaultArt of MemoryAnna Louizos
Outstanding Lighting DesignKevin HardyThe Night of NosferatuAnne Militello
Outstanding Sound DesignDan BianchiThe Island of Dr. MoreauDan Moses Scheier
Outstanding Costume DesignJessica WegenerFight Girl Battle WorldCatherine Zuber
Outstanding Original MusicDan BianchiThe Island of Dr. MoreauJohn Bucchino
Outstanding Actor in a Leading RoleCameron J. OroThe Accidental PatriotLouis Zorich
Outstanding Actress in a Leading RoleStephanie Barton-FarcasElizabeth RexLouis Zorich
Outstanding Actor in a Featured RoleRob SheridanThe Two Lives of Napoleon BeazleyBarrett Foa
Outstanding Actress in a Featured RoleMegan ByrneNo End of BlameBarrett Foa
Outstanding Performance Art ProductionRemovable PartsRemovable PartsDavid Cote
Outstanding Production of a MusicalYank! A New MusicalYank! A New MusicalMichael Berresse
Outstanding Production of a PlayBurn, Crave, Hold: The James Wilde ProjectBurn, Crave, Hold: The James Wilde ProjectEdward Albee

  1. with the presenters and nominees on Broadway Bullet
  2. article by Doug Strassler
  3. for the 2008 awards

    2007 IT Awards Recipients

The 2007 New York Innovative Theatre Awards were held on Monday, September 24 at the Fashion Institute of Technology's Haft Auditorium in New York City and was attended by 750 artists and their guests. The event was hosted by Julie Halston with a presentation by Rising Phoenix Repertory's Elizabeth West.
The 2007 Artistic Achievement Award for significant artistic contribution to the Off-Off-Broadway community was presented by Mark Finley to Doric Wilson.
The 2007 Stewardship Award for significant contribution to the Off-Off-Broadway community through service, support and leadership was presented by Christine Quinn to .
The 2007 Caffe Cino Fellowship Award for consistent production of outstanding work, was presented by Leonard Jacobs and Paul Adams to .
AwardRecipientProductionProducerPresenter
Outstanding EnsembleBoo Killebrew, Julia Lowrie Henderson, Ryan Purcell,
Max Rosenak, Phillip Taratula & Daniel Walker Stowell		6969John Clancy & Elena Holy
Outstanding Original Short ScriptDaniel ReitzRules of the UniverseGary Garrison
Outstanding Original Full Length ScriptSaviana StanescuWaxing WestGary Garrison
Outstanding Solo PerformanceMike HoustonThe LedgeNicky Paraiso
Outstanding DirectorDaniel TalbottRules of the UniverseCarl Andress
Outstanding Choreography/MovementDan SaferDancing Vs the Rat Experiment in association with Christopher Gattelli & Ryan Duncan
Outstanding Set DesignGeorge AllisonPicasso at the Lapin AgileTobin Ost
Outstanding Lighting DesignPeter HoerburgerThe Present PerfectNatasha Katz
Outstanding Sound DesignRyan Maeker & Tim SchellenbaumDancing Vs the Rat Experiment in association with Fitz Patton
Outstanding Costume DesignDavid WithrowBug Boy BluesSusan Hilferty
Outstanding Original MusicLeanne DarlingThe LandlordMel Marvin
Outstanding Actor in a Leading RoleMax Rosenak6969Kathleen Chalfant
Outstanding Actress in a Leading RoleSusan Louise O'Connorthe silent concertoKathleen Chalfant
Outstanding Actor in a Featured RoleJoe PlummerAs You Like ItAnika Noni Rose & Jenn Harris
Outstanding Actress in a Featured RoleBoo Killebrew6969Anika Noni Rose & Jenn Harris
Outstanding Performance Art ProductionDancing Vs the Rat ExperimentDancing Vs the Rat Experiment in association with Leigh Silverman
Outstanding Production of a MusicalUrinetown, The MusicalUrinetown, The MusicalRobert Lopez
Outstanding Production of a PlayBouffon Glass MenajoreeBouffon Glass MenajoreeTen DirectionsWilliam M. Hoffman

2006 IT Awards Recipients

The 2006 New York Innovative Theatre Awards were held on Monday, September 18 at the historic Cooper Union in New York City and was attended by 600 artists and their guests. The event was hosted by Charles Busch with a special presentation by Lisa Stevenson of .
The 2006 Artistic Achievement Award for significant artistic contribution to the Off-Off-Broadway community was presented by Ben Vereen to Tom O'Horgan.
The 2006 Stewardship Award for significant contribution to the Off-Off-Broadway community through service, support and leadership was presented by William Russo and Tim Errickson to .
The 2006 Caffe Cino Fellowship Award for consistent production of outstanding work includes a grant to be used toward an Off-Off-Broadway production, was presented by Leonard Jacobs to The Vampire Cowboys Theatre Company
AwardRecipientProductionProducerPresenter
Outstanding EnsembleDavid Carr-Berry, Jared Culverhouse, Ellen David, Paul Fears, Andaye' Hill, Julian James, Gregory Porter Miller & Brian SchlangerTo Nineveh: A Modern MiracleHenry Russell Bergstein
Outstanding Solo PerformanceMargaux Laskeysize atesize ate productionsLypsinka
Outstanding Actor In A Featured RoleTrey GibbonsHow I Learned To DriveT. Schreiber StudioMartha Plimpton
Outstanding Actress In A Featured RoleSummer MooreLast Summer at Bluefish CoveT. Schreiber StudioMartha Plimpton
Outstanding Actor In A Lead RoleGreg HortonThe Singapore MikadoMary Louise Burke & Jason Kravits
Outstanding Actress In A Lead RoleEllen DavidTo Nineveh: A Modern MiracleMary Louise Burke & Jason Kravits
Outstanding Choreography / MovementMarius HanfordLiving Dead In DenmarkVampire Cowboys Theatre CompanyJeff Calhoun
Outstanding DirectorIsaac ByrneTo Nineveh: A Modern MiracleAdam Rapp
Outstanding Set DesignEddy TrotterLove! Valour! Compassion!T. Schreiber StudioAlexander Dodge
Outstanding Lighting DesignArthur AdairThe Emperor JonesLa MaMa, E.T.C.Mary Louise Geiger
Outstanding Costume DesignSidney ShannonIron CurtainWilliam Ivey Long
Outstanding Sound DesignPaul John DeSenaTo Nineveh: A Modern MiracleMark Bennett
Outstanding Original MusicBrendan ConnellyMajor BarbaraLa MaMa, E.T.C. in association with Two-Headed CalfMichael John LaChiusa
Outstanding Original Short ScriptVishakan JeyakumarJaffna MangoesIan Marshall & Jonathan Reuning
Outstanding Original Full-Length ScriptBekah BrunstetterTo Nineveh: A Modern MiracleIan Marshall & Jonathan Reuning
Outstanding Performance Art ProductionToo Much Light Makes the Baby Go BlindToo Much Light Makes the Baby Go BlindLisa Kron
Outstanding Production of a MusicalIron CurtainIron CurtainMary Testa
Outstanding Production of a PlayTo Nineveh: A Modern MiracleTo Nineveh: A Modern MiracleLanford Wilson

2005 IT Awards Recipients

The inaugural awards ceremony was held on Monday, September 19 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre and was attend by 300 nominees and guests. It was hosted by Charles Busch with a special presentation by Judith Haking and the opening number was performed by the cast of title of show|, Hunter Bell, Jeff Bowen, Susan Blackwell, Heidi Blickenstaff and Larry Pressgrove.
The 2005 Artistic Achievement Award for significant artistic contribution to the Off-Off-Broadway community was presented by Leonard Jacobs to Basil Twist.
The 2005 Stewardship Award for significant contribution to the Off-Off-Broadway community through service, support and leadership was presented by Tom O'Horgan to Ellen Stewart.
The 2005 Caffe Cino Fellowship Award for consistent production of outstanding work includes a grant to be used toward an Off-Off-Broadway production, was presented by Leonard Jacobs and Jeff Riebe to .
RecipientProductionProducerPresenter
Outstanding Ensemble---
Catherine Jhung, Don Nahaku, Lethia Nall, Matthew Pendergast, A-men Rasheed, Tijuana Ricks, Antonio G. del Rosario, Debargo Sanyal, Ragini Shah, Sam YounisPulling the LeverDoric Wilson & Bob Heidi
Outstanding Solo Performance---
James ScruggsDisposable MenJulie Halston
Outstanding Actor In A Featured Role---
Nicky ParaisoIphigenia, in association with Sky Saver ProductionsDan Fogler
Outstanding Actress In A Featured Role---
Sara ThigpenBurning the Old ManDan Fogler
Outstanding Actor In A Lead Role---
Troy LavalleeSerenade & Philosopher Fox and Marian Seldes
Outstanding Actress In A Lead RoleIT'S A TIE--
Carolyn GoelzerIphigenia in association with Sky Saver ProductionsMarian Seldes
Maria McConvilleHonor part 2Marian Seldes
Outstanding Choreography / Movement---
Jennifer L. MudgeIt's Karate, Kid! The MusicalThe Four Corners ProjectKathleen Marshall
Outstanding Director---
Paul BargettoSerenade & Philosopher Fox and Erika Gould
Outstanding Set Design---
Michael AllenMasqueradeHeidi Ettinger
Outstanding Lighting Design---
Daniel OrdowerHazard CountyBrian MacDevitt
Outstanding Costume Design---
Rob EggersOthelloGabriel Berry
Outstanding Sound Design---
Quentin ChiappettaMurder in the FirstInvictus Theatre CompanyNevin Steinberg
Outstanding Original Music---
Quentin ChiappettaMurder in the FirstInvictus Theatre Companytitle of show|, Hunter Bell, Jeff Bowen & Susan Blackwell
Outstanding Original Short Script---
P. Seth BauerFirst Time Out of BoundsMartin Denton & Rochelle Denton
Outstanding Original Full-Length Script---
Kelly McAllisterBurning the Old ManMartin Denton & Rochelle Denton
Outstanding Performance Art Production---
all wear bowlersPenny Arcade
Outstanding Production of a Musical---
It's Karate, Kid! The MusicalThe Four Corners ProjectDavid Stone
Outstanding Production of a Play---
Serenade & Philosopher Fox and John Guare & Constance Congdon