May 19, 2025
The Anthem
The 2025 Helen Hayes Awards bring glamor, fun, and celebration! Join us as we honor our incredible nominees and the vibrant DC-area theatre community with a red carpet, dinner, and awards ceremony, including the prestigious Helen Hayes Tribute. 

 

 

 

Hosts

 

 

Jan Du Plain

Chair, Helen Hayes Awards

Board of Directors, Theatre Washington

 

 

 

 

Amy Austin

President & CEO, Theatre Washington

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonnie Nelson Schwartz

Founder, Helen Hayes Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Host Committee

As of March 2025 - This list is updated regularly.

Co-Producer

Dr. Judith Kuriansky

Producer

Craig Pascal

John Hauge

Andrew R. Ammerman

Alan Savada

 

Director

Michael Burke & Carl Smith

Jan Du Plain

Gary P. Fontaine & O’Shelya S. Brown 

Kevin Hennessy & David Lamdin

Sharon Lewis Tompkins 

Annie Simonian Totah

Sherrie Beckstead Luxury Group

Abel Lopez

Marilyn Bianco

Debbie Jckson, Bill Lammers & Renee Klish

Bonnie Nelson Schwartz & Myrna Fawcett

 The 2025 Helen Hayes Awards

Monday, May 19, 2025 | The Anthem, Washington, DC

The Helen Hayes Awards is Washington’s biggest night in theatre—a dazzling celebration that honors artistic excellence and the extraordinary contributions of the region’s robust and diverse theatre community.

On Monday, May 19, the DC-area theatre industry will gather at The Anthem for an unforgettable evening that includes a red carpet welcome, a three-course dinner, and the Helen Hayes Awards ceremony—featuring performances, tributes, and a powerful reflection on theatre’s impact locally, nationally, and globally.

The celebration draws 1,500 guests, including nominees, theatre leadership from 40+ area companies, artists, civic leaders from DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and dedicated supporters of the performing arts.

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 2025 Helen Hayes Tribute Honoree: Robert “Bobby” Hooks

This year, we are thrilled to honor Robert Hooks—a Tony-nominated actor, pioneering producer, civil rights activist, and champion of Black theatre. Born and raised on Newton Street in DC’s West End, Hooks has been a transformative force in American theatre.

He co-founded the groundbreaking Negro Ensemble Company in New York and was invited by leaders including George Stevens (The Kennedy Center) and Zelda Fichandler (Arena Stage) to return to DC and establish the DC Black Repertory Company. His efforts created vital space for Black voices and stories on stage—a legacy that continues to empower the region’s theatre artists today.

Hooks’ impact transcends performance. Through his work, he has shaped a more inclusive and representative theatre community, helping to ensure that the stage reflects the full spectrum of the human experience.

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 Theatre’s Role in Our World

In this moment of deep civic division and cultural reckoning, theatre remains one of the few places where we gather—across generations, identities, and beliefs—to hear the same stories and share space in real time. Theatre sparks empathy, inspires dialogue, and reminds us of our shared humanity.

The health and social benefits of live performance are profound, especially now. Theatre fosters connection. It nurtures imagination. It provides quiet space for reflection and a platform for transformation.

The Helen Hayes Awards honors the artists and organizations who make that work possible—and celebrates the DC region as one of the world’s most vital theatre hubs.

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 Join Us

We invite sponsors, supporters, and community leaders to stand with us as we spotlight the cultural importance of theatre and its role in shaping national and global conversations. Your partnership uplifts artists, strengthens the industry, and ensures that DC theatre continues to be a force for innovation, equity, and unity.

 

• Wharton Club Members:
• Lifetime & President's Club Members: You may purchase tickets for yourself and up to 3 guests:
• Other Wharton Club members: May purchase ticket for yourself