The Toby Awards have been celebrating theatrical excellence since 1997, promoting special recognition, irrespective of function, genre or geographic location within the global performing arts community based on individual impact to society.
2022 | ![]() |
Under the backdrop of the Russian invasion into the Ukraine which continues to escalate and claim lives — a terrible tragedy for both Ukrainians and Russians, bringing great loss of human life, threatening both economies and security, and leading Russia to complete international isolation, two honors are bestowed:
ELENA KOVALSKAYA (Елена Ковальская) for her Outstanding International Courage. Previously the Director of Moscow’s Vsevolod Meyerhold State Theater and Cultural Center who at the very outbreak of the invasion of the sovereign country of the Ukraine in February 2022, without regard for her personal safety, resigned her high-profile Russian state position in protest of Putin’s invasion in Ukraine.
She was quoted as saying “Friends, in protest against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I’m resigning”. She continued, “It’s impossible to work for a murderer and collect a salary from him.” She now teaches history of foreign theatre at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts and directs its social theatre master’s program.
Facebook.com/elena.kovalskaya
and
DAVID FOSTER for his Outstanding Commitment to Humanity. Now based in Bali, Indonesia, David had a long career as a sought-after Production Stage Manager of Broadway shows, within the USA and touring globally such as Les Misérables, Annie Get Your Gun, Sunset Boulevard, The Who’s Tommy and Anything Goes, and for Radio City Music Hall, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Madison Square Garden Productions and Drei Hasselnüsse für Aschenbrödel.
In 2022 his undertaking, at his own considerable cost and risk, to volunteer for World Central Kitchen on the Poland-Ukraine border in Przemyśl for nearly 2 months assisting refugees fleeing the Ukraine is indicative of his selfless support of the humanitarian crisis on the edge of a war zone.
Facebook.com/AmbassadorDave
The annual Toby Awards are unique since they provide an opportunity to celebrate theatrical excellence recognizing individuals that typically would be overlooked by other global performing arts awards. Recipients have made a significant impact on either a particular show or the performing arts community at a regional, national, or international level while going above and beyond with social, moral or ethical commitment.
Past Recipients
2022 |
Outstanding International Courage. [Press Release] |
2022 |
Outstanding Commitment to Humanity. [Press Release] |
2021 |
Outstanding ongoing commitment to the Australian theatre community. [Press Release] |
2021 |
Outstanding producing & direction in the preservation of the arts on film & TV. [Press Release] |
2020No award granted |
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2019 |
Outstanding presentation and development of live theatre in São Paulo, Brasil. |
2019 |
Fabulous career actress and charitable leadership of the Actors’ Benevolent Fund. |
2018 |
Spectacular fundraising for The Performers Retirement Collective throughout Eastern Europe. |
2018 |
Outstanding career in scenic and costume design on Broadway and beyond. |
2017 |
Dedicated military service in China and a lifetime of excellence composing musical theatre. |
2017 |
Outstanding musical actress and fabulous charitable leadership with her New York Restoration Project. |
2016 |
Lifetime achievement in General & Charitable Management on Broadway and beyond. |
2016 |
Astonishing Scenic & Production Design in both the Broadway and film industries |
2015 |
Lifetime of astonishing performing arts excellence with commitment to preserving history. |
2014 |
Outstanding attitude, care and maintenance in Lintong, Xi’an within extremely difficult conditions. |
2014 |
A lifetime of commitment to performing arts excellence and promotion of Puerto Rican talents. |
2013 |
Lifetime of dedication to public relations of live entertainment. |
2013 |
Dedication to the success of the Istanbul, Turkey live entertainment market. |
2012 |
Best newcomer, both as writer and film director within China & commitment to Children’s charities. |
2012 |
Lifetime of excellence leading the Broadway stage. |
2011 |
Astonishing development of the Asian theatre markets in Manila and Singapore. |
2011 |
Outstanding trailblazing career as a Cuban prima ballerina and choreographer. |
2010 |
Outstanding global logistics support by Rock it Cargo in Seoul & Singapore. |
2009 |
Devotion to the preservation and promotion of his musical FAME. |
2009 |
Continuing excellence in leading the Australian stage. |
2008 |
Outstanding West End and Broadway producer with emphasis on literary history. |
2008 |
A lifetime of excellence in dance, choreography and her nurturing of dancers. |
2007 |
Substantial support of orchestral musicians excellence throughout the world. |
2007 |
Continued excellence in theatre journalism, on Broadway and beyond. |
2006 |
Outstanding Canadian Executive Producer and General Manager. |
2006 |
Outstanding leadership at the Denver Centre promoting national touring musicals. |
2005 |
Outstanding choreography for Broadway’s ALL SHOOK UP. |
2005 |
Outstanding lifetime achievement as a dramatic actor. |
2004 |
Excellence in promoting the Broadway community and majority of its shows as founder of Spotco. |
2004 |
An astonishing lifetime career as a Broadway General Manager & Producer. |
2004 |
Outstanding newcomer in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. |
2003 |
Outstanding Atlanta promotions of developing new works with 360 Media. |
2003 |
Outstanding 47-year career in Stage Management with the Royal Opera House, London |
2002 |
Visionary risk-taking leadership at Celebrity Cruises bringing Broadway to the oceans. |
2002 |
Astonishing concept, direction and choreography of the #1 audience favorite SPOTLIGHT BROADWAY. |
2001Jody J. Abrahams, |
Outstanding performance of KAT AND THE KINGS, breaking the mould of traditional musical theatre. |
2001 |
For contributions in leading the Broadway community out of 9/11 with NYC & Company. |
2001 |
Outstanding achievement in labor relations between Broadway producers and all theatrical unions. |
2000 |
Outstanding support of the North American touring markets for musical theatre. |
2000 |
Excellence in ongoing effective Production Management of live entertainment. |
2000 (theatre.com people’s choice)Theatre lovers cast 4785 votes in the TOBY awards, which recognize the best on Broadway in 36 categories during the 1999-2000 season, which ended May 31. In addition to traditional award categories, TOBY awards are given in categories that can be even more meaningful for theatregoing audiences. Votes were tallied electronically from May 17 to May 31, 2000, and covered Broadway shows that opened between June 1, 1999 and May 31, 2000. Full Press Release. BEST NEW MUSICAL: Aida |
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1999 |
Outstanding performance in the Broadway revival of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. |
1999 |
Excellence in maintaining public legacy of the estate of husband & composer Jule Styne. |
1999 |
Nurturing the preservation of Broadway musical theatre with RCA Victor. |
1998 |
Outstanding production concept, writing and direction of DE LA GUARDA “VILLA VILLA”. |
1998 |
Astonishing career of over 50 Broadway shows, and one of the first female stage managers. |
1998 |
Visionary achievement in the marketing, PR and promotion of the live arts. |
1997 |
Spectacular performance in USA, Canada & UK in BLOOD BROTHERS and CATS in the West End |
The Toby Awards began in 1997 as the Theatre Online Best of the Year awards as part of BuyBroadway and then later migrated to the current annual awards