The Siminovitch prize

The Siminovitch Prize was launched in 2001 to honour the values and achievements of the renowned scientist Lou Siminovitch and the late Elinore Siminovitch, a pioneering playwright. The Prize shines a spotlight on excellence and innovation in Canadian theatre with an annual award of $100,000. The Prize also recognizes the importance of mentorship to support emerging talent. The laureate receives $75,000 and, in turn, chooses a protégé to receive $25,000.

Over a three-year cycle, the Siminovitch Prize celebrates a professional director, playwright or designer who is an acknowledged leader in the theatre and whose work is transformative and influential. The 2019 Prize was awarded to directors Maiko Yamamoto and James Long, and protégé Conor Wylie.

Both the NAC’s English Theatre and French Theatre are led by Siminovitch Prize laureates – Jillian Keiley (2004) and Brigitte Haentjens (2007). In fact, since the Prize’s inception in 2001, works from all its laureates have graced the national stage at the NAC.

The 2019 Siminovitch Prize laureate was announced at a ceremony on Thursday, November 21 at the National Arts Centre.

The 2019 Finalists

Learn more at siminovitchprize.com