The Gascon-Thomas Awards

Created in 1990 by the NTS’s Board of Governors, the awards is named in honour of two of the School’s founders: Jean Gascon and Powys Thomas, who are equally among the School’s first great teachers to have made a lasting impression. In the spirit of the School’s co-lingual nature, the awards are bestowed each year to one Anglophone and one Francophone artist in two categories: Innovation and Lifetime Achievement. Those who receive this award have made their mark on today’s theatre or who have helped to change tomorrow’s theatre.

The two Gascon-Thomas Awards: Innovation and Lifetime Achievement

1. The Gascon-Thomas Award for Lifetime Achievement

The Gascon-Thomas Award for Lifetime Achievement is presented to a Canadian theatre artist who, throughout their career, has helped the theatre community evolve artistically. The selected nominee is an established artist who has earned national and international recognition and has contributed to Canadian theatre through their vast and important body of work.

2. The Gascon-Thomas Award for Innovation

The Gascon-Thomas Award for Innovation is presented to a Canadian theatre artist who has brought about a wave of change within their field. The nominee is selected for their ability to generate new ideas and for their efforts to improve upon current practices and/or approaches to making theatre. Innovation also refers to the attitude and social commitment underlying the artistic process. An artist who has had an impact on their social environment and makes theatre more accessible also demonstrates innovation by contributing to the growth and democratization of theatre.