On May 19, 2025, The Anthem at the Wharf will host the 41st edition of the Helen Hayes Awards, featuring acclaimed performers Felicia Curry and Mike Millan as hosts. This prestigious event celebrates the vibrant theater scene in the District of Columbia, honoring over 200 nominees and their remarkable contributions to the arts. The ceremony includes a tribute to actor, producer, and activist Robert Hooks, recognizing his lifelong dedication to amplifying Black voices in theater. Directed by Ashleigh King with music led by Christopher Wingert, the evening will feature red carpet arrivals, a cocktail hour, dinner, and dynamic performances from celebrated regional artists.
This year’s awards recognize productions staged during the 2024 calendar year, spanning 42 categories. A panel of 51 meticulously selected judges evaluated works ranging from design and direction to choreography and writing. Among the productions considered were 57 musicals, 108 plays, and 37 world premieres. Robert Hooks’ legacy in theater is further highlighted through his establishment of three influential Black theater companies: New York’s Group Theatre Workshop, the Negro Ensemble Company, and the DC Black Repertory Company. His pioneering efforts significantly advanced representation for Black artists in theater and beyond.
Robert Hooks' impact on the arts extends far beyond his roles as an actor and producer. As a key figure in the Black Arts Movement during the Civil Rights Era, he broke barriers by becoming the first Black male lead in a network drama with David Susskind’s N.Y.P.D. Throughout his illustrious career, Hooks received numerous accolades, including induction into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame and an NAACP Image Award for Lifetime Achievement. Bonnie Nelson Schwartz, founder of the Helen Hayes Awards, notes that Hooks laid the foundation for a thriving Black theater community in Washington, D.C., fostering collaboration among artists, musicians, designers, and educators across racial boundaries.
The Helen Hayes Awards Committee, chaired by Jan Du Plain of Du Plain Global Enterprises and co-produced by Dr. Judith Kuriansky, oversees this monumental event. Generous support comes from sponsors such as Destination DC, Events DC, Giant Food, and TodayTix, among others. Established in honor of legendary actress Helen Hayes, the awards have celebrated excellence in professional theater for four decades, grouping nominations under "Helen" or "Hayes" cohorts based on the number of Equity members involved in each production.
Theater Washington plays a pivotal role in nurturing the local theater ecosystem through partnerships and initiatives like the Helen Hayes Awards, Theatre Week, Theatre Work, and the Taking Care Fund. These programs aim to celebrate artistic accomplishments, empower the theatrical workforce, promote institutional growth, and inspire collective action within the community. Together, these efforts ensure the continued vibrancy and diversity of the DC theater scene for years to come.