The American Theatre Wing (Heather Hitchens, President & CEO) is thrilled to announce that the Wing’s 2026 Gala Celebration will be held on the evening of Monday, September 14th, 2026, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

The Wing is continuing its tradition of honoring the “Unsung Heroes of the Theatre Industry,” with stage stars shining a spotlight on their own personal Unsung Hero. From dressers who execute seamless quick changes between scenes, to understudies who don’t miss a beat when getting called into a show on little notice, to makeup artists responsible for impressive visual character transformations – and so many more vital contributors to the theatrical art form – the 2026 Gala celebrates members of the theatrical community who don’t often get the recognition they deserve.

Funds raised at the Gala go directly to American Theatre Wing programs, including The Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative, The Jonathan Larson Grants, National Theatre Company Grants, The Gavin Creel Fellowships, The Playreaders Club (in partnership with The Drama Book Shop), and producing ATW’s Emmy Award nominated Working in the Theatre Series. Through these programs, the American Theatre Wing continues to be a catalyst for change in the industry by providing traditionally underrepresented talent with resources to begin or continue their artistic journey, supporting future generations of theatre artists in forging a path forward.

Gala performers will be announced at a later date. We hope you will join us! For more information, please contact gala@americantheatrewing.org