The Siminovitch Prize 2015 – Hart House Toronto

The Siminovitch Prize held its 15th annual awards gala at Hart House past Sunday. It was a night of celebration for theatre artists.

This year, it was time for theatre designers to be honoured, as part of the rotation with directors and playwrights.

This juried award, which is Canada’s largest for theatre, provides $75,000 to the winner and $25,000 to their chosen protégé.

The finalists for 2015 were Anick La Bissonnière, Bretta Gerecke, Trevor Schwellnus and Nancy Tobin, all of them have made an impact on the Canadian theatre scene.

The awards were wonderfully hosted by actress Fiona Reid and included actor Thom Allison, who performed a piece from Stephen Sondheim‘s “Sunday in the Park With George“.

Among those speaking at the ceremony were former Ontario Premier and current board member Bob Rae and jury chair Bob White.

Anick La Bissonnière was announced as the winner, and she brought Marilène Bastien onstage, as her chosen emerging artist. Both were exhilarated and humbled to be honoured.

Each of the three finalists also received $5,000.00, for the first time ever in the history of The Siminovitch Prize.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a dessert reception and entertainment by pianist Jordan Klapman and violinist Dr. Eugene Draw.

Anick La Bissonnière

Bob Rae

Jordan Klapman

Anick La Bissonnière

(photos by sari)

The Siminovitch Prize 2015 – Hart House Toronto