WHY?
For the StoryBook community, every artist, volunteer, and supporter is essential. We wanted to create a way to say thank you that doesn’t rank or compare, but instead honours the shared journey that makes our theatre so special. Out of that desire came THE STORIES—The Heart of Our Story Awards.
These awards celebrate the remarkable cast, crew, and community members who live the StoryBook values of bravery, creativity, and heart. More than applause, THE STORIES recognize that everyone has a story worth sharing, and together those stories create the vibrant, unforgettable productions we love.
PRODUCTION AWARDS
Each production in the season is celebrated with its own full set of THE STORIES – The Heart of Our Story Awards, ensuring that every cast, crew, and creative team is recognized for their unique contributions. These core categories honour the bravery, creativity, collaboration, and heart that define StoryBook Theatre, giving every show—and every individual—a moment to have their story celebrated.
OVATION OF SPIRIT
This award recognizes the cast member who consistently demonstrates empathy, compassion, and emotional support. This honour celebrates those who make the rehearsal room safe, inclusive, and welcoming—leading by example, uplifting others, and embodying the core values of StoryBook Theatre.
LIMELIGHT AWARD
This award shines on a cast or crew member whose extraordinary creativity brightens the entire production. Whether through an inspired idea in rehearsal or an inventive solution during a show’s run, this award celebrates bold, out-of-the-box thinking and honours the individual who lights the way with their unique artistic vision.
BRAVO AWARD
This award is for someone whose contributions may not take centre stage but create a lasting impact. This award can recognize a single, meaningful act that profoundly affected others or honour an individual whose steady, behind-the-scenes efforts quietly shape the success of every production.
ENCORE AWARD
Presented to the volunteer who recorded the greatest number of volunteer hours during the season.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS
Each show may nominate extra awards to honour and celebrate unique contributions that fall outside the main categories but still have a meaningful impact on the production. We welcome award ideas of any kind—as long as they celebrate nominees in a fun, uplifting, and even humorous way.
Examples include:
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Most Incredible Use of a Glue Gun
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Ultimate Line Improv
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Most Creative Lyrics to a Song
These awards are flexible and can be tailored to the unique dynamics of each production. Anyone is welcome to suggest ideas for consideration, though only a limited number will be selected each season.
LIMELIGHT AWARD
presented to
JOEY GRUSZECKI
OVATION AWARD
presented to
ERIN NAVARRO
BRAVO AWARD
presented to
LEE-ANNE BOMBARDA
ENCORE AWARD
Volunteer of the Year
presented to
SULLIVAN ANDRUSIAK