2026 Performing Arts WA Awards announced at Heath Ledger Theatre celebrate excellence in WA live performance

In a supremely satisfying aria for the ages, Freeze Frame Opera was the most awarded company at the 2026 Performing Arts WA Awards ceremony, an evening proving just how erroneous a certain Hollywood actor’s recent remarks truly were. The opera company took home five awards for its emotionally-charged production Dead Man Walking, staged at Fremantle Prison, including outstanding direction, outstanding lighting design and best production. Hosted by Artist Relief Fund WA, the annual awards night was presented at Heath Ledger Theatre on April 20, celebrating the achievement in WA professional live performance across 2025 of both mainstage and independent works in theatre, dance, musical theatre, opera and cabaret. The Blue Room Theatre maintained its reputation as a hub for excellent theatre, with 10 awards for shows at the venue, four for independent theatre show Shadow of Doubt by The Blue Room Theatre and Fine Comb Theatre Company. Black Swan State Theatre Company’s epic co-production of August: Osage County with Belvoir St Theatre was also acknowledged with four awards, along with an outstanding ensemble nod to the cast of Black Swan’s Never Have I Ever. Triple wins on the night were bestowed on STRUT Dance in association with Perth Festival for Manifest at Perth Moves, WA Opera’s The Pirates Of Penzance and WA Ballet for the company’s productions of Butterfly Effect and Cinderella. Musical Urinetown by Western Sky Projects had received the most nominations, up for a staggering 14 separate awards and walking away with a respectable two. Having announced earlier this month that she would be stepping down at the end of 2026, Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia artistic director Raewyn Hill will depart with an outstanding choreography win for her work In The Shadow Of Time. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to veteran stage manager Jenny Poh for her tireless work within the industry, while James Berlyn was the recipient of the inaugural Ripple Effect Award. The Ripple Effect Award honours the legacy of the late Georgia Malone, a true champion of arts who died in April 2025, following a two-year battle with bowel cancer, having experienced a remarkable career in the arts sector for more than 20 years. The idea for the award was inspired by Malone herself as her husband John Carter navigated the complex web and the burden of administrative tasks after her death. She had written about her legacy in a diary entry, wanting to have had a “ripple effect” on the world. “I want to know I have made an impact,” Malone wrote. “That what I have done has had the ripple effect to make change and impact others. I want to have added value to the world and not just lived for myself.” The award was established by Malone’s family and friends to celebrate those who work tirelessly to make a positive difference in the WA arts sector. In his acceptance speech, Berlyn announced the prize money would fund a new artist residency opportunity at his West Berlyn Studios. See the full list of winners at performingartswaawards.com.