Wisconsin theater company wins regional Tony Award

Jonah Beleckis, The Wisconsin Independent

The American Players Theatre in Spring Green has been chosen to receive the 2026 Regional Theatre Tony Award, becoming the first Wisconsin theater company to receive the award from the nonprofit theater organization American Theatre Wing.

The American Theatre Critics Association, the nationwide professional association of theater critics, made the recommendation for the award, which includes a $25,000 grant.

Artistic director Brenda DeVita and managing director Sara Young of the American Players Theatre said in a statement they were honored to receive the award.

“This award is for the whole APT community: the artists, artisans and staff who work so hard to bring stories to life on our Hill, who believe their work is special and that it matters — because it does matter,” they said. “This award is also for our extraordinary audience, who come back year after year, sharing this theater with friends and family, because it is their theater.”

The American Players Theatre has been operating for 46 years and will open its new season June 6, the day before the Tony Awards are presented, with William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” The theater began performances in 1980 with Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and frequently returns to plays by the playwright.

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