Independent Arts News Reporting Drama Desk Awards to make The Shed its new home
Reported on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Pictured Above: The Drama Desk Awards to Move to The Shed Beginning With 2027 Ceremony. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: NEW YORK, NEW YORK
Transformative new era begins in 2027
New York, NY — The Drama Desk Awards have announced that the annual event honoring outstanding theater will move to The Shed, the acclaimed cultural institution on Manhattan’s west side, beginning with the 2027 ceremony.
The move is led by Scene Partners, which recently joined with The Season to form Drama Desk Awards Productions to produce the awards going forward, marking a significant step in the evolution and long-term growth of the Drama Desk Awards.
“This move represents a defining moment for the future of the Drama Desk Awards,” said Matt Britten, Founder of Scene Partners. “We have an opportunity to reimagine what a theater awards show can be—embracing new formats, expanding its reach, and elevating the visibility of the entire theatrical ecosystem. We’re proud to help usher the Drama Desk Awards into this next era.”
“The Drama Desk Awards have always been about celebrating the full spectrum of the theater community,” said David Barbour and Charles Wright, Co-Presidents of the Drama Desk organization. “Partnering with The Shed—one of the most innovative and forward-thinking cultural institutions in the world—positions the Awards at the center of where the future of performance is being defined.”
Located in Hudson Yards, The Shed has quickly become one of the most dynamic institutions in New York City, known for its boundary-pushing programming across disciplines including theater, music, dance, visual art, and immersive experiences. Its flexible, state-of-the-art spaces will allow the Drama Desk Awards to evolve the format of the ceremony and expand its reach in new and meaningful ways.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Drama Desk Awards to The Shed,” said Meredith “Max” Hodges, Chief Executive Officer of The Shed. “This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to honoring artistic excellence while embracing innovation in the audience experience. We look forward to hosting a next-generation awards experience that reflects the vibrancy of today’s theater-making.”
This next chapter is made possible through the generous support of leading organizations across the theater industry, including The John Gore Organization, The Shubert Organization, Disney Theatrical Group, and others committed to advancing and celebrating the future of live performance.
The move follows the Drama Desk Awards’ successful return to the historic Town Hall for its 70th anniversary season in 2026 and signals a strategic evolution for the event.
Additional details regarding the 2027 ceremony—scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 23, 2027—including format, ticketing, and programming, will be announced at a later date.
About the Drama Desk Awards
For over seventy years, the Drama Desk Awards have been a unique voice celebrating the artistry, innovation, and creativity of New York’s stages. Since 1955, they have been the only major theater awards to honor excellence across all of New York City’s theatrical landscape.
Over the decades, the Drama Desk Awards have recognized a remarkable roster of American theater legends and cultural icons. Winners include Audra McDonald, Bryan Cranston, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Viola Davis, Al Pacino, James Earl Jones, Neil Patrick Harris, Stephen Sondheim, August Wilson, Tony Kushner, Nathan Lane, Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters, Billy Porter, Christopher Walken, Julie Taymor, George C. Wolfe, David Mamet, Laurie Metcalf, Sutton Foster, Glenn Close, Suzan-Lori Parks, Brian Dennehy, Tom Stoppard, Liev Schreiber, Harvey Fierstein, Cherry Jones, Tonya Pinkins, Bebe Neuwirth, Jefferson Mays, and André De Shields. These artists, and thousands of others recognized by the Drama Desk Awards—spanning generations, genres, and disciplines—have helped shape the American stage. From breakthrough productions to career-defining roles, the Drama Desk Awards have long been a bellwether for excellence, honoring the visionaries who continue to redefine what theater is and what it can be.
About The Shed
Under the leadership of CEO Meredith “Max” Hodges and founding Artistic Director Alex Poots, The Shed is a cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manhattan’s west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organizations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent nonprofit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.
About Scene Partners
Scene Partners is an experiential entertainment venture builder based in New York. Scene Partners works with entrepreneurs and leaders across the live entertainment landscape, creating, investing, and advising across all stages of the venture lifecycle to build exciting products and experiences for entertainment fans, and lasting value for its partners.
