What We Do

The Helen Hayes Awards:

• Is a vibrant living legacy to The First Lady of The American Theatre;
  
  
• Is among the area’s chief community builders, helping to strengthen our region by building one of its most powerful assets: the professional theatre;
  
  
• Is an organization that for 24 years has enhanced our community by working year round to build audiences, educate youth, and celebrate the power of Washington professional theatre;
  
  
• Builds Audiences with integrated marketing initiatives that broaden hometown attendance, encourage cultural tourism, and provide our region with a powerful economic engine;
  
  
• Educates and introduces thousands of children to the power of live theatre with a landmark education program provided completely free of charge;
  
  
• Honors Excellence with one of the most prestigious theatrical honors in the country;
  
  
• Shines a light on a thriving theatrical industry that helps define our region;
  
  
• Serves a community that includes over one million theatre-goers, 3500 professional theatre artists and the staffs of over 60 theatre companies; and
  
  
• Has given the Washington theatre community a national identity. Open a theatre program on Broadway – or at theatres from San Francisco to London – and you’ll find mention of The Helen Hayes Awards.

Our Story

• How it All Began
  
  
• About Helen Hayes MacArthur, The First Lady of the American Theatre

Programs and Services of The Helen Hayes Awards

The Helen Hayes Awards takes center stage one night each year, but the organization's work behind the scenes continues for 364 nights and days.

Click here for a complete list of our diverse programs and activities that assist the theatres we serve and the audiences we inform.

Annual Reports

• 2005-2006 Annual Report
  
  
• 2004 Annual Report

Board of Directors

Staff

2008 Helen Hayes Awards Calendar of Events