The Stage Managers’ Association 2026 Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management

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On Monday October 26^th, 2026, the Stage Managers’ Association (SMA) will present its  annual Del Hughes Awards for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management, at  the National Opera Center’s Marc A. Scorca Hall in NYC. The distinguished 2026 honorees  are theatrical Production Stage Managers Jill Gold, Beverly Jenkins, and Ira Mont. In  addition to these Lifetime Achievement Awards, the SMA will honor Nancy Uffner with The  Founders Award for her prolific career as a leading educator and production stage  manager. This year’s Special Recognition Award will highlight the careers of Jon Goldman  and W. Wilson Jones, and their impact on the SMA, creating the national online presence  and website of the organization in the early years of the growth of the internet.  

The Del Hughes honor is awarded to those who represent the finest qualities and artistic  achievement in stage management throughout their lifelong career. Instituted in 1986, the  award was named for Del Hughes, who had an illustrious career as a Broadway and  television stage manager as well as a TV director from 1933 to the 1970s. Honorees are  chosen each February from nominations submitted by industry members.  

Event Producer Cheryl Mintz conveys “It gives us immense pleasure to celebrate this  year’s honorees. Each one has an amazing body of work, with incredible  accomplishments, and have mentored the next generation in a variety of ways. Our  industry has been changed for the better through their work, their influence, and their  guidance.”

Though this is a lifetime achievement award, Del Hughes honoree Jill Gold shares the new  chapter in her career. “I just began a season-long contract as Resident Stage Manager for  Center Theatre Group in LA so my goals are tied to staffing their shows, building a solid  Stage Manager pool for their venues, supporting/mentoring early career SMs, and  continuing to Production Stage Managing shows throughout their season.” As an educator  Jill continues with “One of the joys of my job is teaching stage management at the college  level and educating student actors/directors/designers/technicians on how to effectively  use a stage manager, as well as what that position does that they would never guess and  the reasons to respect the title.” 

Taking in this moment, Del Hughes honoree Beverly Jenkins reflects that “It’s an amazing  feeling knowing that one’s peers feel your contributions to the art of stage management  warrant recognition. I am honored to join the list of stage managers, highly respected and  accomplished stage managers, in receiving this honor.” Looking back at one of her many  memorable career moments Beverly shares, “My experience on Miss Saigon back in the  nineties really taught me one of the most important lessons that I have carried throughout  my career – what a theatre family really could be. The love, respect, and support that  company showered upon everyone in the building, not just exclusively to the cast, is a true  lesson on the best a theatre family has to offer.”  

Looking ahead, Del Hughes honoree Ira Mont, expressed “I acted for 15 years, taught  stage management for 15 years, was a labor leader for 30 years, and stage managed for 40  years. I'm retired from doing shows, but not from giving back to this industry. I’m a trustee  of Equity’s benefit funds, Broadway Cares, Foundation for Stage Managers, Actors' Equity  Foundation, and I'm a ECF Human Services committee member.” In terms of the future of  our industry Ira shares “As technology progresses, and despite the fact that our title  implies we manage a thing, it is imperative to remember that what we do is manage  people. I truly hope that the makers and practitioners of theatre, the companies that  employ them, and the institutions that educate them never forget that stage managers are  managers of, communicators with, and facilitators for people.” 

Nancy Uffner, being honored with The Founders Award, soaking it all in states “To be  uplifted by my peers is the highest honor I could receive. I am overwhelmed, moved, and  exceedingly grateful. I am also grateful for those who came before me, mentored me,  stood beside me, shed light from afar and close by, and stand by me still.” 

On receiving the Special Recognition Award, W. Wilson Jones gives us Opera insight;  “What brings me joy in Production Stage Managing opera is helping a complex art form  come together for an audience. I’ve loved classical music since I was young, especially 

the Saturday MET radio broadcasts, which prompted me to become an amateur musician.  As a Production Stage Manager, I enjoy using my musical background and information  management skills to support the artists and present performances that can profoundly  affect audiences.” 

Cheryl Mintz and Matthew Stern, Co-Chairs of the Del Hughes Award event, are pleased to  announce the guest speakers at the event, which include Broadway Stage Manager  Stephen R. Gruse, California Production Stage Manager Phil Gold, Director of Production  Heather Chockley, and Founding Partner of RCI Theatricals, General Manager David  Richards. SMA Chair Adrienne Wells will give the welcome keynote. On behalf of the  Foundation for Stage Managers, President Elynmarie Kazle will speak. The hosts are  Production Stage Manager Cheryl Mintz, and past Del Hughes and Tony Award honoree,  Broadway Production Stage Manager Peter Lawrence. The SMA thanks Broadway  Cares/Equity Fights AIDS for their leading sponsorship, and Actors’ Equity Association for  their sponsorship of the event. 

The event is available virtually on Monday, October 26^th, 2026 at 7:30pm ET/4:30pm PT.  Registration is required and the event is free. Go to https://SMADH2026.eventbrite.com to  register.  

To join the SMA go to www.stagemanagers.org 

About the Stage Managers’ Association 

The Stage Managers’ Association of the United States (SMA) is the only professional  organization for working Stage Managers across the United States. 

Our mission is to create and maintain a strong community of Stage Managers by: 1. Protecting and promoting the interests of professional Stage Managers; 2. Serving as a resource and networking hub for the dissemination and advancement  of ideas and developments in the craft of stage management; 

3. Recognizing and promoting the recognition of professional Stage Managers at  all career levels; and 

4. Educating and advising those interested in the art and techniques of stage  management. 

Learn more about the Stage Managers’ Association at www.stagemanagers.org

Stage Managers’ Association 

The Del Hughes Award, The Founders Award & Special Recognition Honorees 2026 The Del Hughes Honorees Jill Gold, Beverly Jenkins, Ira Mont, 

The Founders Award Honoree Nancy Uffner,  

Special Recognition Award Honorees Jon Goldman & W. Wilson Jones 

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