Awards & Recognition

Honored for the Work

For more than 25 years, New Orleans and the national theater community have recognized ABCT’s productions, its artists and its service to the city.

See Every AwardPast Productions

Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, 2006

PRESENTED NOVEMBER 12, 2018

The August Wilson American Century Cycle Award

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and The August Wilson House / Daisy Wilson Artist Community presented ABCT with this award for completing all ten plays of August Wilson’s American Century Cycle.

ABCT staged the cycle from 2001 to 2013.

  • 10 of 10August Wilson plays staged
  • 25+Years of honors
  • 104+Productions
  • 2017Lifetime Achievement, Anthony Bean

The August Wilson Century Cycle

August Wilson wrote ten plays, one for each decade of the 20th century, telling the story of Black American life. ABCT has staged all ten. In 2014 the Big Easy Entertainment Awards gave the theater a Special Recognition Award for completing the cycle, and in 2018 ABCT received the August Wilson American Century Cycle Award.

  1. 1900sGem of the OceanABCT 2007
  2. 1910sJoe Turner's Come and GoneABCT 2006
  3. 1920sMa Rainey's Black BottomABCT 2013
  4. 1930sThe Piano LessonABCT 2009
  5. 1940sSeven GuitarsABCT 2012
  6. 1950sFencesABCT 2006 & 2015
  7. 1960sTwo Trains RunningABCT 2001 & 2014
  8. 1970sJitneyABCT 2011
  9. 1980sKing Hedley IIABCT 2004
  10. 1990sRadio GolfABCT 2008

Awards & Recognition

ABCT Honors

  • 2025The Giving Gracefully AwardThe OMBI Group · Mothers of NFL Players
  • 2024Celeste Seymour Judell Arts AwardWYES
  • 2023Outstanding Contributions to Black TheatreNew Orleans City Council
  • 2023Outstanding Community ServiceAshé Cultural Arts Center
  • 2020Living Legends AwardCenter for African and African American Studies, Southern University at New Orleans
  • 2018The August Wilson American Century Cycle AwardPittsburgh Post-Gazette and the August Wilson House / Daisy Wilson Artist Community
  • 2012Trailblazer AwardSouthern Black Theatre Festival
  • 2010Community Arts AwardNew Orleans Arts Council
  • 2010Anthony Bean DayNew Orleans City Council

Big Easy Entertainment Awards

  • 2017Lifetime Achievement Award in TheaterAnthony Bean
  • 2016Best Actress in a DramaGwendolyne Foxworth, The Glass Menagerie
  • 2014Special Recognition AwardCompletion of the August Wilson Century Cycle
  • 2010Best Supporting Actor in a DramaAnthony Bean, Ceremonies in Dark Old Men
  • 2009Best Supporting Actress in a DramaSamantha Beaulieu, A Raisin in the Sun
  • 2006Best Supporting Actor in a DramaHarold X. Evans, Fences
  • 2003Best DramaNo Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs
  • 2003Best Set DesignChad Talkington, No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs
  • 2003Best Performance by a ChildKatherine Raymond & Anastacia Scott, No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs
  • 2002Best Supporting Actress in a PlayGwendolyne Foxworth, Two Trains Running

New Orleans Ambies

  • 2007Best DramaThe Sty of the Blind Pig
  • 2006Best Original WorkLittle Bit, John Grimsley, playwright · ABCT and Dog & Pony Theater Co.
  • 2006Best Actor in a PlayWilbert Williams Jr., Fences
  • 2006Best Actress in a PlayPatricia McGuire-Hill, The Old Settler
  • 2004Best DramaKing Hedley II
  • 2004Best Director of a PlayAnthony Bean, King Hedley II
  • 2004Best Actor in a PlayWilbert L. Williams Jr., King Hedley II
  • 2004Best Actress in a PlayGwendolyne Foxworth, King Hedley II

See the Work Behind the Honors

104+ productions since 2000

Past ProductionsOur Story