Calgary’s Betty Mitchell Awards: A legacy in limbo

The Betty Mitchell Awards, Calgary’s annual celebration of excellence in professional theatre, is facing a make-or-break moment.

Without new bodies, the stage will remain dark.

With two of its leaders stepping down this fall, the volunteer-run society is on the brink of falling below Alberta’s legal minimum of five board members. If that happens, the organization will be forced to dissolve.

And Calgary will lose its only formal awards night for professional theatre.

“If we don’t find at least one more person to bring onto the board, then we’re not meeting the requirements, and we would have to dissolve,” says board member and local theatre artist Ryan Wesley Gray. “That would be devastating. It’s a 26-year legacy for Betty Mitchell… and to see that fade away would be just nothing short of tragedy.”

Ahead of this past year’s event, theatre leaders of Calgary companies, both big and small, agreed that the Betty’s are important to the theatrical ecosystem as both a point of recognition and a standard to strive for.

For Lunchbox Theatre Artistic Director Bronwyn Steinberg, the awards have an impact that lasts far beyond ceremony night.

“It’s a really nice leg up, especially for new work. And then it’s also just great to party and celebrate what we’ve done,” she explained.

“We have world-class theatre, even in very small spaces. And to get together every summer and just celebrate what we’ve done is really important.”

Theatre Calgary Artistic Director Stafford Arima calls it a rare spotlight on the people who make the magic.

“Any affirmation of the importance of a theatre practitioner’s work is valid and thumbs up to me,” he said.

“What these awards and nominations do–shining the light on the actual practitioners, the actual individuals who are making the magic–is a beautiful thing. But I also think it’s important to recognize that we’re all winners. There’s a lot of terrifically talented people in our city … and that synergy makes for great theatre.”

K.P. Smith, artistic director at Verb Theatre, says the night itself is an important touching point.

“Awards are important because as artists, we don’t get a chance to just celebrate our work and gather together as a community… it feels like a family reunion… such a beautiful celebration of community and time where people just get to let loose a little bit, party, and wear whatever you think is the most fun outfit to celebrate the theatre community,” she said.

The 2025 Betty’s had over 250 attendees crowding the stage of the Jubilee, celebrating productions and artists in over 18 distinct award categories.

And all of that was organized by just six people, who are dwindling down to a count of four.

And the clock is ticking.

“There’s real urgency, but also real confidence,” says Gray. “We know there are people in this community who care deeply about theatre and want to see it celebrated. The Bettys matter – not just to artists, but to Calgary’s cultural fabric.”

While experience in fundraising, sponsorship, or communications is welcome, it’s not required. Passion for theatre is the top qualification. Board members commit to monthly meetings and help shape the next awards cycle. Perks include networking across the theatre community–and tickets to more than $2,500 worth of shows each year.

“We welcome everyone,” says Gray. “Whether you’re a young emerging artist or a retired arts enthusiast, our biggest thing is that there’s the passion there.”

Applications are open until Aug. 22 at the award show website, though late applications may still be considered. The AGM is open to the public.

If no one steps forward by the deadline, last June’s ceremony may have been the final curtain for the Bettys.