The Harry and Martha Cohen Award
Since 1984, Alberta Theatre Projects has been proud to partner with the Cohen family to present The Harry and Martha Cohen Award for significant and sustained contribution to theatre in Calgary.
Do you know someone who is an inspiration in our theatre community in Calgary?
Is there someone who continually inspires you? Does this person set the bar in terms of their passion and commitment to Calgary theatre community?
This person may be a leader onstage, offstage or backstage; an actor, director, playwright, designer, administrator, philanthropist, dramaturg, manager, teacher, technician or volunteer.
Want to show your appreciation?
The recipient will be honoured at an award ceremony in the Martha Cohen Theatre following an ATP performance. At that ceremony the recipient will receive a cash prize of $1500 and a framed certificate. Additionally, the recipient’s name will be added to the list of our past honourees and inscribed on a scroll that hangs in our lobby in Martha’s Corner.
Stay tuned for the 2025 Call for Nominations early next year!
2024 Recipient, Haysam Kadri
“There were an unprecedented number of nominations. The pool was deep; there are so many worthy people in our vibrant, exciting theatre community,” said Kathryn Kerbes, Chair of the Award Committee. “But Haysam’s immeasurable contributions to the community, enormous impact on the organizations he’s led, and ability to inspire the theatre-makers around him made him a stand-out to receive this year’s award.”
2019 award recipient, Denise Clarke (who presented Kadri with his award) said, “Being asked to introduce the recipient of this award is its own small honour. This year’s recipient is truly the perfect person; fun, smart, an exceptionally talented artist and all-round theatre whiz plus a human being par excellence, so … check, check check!” Adding, “In these tough times, the Cohen Award is an encouraging and generous acknowledgment. Cheers to the Foundation!”
Photo by Jeff Yee
2019 Recipient, Denise Clarke
“Denise has been an iconic member of Calgary’s theatre and dance communities for over 30 years. Her influence as a teacher, mentor, creator, dancer, choreographer, director, writer and cultural ambassador has seen her influence countless artists and engage with numerous organizations both here at home and around the world.”
“A tireless advocate for art, a lifelong student and teacher, a dedicated mentor a guide to artists of all levels, Denise Clarke is a highly valued member of the community and she is more than deserving to be recognized for her lifelong dedication and contribution to the creative heart of our city.”
-Co-nominators Mark Bellamy and Elizabeth Stepkowski-Tarhan
Photo by Benjamin Laird
2018 Recipient, Christopher Hunt
Christopher Hunt is the recipient of the 2018 Harry & Martha Cohen Award for his sustained and significant contribution to theatre in Calgary. Christopher is a prolific, award-winning actor whose career spans over twenty roles in ATP productions alone.
“An extraordinary actor, mentor, teacher, dramaturg; but equally importantly, a kind and humble man. The Calgary theatre community is blessed to have Chris in our midst.” – Kathryn Kerbes
Thank you, Chris, for your dedication and talent! You’ve truly changed the face of theatre in Calgary!
Check out the Spotlight on Christopher Hunt on our blog!
Photo by Jeff Yee
2017 Recipient, Carol Dann
Carol Dann is simply one of the best supporters an arts organization could ask for, and we’re delighted to be one of the many theatre companies in Calgary she so generously supports with her time. The health and vibrancy of our city’s arts scene depends on the dedication and tireless effort of volunteers like Carol. From the bottom of our hearts: thank you Carol! We couldn’t do it without you!
Photo by Jeff Yee
All Previous Recipients:
1986 Betty Gibb
1987 Grant Reddick
1988 Margaret Bard and Bartley Bard
1989 Joyce Doolittle
1990 Georgie Collins
1991 Blake Brooker and Michael Green
1992 D. Michael Dobbin
1993 Marilyn Potts
1994 Fred Scott
1995 JoAnne James
1996 Duval Lang
1997 Gillian Dalton
1998 Hal Kerbes and Kathryn Kerbes
1999 Sharon Pollock
2000 David LeReaney
2001 Bob White
2002 Jock Osler
2003 John Murrell
2004 Valerie Ann Pearson
2005 Dianne Goodman
2006 Clarice Evans
2007 Lynn DuFort
2008 Stephen Hair
2009 Doug Curtis
2010 Patricia Benedict
2011 Celebration of Past Recipients
2012 Mark Bellamy
2013 Patti Pon
2014 Patricia Moore and Sherrold Moore
2015 Kevin McKendrick
2016 Terry Gunvordahl
2017 Carol Dann
2018 Christopher Hunt
2019 Denise Clarke
2024 Haysam Kadri