Department of Cultural Affairs

Taipei Theatre Awards is held by the Taipei City Government Department of Cultural Affairs to honor outstanding works and creators in contemporary Taiwanese theatre and musicals. As the city’s most prestigious performing arts event, the awards feature categories for productions, individual achievements, and special contributions. 

Preliminary selection is conducted by a panel of judges (看戲觀察團), comprising experts, scholars, theatre critics, media representatives, and audience members. Finalists and winners are then determined through second- and final-round judging.

Candidates for the Special Contribution Award are nominated by the judges, but public recommendations are also accepted. This award is aimed at highlighting the various kinds of social value in theatre and honoring individuals and organizations who have made a special contribution to contemporary Taiwanese theatre. The awards give theatre professionals the opportunity to showcase their talents and receive well-deserved recognition and respect.

Eligible candidates include contemporary theatrical productions staged in public theatres in Taipei (including publicly operated, publicly operated but privately managed, or publicly owned and privately rented venues) that have given at least three officially ticketed performances. The total prize fund amounts to NT$2.9 million. During the preliminary round, the judging panel attend performances in person and vote for the best works, which then advance to the second round. From there, the second-round jury selects the finalists.

Winners in each category are determined in June of the following year, culminating in a formal awards ceremony.

Award Highlights

•    Broad-ranging Awards and Perspectives

Award categories include productions, individual achievements, and special contributions, and the judging panel is composed of experts, scholars, critics, media, and audience representatives, giving the awards a broad range of perspectives.

•    Focus on Live Performances

Judging focuses on live performances, with applicant-provided recordings used as supplementary materials to guarantee the work has been authentically represented.

•    Encouraging Innovation and Growth

The awards champion innovation and diversity of style, supporting the ongoing development of exceptional works and the artists behind them.

•    Audience Participation Platform

By including audience representatives, the awards provide a space for theatre-goers to share their perspectives, thus further expanding the reach and influence of theatre.