Freeze Frame Opera Triumphs at 2026 Performing Arts WA Awards
In a stunning display of artistic excellence, Freeze Frame Opera emerged as the most awarded company at the 2026 Performing Arts WA Awards ceremony. This prestigious event, held on April 20 at the Heath Ledger Theatre, celebrated the achievements in Western Australia's professional live performance sector throughout 2025, spanning theatre, dance, musical theatre, opera, and cabaret.
The opera company's emotionally-charged production, Dead Man Walking, staged at Fremantle Prison, secured an impressive five awards. These included outstanding direction, outstanding lighting design, and best production, underscoring the powerful impact of this work on audiences and critics alike.
Broad Recognition Across WA Arts Community
The awards night, hosted by Artist Relief Fund WA, highlighted the vibrant diversity of WA's arts scene. The Blue Room Theatre reinforced its status as a premier hub for theatre, earning 10 awards in total. Among these, four were for the independent theatre show Shadow of Doubt, a collaboration between The Blue Room Theatre and Fine Comb Theatre Company.
Black Swan State Theatre Company also received significant acclaim, with four awards for its epic co-production of August: Osage County with Belvoir St Theatre. Additionally, the cast of Black Swan's Never Have I Ever was honored with an outstanding ensemble award.
Multiple Wins for Dance and Opera Productions
STRUT Dance, in association with Perth Festival, achieved triple wins for Manifest at Perth Moves. WA Opera's The Pirates Of Penzance and WA Ballet's productions of Butterfly Effect and Cinderella also each secured three awards, demonstrating the high caliber of performance across different genres.
Musical Urinetown by Western Sky Projects, despite receiving a staggering 14 nominations, walked away with two awards, reflecting the competitive nature of the event.
Honoring Artistic Contributions and Legacies
Co3 Contemporary Dance Australia artistic director Raewyn Hill, who announced her departure at the end of 2026, won an outstanding choreography award for her work In The Shadow Of Time. This recognition adds to her legacy as she prepares to step down.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to veteran stage manager Jenny Poh for her tireless dedication to the industry. Meanwhile, James Berlyn received the inaugural Ripple Effect Award, established to honor the legacy of the late Georgia Malone, a champion of the arts who passed away in April 2025 after a two-year battle with bowel cancer.
Malone, who had over 20 years of experience in the arts sector, expressed in a diary entry her desire to have a ripple effect on the world, inspiring positive change. The award, created by her family and friends, celebrates individuals who make a significant impact in the WA arts community.
In his acceptance speech, Berlyn announced that the prize money would fund a new artist residency opportunity at his West Berlyn Studios, furthering Malone's vision of supporting the arts.
The full list of winners is available at performingartswaawards.com, showcasing the breadth of talent and innovation in Western Australia's performing arts landscape.
