11 Jun 2026 Festival Awards
Victoria, BC – June 10, 2026 — The Between Words Victoria One Act Play Festival is proud to announce the winners of its 2026 festival, held June 2–6 at the Belfry’s Patrick Stewart Theatre. This year’s edition brought together nearly 120 local artists across 12 productions in a week-long celebration of new and diverse theatre.
This year marked the festival’s move to the mainstage, a change that proved a resounding success, with the festival coming close to selling out every night.
Kurt Archer, Festival Director, shared: “Moving to the mainstage this year was a real step forward for us, and the response from audiences made it clear the work belongs on a stage this size. We were also fortunate to have Celine Stubel as our adjudicator, whose insight at the close of each evening gave artists and audiences alike something to carry home.”
Gratitude was extended to this year’s Festival Sponsors: the Belfry Theatre, the CRD Arts Development Service, Theatre SKAM, Theatre al Dente, the UVic Phoenix Theatre, and the Canadian Heritage Arts Society.
2026 Festival Award Recipients
Outstanding Script Elijah Bell for Death, The Dance, and the Girl (Dead Horse Theatre)
Outstanding Production Motherland by Lloyd Davis, (Millstone Mainstage)
Outstanding Direction Megan Farrell for Death, The Dance, and the Girl (Dead Horse Theatre)
Outstanding Production Design The Landlord’s Game (The Gamer’s Playhouse)
Outstanding Performance Savannah O’Heany for 3 outstanding lead and supporting performances. Motherland, Be Free!, and Blessed Are the Hungry
Outstanding Ensemble Be Free! by Trigger Productions
Most Promising Playwright William “Bill” Allen for Finer, Further, Faster
Community Spirit Award Emma Whitney
Community Support and Gratitude
The Between Words Victoria One Act Play Festival is entirely volunteer-run. The Festival Board warmly thanks all patrons who purchased tickets, raffle tickets or donated via the QR code. Your generosity directly supports emerging and established artists alike.
For details on script submission, future festivals, and to donate, please visit: www.betweenwords.ca