GableStage has been named the recipient of the Bill von Maurer Award “honoring a theater company that exemplifies excellence for the totality of its programming: productions educational outreach, developmental programs, and audiences served, “ the Carbonells Awards program announced.
The Coral Gables-based theater will receive the award at the program’s 48th annual ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17 at FAU’s University Theatre in Boca Raton.
Originally founded as Florida Shakespeare Theatre in 1979, the nonprofit organization adapted the current name when it moved to the historic Biltmore Hotel in 1998. After the 2021 death of the legendary director Joseph Adler, Bari Newport joined GableStage as Producing Artistic Director.
The theater and its artists are well-known for producing thought-provoking dramas and droll comedies that have won 72 Carbonell Awards including eight since 2023 when Newport arrived.
Last season included King James Appropriate by Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, Summer 1976, and a co-production of Fat Ham with Brévo Theatre and Island City Stage.
Plans are to move into the new venue to be constructed at the site of the old Coconut Grove Playhouse in 2027/28.
The Bill von Maurer Award is named after the longtime theater writer and journalist for the Miami News and Sun-Sentinel.
Previously Announced Carbonell Special Awards 2025
+ The George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts: William Hayes & Sue Ellen Beryl, Co-founders of Palm Beach Dramaworks
+ The Jan McArt Award for Outstanding Achievement by a Small Theatre: New City Player
+ The Vinnette Carroll Award for Advancing Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in South Florida Theatre: Michel Hausmann
+ The Charlie Cinnamon Award for Supporting the Arts in South Florida and the Carbonell Awards: Mary Damiano
+ The Ruth Foreman Award for Contributing to the Development of South Florida Theatre: Alex Kuve
+ The Bill Hindman Award :Beverly Blanchette
+ The Howard Kleinberg Award : Howard Burstein/ Miamiartzine
Still to be announced: 128 Carbonell Award Finalists in 20 Categories – September 16
All the 2025 Special Award recipients were nominated by members from South Florida’s theater community with the Carbonell Board of Directors making the final selection. The Carbonell Award Finalists will be based on accumulated scores from the nonprofit organization’s pool of nearly 50 experienced and diverse volunteer judges—with seven judges from various counties assigned to each show. During the 2024-2025 season, Carbonell judges adjudicated over 100 professional productions at more than 30 theatres across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties.
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