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Island City Stage production of Ruthless with Michael Ursua, Daisy Tanner and Lindsay Corey (Photo Credit: Matthew Tippin)
Island City Stage, the 15-year-old company that become a been a national leader in LGBTQ+ programming, is receiving the Carbonell’s Bill Von Maurer Award cited “for a theater company that exemplifies excellence by the totality of its programming, productions, educational outreach, developmental programs, and audiences served.”
It is the last of nine announced special awards that will be presented at the 49th annual Carbonell’s gala Nov. 16 where the competitive awards will be presented. The nominees in 20 competitive categories will be announced here Sept. 15.
Under the leadership of founding artistic director Andy Rogow and managing director Martin Childers, Island City Stage has brought communities together for productions largely centered on the LGBTQ+ experience that resonated and reverberated within a diverse South Florida landscape.
It “created a space that serves as one of Broward County’s artistic jewels particularly at times of political adversity. Through innovative storytelling, thoughtful curation of titles, and a powerful community engagement, Island City Stage leads as an example of audacity, positivity, and pride for all,” affirmed director Stuart Meltzer in his nominating submission.
During its 2025-2026 season, Island City Stage produced five major shows ranging from satire (Ruthless) to classic Southern Gothic melodrama (The Little Foxes) to modern pieces (Eureka Day) and more—each one demonstrating work driven by PRIDE (Professional, Relevant, Innovative, Delightful and Entertaining).
In addition, the theater’s annual Emerging Directors Intensive continues to foster and develop the next generation of dynamic and diverse theater directors.
According to Company Manager/Resident Stage Manager Richard Weinstock, the Wilton Manors-based theatre has “helped define South Florida’s cultural identity while amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.”
Bill Von Mauer was a local journalist who covered the arts for four decades and was a co-founder of the Carbonell Awards. He died in 2006.
Previous winners of this award include GableStage (2025); Area Stage (2024); Slow Burn Theatre Company (2023); Theater Lab (2022); Palm Beach Dramaworks (2020); City Theatre (2015); Maltz Jupiter Theatre (2011); and Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre (2007).
The award is one of nine special awards to be presented at the 49th annual ceremony Nov. 16 at FAU’s University Theatre in Boca Raton.
All the 2026 Special Award recipients were nominated by members of South Florida’s theater community with the Carbonell Board of Directors making the final selection.
