On Jan. 20, the Broadway League and the Coalition of Broadway Unions and Guilds (COBUG) will come together to celebrate the 16th annual Broadway Salutes. The annual event honors workers in every single department, venue and office tied to Broadway, who have worked in the industry for more than 25 years, acknowledging individuals at the 25-year mark, 35-year mark and 50-plus mark.
The 2026 industry-wide celebration will recognize 450 Broadway veterans whose decades of work onstage and behind the scenes have shaped the fabric of the American theater. The private event will begin at 3:45 p.m. at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square. Tony Award winner Laura Benanti is set to host.
The evening will also feature a performance by Tony nominee Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer of “What I Did for Love” from “A Chorus Line.” Kritzer will be introduced by Tony honoree, legendary performer and original “Chorus Line” cast member and dance captain Baayork Lee. As is tradition, the names of Broadway Salutes honorees will scroll across the electronic marquee in Shubert Alley, offering a public, citywide tribute to the individuals who have shaped Broadway’s legacy. The scroll will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 7 p.m.
“Broadway Salutes is about recognizing the people who have devoted decades of their lives to this industry,” said the Broadway League’s immediate past chair and Broadway Salutes committee co-chair, Lauren Reid. Reid is also the president of the John Gore Organization, the parent company of Broadway News. “Their work forms the foundation of Broadway’s success, and this celebration ensures their contributions are seen, honored and remembered.”
“Behind every production is a vast community of professionals whose expertise and commitment make Broadway possible,” said Laura Penn, executive director of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and Broadway Salutes committee co-chair. “The theater workers of Broadway, whatever their role, exemplify the craft and skill necessary to create live theater — a form that thrills audiences while contributing so much to New York’s economy. Broadway Salutes is our opportunity to thank those who have given so much of themselves to this art form and this industry.”
According to a joint press release from the League and COBUG, “Broadway Salutes offers a rare moment when the industry pauses to recognize the individuals whose long-standing commitment makes Broadway possible night after night. Honorees span every discipline across the theater ecosystem, including actors, agents, attorneys, box office treasurers, casting directors, choreographers, composers, designers, directors, dressers, managers, musicians, orchestrators, producers, publicists, stagehands, stage managers, stylists, theatre owners, ticket sellers, ushers, writers and many more theatre professionals who have dedicated their careers to the success of Broadway.”
Since starting in 2009, Broadway Salutes has acknowledged more than 5,300 artists and industry professionals.
Broadway Salutes’ program co-directors are Marc Bruni and Paige Price (SDC). The event’s music director is Meg Zervoulis. Foresight Events is the production team.
The Broadway Salutes committee is additionally comprised of Chris Brockmeyer (Broadway League), Teresa Gozzo (USA 829), Anthony LaTorella (Broadway League), Carl Mulert (USA 829), Dani Karliner Naish (Broadway League), Lawrence Paone (Local 751), Rina Saltzman (ATPAM), Stasia Savage (IATSE Stagecraft), Mark Schweppe (Broadway League), Mike Wexelblatt (Local One, IATSE) and Pat White (Local 764).
For more information, readers may contact info@broadwaysalutes.org.
