A major milestone will be recognized at the 2026 Tony Awards, where the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) is set to receive a Special Tony Award. To mark the occasion prior to the June 7 telecast, LORT president Debby Goosenberg Buchholz, who also serves as the managing director of La Jolla Playhouse, shared an official acceptance speech that emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between America’s regional stages and the lights of Broadway. See her remarks below.
As the nation’s largest professional theater association, LORT champions dozens of member institutions operating across the United States. By managing collective bargaining agreements, establishing industry safety standards and fostering equitable work environments, LORT serves as the vital infrastructure that allows regional theaters to develop and premiere the groundbreaking new plays and musicals that ultimately define Broadway’s future.
Lee D’Amato
You can watch Buchholz’s acceptance address below, and be sure to watch the full Tony Awards ceremony live on June 7.
