73rd Annual Chanticleers at Weathervane Playhouse

For 73 years, Weathervane Playhouse has celebrated its community of volunteers, performers, and supporters with the annual Chanticleer Awards. The event returns on September 19, 2026, for a night of recognition, celebration, and community at Weathervane's intimate theater on Price Road in Newark.

About the Chanticleers

The Chanticleer Awards are Weathervane Playhouse's annual celebration of the volunteers, performers, and production teams who make each season possible. Modeled after the Tony Awards, the ceremony recognizes outstanding achievements across multiple categories including Best Lead Performer in a Musical, Best Sound Design, Best Featured Ensemble, and many more.

The name "Chanticleer" comes from the rooster character in French literature, a nod to Weathervane Playhouse's original weathervane. It is a tradition that goes back more than seven decades, and the evening is one of the most anticipated events on the Newark arts calendar.

The Evening

The night begins with a cocktail hour at 6:30 PM, featuring appetizers, beverages, and a cash bar. The awards ceremony and program follow at 7:30 PM. It is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with the local theater community, celebrate the arts, and support one of Licking County's most cherished cultural institutions.

About Weathervane Playhouse

Weathervane Playhouse has been a cornerstone of the Newark arts scene for 92 seasons. Located at 100 Price Road, the community theatre produces a full season of plays, musicals, and special events, relying on an incredible network of volunteers and supporters. The Chanticleers are their way of saying thank you.