BOCA RATON, Fla. - eTradeWire -- (South Florida – September 8, 2026) Gary Schweikhart, board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida's Theater & Arts Honors, today announced the recipient of the last of nine Special Awards that will be presented at the 49^th annual Carbonell Awards Ceremony on Monday, November 16, at 7:30 pm at FAU's University Theatre in Boca Raton 33431.

"While we will be honoring specific people and productions in 20 competitive categories from approximately 100 shows presented between September 2025 and August 2026, the Carbonell board of directors has unanimously voted to also bestow this Special Award," said Schweikhart.

The Bill von Maurer Award 2026

For a Theater Company that Exemplifies Excellence by the Totality of its Programming: Productions, Educational Outreach, Developmental Programs, and Audiences Served

Island City Stage

Under the leadership of founding artistic director Andy Rogow and managing director Martin Childers, Island City Stage has been "a national leader in LGBTQ+ programming for 15 years. Bringing communities together for productions largely centered on the LGBTQ+ experience that resonated and reverberated within a diverse South Florida landscape and creating 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.

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During its hit-packed 2025-2026 season, Island City Stage produced five major shows ranging from side-splitting satire (Ruthless) to classic Southern Gothic melodrama (The Little Foxes) to modern masterpieces (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."

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).

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Attached Image:

Island City Stage production of Ruthless with Michael Ursua, Daisy Tanner and Lindsay Corey

(Photo Credit: Matthew Tippin)

Available for Interview:

+ Andy Rogow

Founding Artistic Director of Island City Stage

andy@islandcitystage.org

Media Contact:

Gary Schweikhart, President

The Carbonell Board of Directors

561.756.4298 / gary@pr-bs.net