Update: As of 2026, the annual recognition of outstanding audience members known as The Gary Maker Audience Award has become The Capital Theatre Audience Award and is being managed by The Alliance for New Music-Theatre under the leadership of Susan Galbraith.
Follow the annual ceremonies and recipients here.

The Gary Maker Audience Award
2011 – 2025

presented to those whose love of theatre is an inspiration to all.

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Most art is finished before it ever reaches an audience. A painting, a sculpture, a film is what it is: we, as viewers, add nothing.

But live theatre exists to be experienced. Writers spin their ideas into words and their words into scripts. Designers, directors and performers collaborate for weeks, months, sometimes years to bring their unique interpretations to those words. Yet not until an audience arrives does theatre come to life.

In memory of Gary Lee Maker, a gracious and supportive audience member, DC Theatre Scene recognizes those who are passionate, involved, informed and grounded in their love for theater and lend their time and personal support to encourage audiences and see that theatre in the Washington area not only survives, but thrives.

DC Theatre Scene has been honored to present The Gary Lee Maker Audience Award to these outstanding individuals audience members.