The Ellen Stewart International is an Award given to an individual theatre artist or theatre company whose work promotes social change and community participation with a particular focus on the engagement of young people.

Named for La MaMa founder Ellen Stewart, The International Award celebrates her remarkable lifetime achievements in the theatre and her dedication to creating a world theatre which embraces all traditions and cultural identities. Through the theatre, countless younger people were inspired by Ellen Stewart as artists and generators of personal and social change.

With the support of the ITI (International Theatre Institute), La MaMa New York and Italy, and theSpoleto Festival of 2 Worlds, the recipient of The Ellen Stewart International will attend the ITI World Congress, receive an artistic residency at La MaMa Umbria to create a new work, and the financial and production support to present the new work at the Spoleto Festival of 2 Worlds, and subsequently at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in New York.

Ten (10) artists/ companies will be nominated by an International Executive Committee. An Honorary Committee provides advice and support for the Award process.

Online profiles will be created of the 10 shortlisted artists/companies to assure a wide international dissemination of their work. Through a participatory process, people can express their vote and endorsement. The final winner will be determined by the expert deliberations of the International Executive Committee taking into consideration the online consultations involving the extended communities.