November 7, 2026
Stardust Awards Gala
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Saturday, November 7, 5:00-10:00 PM

Plano Event Center / 2000 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074

View Sponsorship Packet

The NTPA Stardust Awards Gala is a premier annual event dedicated to celebrating and honoring the vibrant performing arts community in North Texas. This special evening brings together NTPA families, arts enthusiasts, supporters, and advocates for a meaningful celebration of community, recognition, and charitable impact. Honorees are nominated by the public across thirteen Community Award categories and eleven NTPA Volunteer Award categories.

Proceeds from the gala directly support scholarships for underserved students, theatre improvements, and essential operational needs, helping to ensure continued access to high-quality performing arts education and experiences.

PURCHASE TICKETS & SPONSORSHIPS

2026 Honorary Stardust Awards Committee

Chairpersons

Chris Krupa Downs                              Steve Lavine
City Council Member               City Council Member

Committee Members:
Shelby Williams, Former Plano City Council Member
Rick Horne, Plano City Council Member
Bob Kehr, Plano City Council Member
Shun Thomas, Plano City Council Member
Charli Pels, Frost Bank
Paige Mims, Plano City Attorney

Announcing the 2026 Stardust Awards Volunteer Nominations

NTPA Unlimited Raffle!
Win “All-You-Can-NTPA” for ONE YEAR!

The annual raffle is back! Get your raffle tickets now for a chance to win free tuition for a year! The grand prize also includes tickets to every NTPA show, special event tickets, and 2 free gallery wall photos at your selected location! Grab your tickets and view full details at the link below.

NTPA Unlimited Raffle Details
NTPA Unlimited Raffle Tickets
2024 Stardust Awards - NTPA Deaf Theatre Director Daymond Sands poses with volunteers
2024 Stardust Awards - Co Chair Joa Muns poses with winner of the 2024 Distinguished Performing Artist Award, Baba Kuboye
2024 Stardust Awards - Guests in "Disaster" themed costumes pose for a photo
2024 Stardust Awards - NTPA CEO welcomes Event Chairs, Plano Mayor John Muns and wife Joa Muns.
2024 Stardust Awards - Stardust Delights featured chef

Event Highlights

Cocktail Hour and Silent Auction

The evening begins with a welcoming cocktail hour where guests can mingle, enjoy drinks, and browse a curated selection of silent auction items.

Stardust Delights - Chef's Showcase

During cocktail hour, enjoy flavorful bites from some of the region’s top chefs, each sharing a signature dish that highlights their culinary style.

Delectable 3-Course Meal

Guests are treated to a three-course meal, carefully curated to tantalize the taste buds and enhance the dining experience.

Live Auction

Following the awards ceremony, a thrilling live auction takes place, featuring unique and coveted items that inspire spirited bidding among attendees.

Music and Dancing

Cap off the night with music and dancing led by one of the area’s premier DJs—bringing everyone to the dance floor to celebrate.

Dinner Entertainment

Throughout the meal, guests are entertained with captivating performances by NTPA’ Collegiate Pursuits showcase the exceptional talent within the NTPA family.

Awards Ceremony

The centerpiece of the evening celebrates outstanding individuals and organizations, including NTPA’s volunteers, educators, artists, businesses, and nonprofits, whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the performing arts in North Texas.

Open Bar

Enjoy complimentary access to a full bar throughout the evening, with the option to upgrade to premium drinks. Please celebrate responsibly.

Show-Themed Costume Ball!

Our annual costume ball brings a fun, theatrical twist to the evening, with each NTPA troupe selecting its own show-inspired theme. Guests are invited to dress in attire inspired by their favorite troupe’s theme, whether in full costume or formal wear with a creative flair.

Troupe’s Themes

Academy Mamma Mia
Collegiate Pursuits Seussical
Dallas Cinderella
Deaf Theatre Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
Fairview Into the Woods
Frisco SpongeBob
Plano Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Repertory Shrek
Southlake The Addams Family
Starcatchers The Great Gatsby
Studios Mobsters/Gangsters

Dinner Menu

Entree Apple-smoked chicken with sun-dried tomato cream sauce
Sides
  • Asparagus with lemon butter and rainbow carrots
  • Potato dauphinoise
Salad Greek Salad Dressings available at the table: Greek, Pineapple Mango & Ranch
Dessert
  • Chocolate mousse cake
  • Tres leches

Event Schedule – Coming Soon

Donate to Our Silent and Live Auctions!

By donating an item to the auction, you directly support your selected troupe! Your contribution helps NTPA continue delivering exceptional performing arts education and life-changing experiences for young performers.

Every donated item worth $100 or more will receive one entry into the NTPA Unlimited raffle drawing!

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact us at stardust@ntpa.org.

Great ideas include:

  • A Week in your Summer / Winter Home!
  • Travel packages
  • Unique Experiences – Wine Tasting, Fun Tours
  • Broadway / DFW Area Theatre Tickets
  • Sports Tickets & Events
  • Frequent Flyer Miles
  • Theatre / Sports Memorabilia
  • Electronic Gadgets and Technology

Stardust Awards Nominations Are Close!

Nomination and Selection Process

Public nominations for the Stardust Awards are meticulously reviewed and judged by the esteemed NTPA Arts Advisory Council, comprising civic leaders and industry professionals. Finalists in each category are announced in August, and award recipients are notified in September, leading up to the grand gala event in November. NTPA Volunteer Award recipients are chosen by a committee of NTPA Governing Board Members and senior NTPA staff.

The NTPA Stardust Awards Gala is not only a celebration of artistic excellence but also a crucial fundraising initiative to support and sustain the thriving performing arts community in North Texas.

2022 Stardust Awards - crystal awards on a black table cloth

North Texas Performing Arts Stardust Award Categories

Community Awards

  • Distinguished Elementary School Performing Arts Educator
  • Distinguished Middle School Performing Arts Educator
  • Distinguished High School and Senior High Performing Arts Educator
  • Distinguished Collegiate Performing Arts Educator
  • Distinguished Performing Artist
  • Distinguished Performing Arts Volunteer
  • Distinguished Performing Arts Leadership
  • Distinguished Performing Arts Organization
  • Distinguished Performing Arts Philanthropy
  • Business Champion for the Performing Arts (Small & Medium Business)
  • Business Champion for the Performing Arts (Large Business)
  • Arts Advocate of the Year

NTPA Volunteer Awards

  • Outstanding Show Manager
  • Outstanding Set-Build Creation
  • Outstanding Costume Design
  • Outstanding Technical Design
  • Outstanding Show Promotions and Fundraising
  • Outstanding Marketing
  • Outstanding Operations & Back Office Support
  • Legacy Award
  • Founder’s Award
  • President’s Award
  • Volunteer of the Year

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Presenting Sponsor

Dairy Farmers of America

Signature Bar Sponsor

Entertainment Sponsor

Community Honorees Table Sponsor

Stardust Delights Sponsor

TexCap logo

Honorees Reception Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Directors’ Table Sponsors

Christine and Ed Kless

Amy and Matt Huhnke

Myra and Kenneth Knott

Stardust Delights