Off-Broadway League To Present Paul Libin Leadership Award To George Forbes At Lucille Lortel Awards
Inaugural honor will be awarded at NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
The Off-Broadway League has announced the creation of the Paul Libin Leadership Award, a new annual honor recognizing leadership, mentorship, and service within the Off-Broadway community.
The inaugural award will be presented to George Forbes, Executive Director of the Lucille Lortel Theatre and Foundation, at the Lucille Lortel Awards on May 3 at the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
Named in honor of Paul Libin, the award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership either over a sustained career or through a singular moment of impact within the Off-Broadway community. Libin, who died in 2025, produced more than 250 productions across Broadway, Off-Broadway, and touring venues and held leadership roles including President of the Off-Broadway League, Chair of The Broadway League, and President of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
“George embodies the very leadership and passion for the Off-Broadway community that this award seeks to recognize,” said Off-Broadway League President Joey Monda. “He has not only led with vision and integrity, but has personally served as a mentor to so many of us.”
Forbes has led the Lucille Lortel Theatre and Foundation since 1989 and has overseen the development of multiple artistic and educational initiatives, including the Emmy Award-winning Dangerous Acts, the NYC High School Playwriting Fellowship, The Alcove, and the Musical Theatre Lab. He also served on the Off-Broadway League board from 1991 to 2022, including roles as Treasurer and President.
The award’s namesake, Paul Libin, had a nearly seven-decade career that included producing Landmark Productions with Circle in the Square Theatre and leadership at Jujamcyn Theaters. His honors included 12 Tony Awards, the Lucille Lortel Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Theater Hall of Fame.
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