Wagner College's Shocking Choice: Why James Still’s 2026 Stanley Award Win Could Change Theatre Forever!

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The world of theater has a new name to watch as acclaimed playwright James Still has been named the winner of the prestigious 2026 Stanley Drama Award for his thought-provoking play “Haunt Me.” The announcement was made by Wagner College Theatre, which administers the award, now in its 67th year, recognizing both emerging and established playwrights across the United States.

The Stanley Drama Award was first established in 1957 by Staten Island philanthropist Alma Guyon Timolat Stanley through the Stanley-Timolat Foundation. This honor continues to celebrate innovative storytelling within the theatrical community.

“Haunt Me” presents a captivating story centered around Ellery du Trent, a best-selling horror novelist who finds herself increasingly entwined with her own narrative. As she writes, she begins to disappear into her work, aided—and ultimately manipulated—by an artificial intelligence program known as MUSE. This surreal exploration of identity, memory, creativity, and technology raises profound questions about the narratives we create and the lives we lead, suggesting that the most frightening tales may come from our personal experiences.

The competition for this year's award was fierce, with Lisa Langford's Netta & Ru taking the first runner-up spot and Christian Missonak's The Henry Clyde Canning Murder House securing second runner-up.

The Stanley Drama Award ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at The Players in New York City. This year's event promises to be a highlight, featuring a staged scene from Haunt Me, directed by Wagner College Theatre professor Mickey Tennenbaum, with performances by members of the college’s theater community.

James Still is no stranger to accolades in the theater world. His works have been produced extensively, not only across the United States but also internationally in countries such as Canada, Europe, Australia, South Africa, China, and Japan. He has earned recognition as a four-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and a five-time Emmy nominee for his television contributions. His numerous awards include the Otis Guernsey New Voices Award from the William Inge Festival, the Todd McNerney New Play Prize from Piccolo Spoleto, and the Indiana Authors Award for Drama. Still has also been honored with the American Alliance for Theatre & Education Distinguished Play Award and has seen his plays developed at major institutions like the Sundance Film Festival, the Eugene O’Neill Playwrights Conference, and the Colorado New Play Summit. Originally from Kansas, Still now resides in Los Angeles.

Langford's Netta & Ru is set in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1955 and intricately examines the relationship between two play-sisters facing the dual pressures of their bond and the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. Langford, a playwright based in Cleveland, has had her work produced at theaters nationwide. Notably, her young adult play Sankofa is set to premiere at Playhouse Square in February 2026.

On the other hand, The Henry Clyde Canning Murder House dives into the tumultuous lives of siblings confronting the haunting legacy of their father, a convicted serial killer. Missonak, originally from Chicago and now based in New York City, has seen his works both staged and adapted for film, contributing to a rich and diverse narrative landscape.

The Stanley Drama Award has a storied history, with past recipients including theatre luminaries such as Terrence McNally, Adrienne Kennedy, Lonne Elder III, and Jonathan Larson, who have all left indelible marks on American theater. Wagner College Theatre, consistently ranked among the nation’s top theater programs by The Princeton Review, is known for blending professional training with a liberal arts education, fostering the next generation of theatrical talent.

As we look forward to the award ceremony and the potential impact of “Haunt Me”, it’s clear that the blend of technology and storytelling continues to resonate deeply within contemporary theater, prompting audiences to reflect on the narratives that shape our lives.