PLANO — North Texas Performing Arts (NTPA) will celebrate the 5th Annual NTPA Stardust Awards Gala on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 5-10 p.m. at the Plano Event Center (2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano).
The annual gala celebrates the people and organizations that strengthen the performing arts throughou North Texas while raising funds to support scholarships, theatre improvements and essential NTPA operating needs.
NAACP Theatre Award winner Cedric Sanders will serve as Master of Ceremonies for this year’s celebration. His stage credits include his award-winning performance in Matter of Honor at Pasadena Playhouse and The Scottsboro Boys, directed by Tony Award winner Susan Stroman, in which he portrayed Clarence Norris and understudied Tony Award
Winner Joshua Henry. His television credits include recurring roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Future Man, along with appearances on 9-1-1, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, Law & Order: SVU, Bones and many more. His film credits include Michael Bay’s Ambulance, currently streaming on Netflix, American Gangster and The Social Network.
Sanders is also a director, speaker, mentor and educator who is passionate about creating opportunities and inspiring the next generation of theatre artists.
“The Stardust Awards have become one of the most important nights on our calendar because they allow us to celebrate not just NTPA, but the educators, artists, volunteers, organizations and businesses that make the performing arts thrive across North Texas,” said NTPA Chief Executive Officer Darrell Rodenbaugh. “We are especially grateful to Dairy Farmers of America and all of our sponsors for making this celebration, and the scholarships and programs it supports and makes possible.”
Highlighting this year’s program will be NTPA’s “North Texas Got Talent” contest winner and regional stage actress and voice Sydnee Hawkins.
The evening will feature a cocktail hour and silent auction, the Stardust Delights Chef’s Showcase, a three-course dinner, entertainment by NTPA Collegiate Pursuits, the Stardust Awards ceremony, a live auction, music and dancing, and NTPA’s show-themed Costume Ball.
2026 Community Award Honorees
Community Award honorees are selected from public nominations reviewed by the NTPA Arts Advisory Council, a group of civic leaders and industry professionals. This year’s honorees include:
• Arts Advocate of the Year Award: Maureen Denner, Tarrant County College
• Distinguished Elementary School Performing Arts Educator: Christine Shettler, Corbell Elementary, Frisco ISD
• Distinguished Middle School Performing Arts Educator: Kendall Snyder, Rushing Middle School
• Distinguished Middle School Performing Arts Educator: Stephanie Laney, Heritage Middle School, GCISD
• Distinguished High School Performing Arts Educator: Brad Davis, Richland High School
• Distinguished Collegiate Performing Arts Educator: Jessica Humphrey, Texas Christian University
• Distinguished Collegiate Performing Arts Educator: Madison Niedershauser, University of Oklahoma School of Drama
• Distinguished Performing Artist: Liz Mikel
• Distinguished Performing Arts Leadership: Joann Zipay, Collin College
• Distinguished Performing Arts Volunteer: Glynda Welch, Rover Dramawerks
• Distinguished Performing Arts Organization: Jubilee Theatre, D. Wambui Richardson
• Small & Medium Business Champion for the Performing Arts: ASLIS, Andrea Raye
• Large Business Champion for the Performing Arts: Dairy Farmers of America
• Large Business Champion for the Performing Arts: Genesis Auto Company — Cherisa Pelle, Brandon Ramirez, Vanessa Perez and Courtney White
