Finalists for the Transcendent Craft Award!

We’re very excited to announce the finalists for the first Transcendent Artistry Award at Hollywood fringe, presented by the joy who lived. Many thanks to our committee for reviewing the MANY wonderful shows who submitted to this years award! There’s an incredible amount of transcendent artistry in our community and it is an honor to spotlight the great work that went into all of these performances!

The Joy Who Lived is a festival dedicated to uplifting artists and their stories, especially those in the trans and gender non-conforming community. The Transcendent Craft Award goes to a theater artist (writer, director, or performer) who demonstrates excellence in representing multi-dimensional, gender-diverse experiences.

We are looking for authentic stories (historical, personal, fantastical, abstract—anything that captures something true). We are especially excited about work that is de-colonial, trans-centric, and challenging dominant patriarchal norms and narratives.

In addition to a stylish statue, winner will get the option to produce a show of their choice at the Joy Who Lived festival in April 2026. They will be provided with venue, tech time, and production support.

Winner will also have access to up to 3 hours of coaching from Laser Webber and Maddox Pennington to help bring the artist’s story to a wider audience.

WINNERS OF the 2025 award are: Couplet, and Transmom vs Family Court!