The Award is dedicated to supporting the development or production of a new work by a female, female-presenting or gender non-conforming artists in media or theatre.

Established in 2012 to honour the life and work of actor, documentarian, writer, teacher, and mentor Cayle Chernin (1947–2011). Ms. Chernin’s legacy lives on through this initiative, empowering women in the performing arts to tell their stories.

The 15th Annual
Equity Showcase Cayle Awards

Media Arts: Production ($9,000+)

  • $2,000 Cash Prize

  • Access to a respected paid Industry Mentor (valued up to $3,000) through the Canadian Artists Network, including $1,500 in approved expenses incurred by the artist during mentorship.

  • In-kind industry support: $2,500 Certificate from Sunbelt Rentals.

Theatre: Development ($6,500+)

  • $2,000 Cash Prize

  • Access to a respected paid Industry Mentor (valued up to $3,000) through the Canadian Artists Network, including $1,500 in approved expenses incurred by the artist during mentorship.

Documentary: Production

  • Cash Prize Details to be Announced in Jan 2026

Applications Open January 5, 2026

Key Dates

  • Applications Open: Mon, Jan 5

  • Applications Close: Wed, April 1

  • Finalists Announced: Thurs, April 23

  • Recipients Awarded at Cayle Chernin Awards Event in May 2026

Eligibility

These awards are open to female, female-presenting, or gender non-conforming artists in media arts or theatre. Applicants must be members of a Canadian professional arts guild, union, or equivalent and be residents of Ontario.

Contact

For more information, please contact:
Dwight McFee
Email: dwightmcfee@gmail.com

APPLICATION FORMS

Media

Theatre

Documentary

Testimonials

Cayle Alumni

Delve into the captivating world of Cayle Award winners and finalists, exploring their groundbreaking projects throughout the years in our compelling Cayle Alumni section.

Cayle Alumni
Alumni Spotlight

Cayle Awards Gallery

Photo Galleries

We thank our Champion Donors, Sponsors and Partners for their generous support. 

The Cayle Fund continues to grow, raising money for the Cayle Awards, salons and educational opportunities for women.

Having supported over 30 women and provided over $200,000 in cash, goods and services to empower women in media and theatre, the work continues.

Help support our cause by making a donation today and making a lasting impact on the arts community in Canada.

DONATE

PARTNERS

  • Canadian Artists Network

    CAN - canartnet.ca

    provides an invaluable paid mentor to each of our Cayle Chernin Award winners.

  • Sunbelt Rentals

    Formerly William F. White -sunbeltrentals.com

    provides each Cayle Award Media winner with resources, equipment and knowledge to position them for success.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

The Equity Showcase Cayle Woman of the Year acknowledges and honours a female arts leader or Artist: creative, civic, leadership or mentorship contribution to the arts.

  • Jayne Eastwood

    2019

  • Wendy Crewson

    2020-2021

  • Marcia Johnson

    2022

  • Jacoba knaapen

    2023

  • Jani Lauzon

    2024

  • Janis Hobson

    2024 Champion Award

  • Theresa Tova

    2025

Award Hosts: David Gale and Theresa Tova

“We are at a frontier of new connection to our audiences, marketing and distribution. New ideas, new ways and opportunities to make it happen… and we are ready.”

— Cayle Chernin, Toronto 2005

ADVISORS and COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Help support our cause by making a donation today and making a lasting impact on the lives of those in need.

DONATE