Recognition

Awards & Honors

A career recognized across Chicago theater — displayed here the way it deserves: like a collection.

Joseph Jefferson Award

2019 Winner · Nine-Time Nominee

Chicago theater's highest honor. Brooks won the 2019 Jeff Award for Production – Revue with You Can't Fake the Funk, and has earned nine nominations for Director of a Revue.

Why it mattered

The Jeff Awards are Chicago's equivalent of the Tonys. His Director nominations span more than a decade of work — Men of Soul (2015 and 2026), Memphis (2018), Women of Soul (2022), Assassins (2023), The Time Machine: A Tribute to the 80's (2024), and That's What Friends Are For (2025) — a testament to consistent excellence across revues and book musicals alike.

African American Arts Award

2019

Honoring his contribution to the arts, awarded for the acclaimed funk revue that became one of Black Ensemble's signature hits.

Why it mattered

Recognition from the community whose stories his work celebrates — a milestone in a career devoted to Black music and culture on stage.

Black Theatre Alliance Awards

Two-Time Winner · Best Director

Twice honored as Best Director by the Black Theatre Alliance, celebrating excellence in Black theater across Chicago.

Why it mattered

The BTAA celebrates the artists carrying forward the legacy of Black theater. Winning twice for direction placed Brooks among the city's essential storytellers.

Chicago Defender — Men of Excellence

2019

Named to the Chicago Defender's Men of Excellence, honoring Black men whose leadership strengthens the city.

Why it mattered

An honor that reaches beyond theater — recognizing Brooks as a civic leader and role model in Chicago.

Newcity Stage — Players 50

2022 · 2024 · 2026

Three times named one of "The Fifty People Who Really Perform for Chicago" — Newcity's annual ranking of the city's most influential theater artists and leaders.

Why it mattered

The Players 50 list maps who is actually shaping Chicago theater. Three appearances across five years chart Brooks' rise to the top tier of the city's artistic leadership.

Service to the Field

Ongoing

Member of the Sarah Siddons Artistic Council and board member of Season of Concern, the Chicago theater community's caregiving fund.

Why it mattered

Leadership isn't only what happens on stage. Brooks gives his time to the institutions that care for Chicago's theater artists.

BroadwayWorld Chicago

Nominee · Best Director

Nominated for Best Director for Men of Soul, which was also selected for the National Black Theater Festival.

Why it mattered

National recognition: the National Black Theater Festival selection carried Black Ensemble's work — and Brooks' direction — beyond Chicago.

Black Arts & Culture Awards

Four-Time Winner

Four awards for Best Director and Best Production, honoring excellence in Chicago's Black arts community.

Why it mattered

Repeated recognition for both direction and production — the two crafts Brooks has mastered side by side.

The work behind the hardware.

Explore the Productions