The play Bar Manolo, by the Caín company from UPM, has triumphed at the Buero Vallejo Awards, winning the main award and the best university production. This competition aims to promote young talent in the performing arts.
Bar Manolo, a play presented by the Caín company from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), has been recognised with the top award at the Buero Vallejo Theatre Awards, which return this year after a significant hiatus. In addition to the overall prize, it also received recognition for the best university production. This cultural event, driven by the Community of Madrid, the SGAE Foundation, and the cultural association El Otro Muro, aims to revitalise youth theatre and give visibility to new generations of artists. The 2026 edition marks an important milestone by reviving one of the most relevant competitions for young creators in Spain.
Throughout its history, the Buero Awards have brought together over 2,000 companies and have seen the active participation of more than 200,000 young people. Since their inception in 2004, these awards have been a springboard for many emerging actors and directors. On this occasion, the jury was composed of prominent professionals from the theatre sector, including actor Jimmy Castro and director Ainhoa Amestoy. The return of the competition not only celebrates exceptional works like Bar Manolo but also seeks to foster a vibrant theatrical culture among young people.
However, other productions were also recognised during the gala. The award for Schools and Companies was given to Las heridas cerradas también sangran, while an adaptation of the famous musical La La Land: La ciudad de las estrellas, presented by San Alfonso College in Madrid, was distinguished as the best proposal in the Schools and Institutes category.
Apart from the recognition of the works, several emerging performers were awarded for their outstanding performances. Among them are names like Luna Blasco Rodríguez, Asier Rojas, and Mia Karol Benítez. These individual awards highlight the commitment of the competition to the artistic and professional development of new talents.
As this new phase for the Buero Vallejo Awards progresses, a theatrical showcase is planned featuring the winning companies. For a week, some of the best shows will be presented to the Madrid public. This showcase will not only serve to exhibit emerging talent but will also include training workshops aimed at further enriching the artistic skills of the participants.
Through continuous support for these cultural initiatives, it is hoped that more and more young people will find opportunities to express themselves artistically and develop their passion for the performing arts. Interested parties can attend this theatrical showcase scheduled for the end of next month; details about timings and tickets will be available on the official platforms related to the event.





