In 2015 STA created the Douglas N. Cook Lifetime Achievement Award to honor members who have made and are still making significant contributions to our field. It is awarded from time to time when the Executive Committee feels it is warranted.

Doug was a founder of STA and Producing Artistic Director Emeritus of the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

The first Award went to Fred C. Adams (also of the Utah Shakespeare Festival) for his monumental achievements there. Other winners include R. Scott Philips, Tina Packer, David Prosser, Dr. Jim Volz, and Ralph Alan Cohen.