Mr McBryde received his award at the annual Dunedin Theatre Awards at the Fortune Theatre last night.
Theatre added greatly to Dunedin's quality of life - ``therefore we need and must have a live theatre scene'', he said.
Wellington author, playwright and reviewer John Smythe also received an award for his ``outstanding contribution to New Zealand theatre''.
Mr Smythe acknowledged the vibrancy and long history of live theatre in Dunedin and said some people who had previously worked and been educated in Dunedin were making a big impact elsewhere in the country and overseas.
Fortune Theatre artistic director Jonathon Hendry said the city ``continues to be a powerhouse'' in live theatre.
A production of Grounded won the Fortune the production of the year award for outstanding performance, and Keith Scott was director of the year for Mary Stuart.
The winners were: Outstanding costume design 2016, Charmian Smith; Outstanding lighting design 2016, Martyn Roberts; Outstanding use of digital technologies 2016, Grounded; Outstanding set design 2016, Peter King; Outstanding innovation 2016, Circus Alice; Outstanding script/narrative 2016, Paul Baker; Outstanding ensemble 2016, The Skriker cast; Otago Community Trust special event 2016, The Comedy of Errors; Outstanding performance in a male role 2016, Simon O'Connor; Outstanding performance in a female role (contemporary) 2016, Claire Chitham; Outstanding performance in a female role (classical) 2016, Helen Fearnley; Emerging talent 2016, Jordan Dickson; Director of the year 2016, Keith Scott; Outstanding contribution to New Zealand theatre 2016, John Smythe; Outstanding contribution to Dunedin Theatre 2016, Nicholas McBryde; Production of the year 2016, Grounded.
