Craig Drayton, of the Cowra Musical and Dramatic Society, has been nominated for the Patricia Kelson Encouragement Award at the Canberra Area Theatre Awards.

Known in the industry as the 'Logies of amateur theatre', Mr Drayton said he was surprised and excited to be nominated, especially as playing Jenkins was his first leading role in a production.

He said he's not sure why he was nominated for the prestigious award - "I spent practically the entire second act tied to a chair!" he laughed - but to be nominated was humbling.

"It was certainly unexpected, but I feel honoured to be have been nominated," he said.

"While I'm going to try to not get my hopes up about winning, to win my first acting award the first time I've been nominated would be awesome."

The M&D has had several successes in the awards in the past.

The group took home the Canberra Area Regional Excellence Award earlier in the year for their support of young people and theatre in Cowra through their collaboration with YAMA youth performing arts.

YAMA's Steff Gardiner also took out the Best Actress in A School Production category in 2012.

Mr Drayton said he's looking forward to the award ceremony and the productions the M&D has planned next year.

"Acting is just something I love to do. For me, the fun I have entertaining others is its own reward, especially when you get positive feedback later from people telling you how much they enjoyed the show. But to receive an award for doing what I love, that would just be icing on the cake," he said.

The Canberra Area Theatre Awards winners will be announced next February.