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  • 1.  Theatre Awards Night

    Posted 06-03-2022 17:23
    Last night we celebrated the end of our theatre season with our annual awards night. For over 20 years we have pretty much followed the awards of the Tony's for acting. But today I decided, no more. I don't want to separate acting categories by gender. Why has it taken me so long?!  I do, however, still want to have 4 acting awards based on the overall season.  

    The awards have been:  Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress...If I go with Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor that gives out 2.  

    I look to you theatre directors (who have already changed your awards night and have a much better system in place) to share with me your wisdom and suggestions.

    And, ready, set, go!

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    John Rutherford
    Groves Performing Arts Company
    W.E. Groves High School
    Beverly Hills MI
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  • 2.  RE: Theatre Awards Night

    Posted 06-04-2022 08:06
    For our competition awards we have gone to two outstanding performer awards and two outstanding supporting performer awards. 

    Jeremy Leazenby Bruce, M.Ed.
    Co-Chapter Director
    Indiana Thespians
    Cell Phone: (317) 223-9989

    Executive Director 
    Curtain Call Theatre for Children
    www.kcctc.org



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Theatre Awards Night

    Posted 06-05-2022 17:02
    I agree - get rid of the word "Best"..(it implies that there is also a "worst)..I used "outstanding" And take out gender reference words. Call Everyone an Actor or a Performer or a Technician. Set a number of awards you're going to give in each category...and give that many awards, with no references to gender, and tell everyone in advance that you're going to do it that way. I also gave an award for Outstanding Ensemble...It could be all the people in a dance number, or a crowd scene, or the Scottish Army. Give an identical trophy or medal to everyone in the group. Make sure they look just like the ones that go to Outstanding Performer. Give as many trophies or medals as possible. I never liked certificates. Kids know a participation award when they see it.

    ------------------------------
    Billy Houck
    Theatre Teacher, Retired
    Northern Rep to the California Thespian State Board
    Carmichael, CA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Theatre Awards Night

    Posted 06-06-2022 09:45
    Hi John:)
    I do these awards:
    Rising Star: Freshmen
    Rising Star: Sophomore
    Rising Star: Junior
    #1 Crew Kid
    Most Improved
    Most Dedicated
    Most Energy

    My directing staff nominates then the kids vote on the winner.  Nothing is gender-specific.  I only do one per award but you could do two if you wanted.  My students came up with these about 15 years ago and we've just stuck with it.  I even get little trophies​ from EdTA for them.

    ------------------------------
    Megan Weeks
    Teacher/Director
    Milford High School
    MI
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Theatre Awards Night

    Posted 06-09-2022 14:35
    Hi John,

    I do three awards at the end of the year. They are given to inducted seniors. One is awarded to a technician, one is awarded to a performer and the top award is called Thespian of the Year. Each of the awards is based on the students high school career in the department. I look at points accrued, support of the program, community service and commitment to the program. In regards to actress or actor etc... I make it clear to my students I don't use the term actress. I've always felt it insulting in a way. We don't have teacher / teachress or doctor/doctress. I believe the only reason there is a designation is a reflection of how society used to view women who did act on the stage. Okay feminist rant over

    ------------------------------
    Anne-Marie Roberts
    Theatre Director
    Skyline High School
    MI
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    Original Message


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