For Immediate Release: January 27, 2006
Media Contact: Karen DiLossi, Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, 215.413.7150

PRESS ADVISORY - Philadelphia, PA: The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia announces the start of their annual search for the 2006-2007 Barrymore Award Nominators and Judges. The Nominator and Judge Application can be found on The Alliance's website, www.theatrealliance.org. Applications are due on March 31, 2006.

The Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre were created in 1994, increasing positive public and media awareness of the theatre community by empowering artists and recognizing excellence. The Barrymore Awards are Philadelphia's only comprehensive theatre awards and have become the largest program of the Theatre Alliance. The Barrymores are now a nationally recognized symbol of excellence for theatre in this region, raising the bar for the work produced by local theatres and individual artists, and generating significant coverage in all the local newspapers and in national trade publications.

Each year, a 50+ volunteer nominating committee evaluates more than 100 shows produced by professional theatres culminating in a gala awards presentation at which the community celebrates its collective achievement. Show the theatre community of Greater Philadelphia that you care, and become an invaluable part of the Barrymore Awards process! There are currently 36 theatre companies participating in the Barrymore Awards process and every season there are more theatre companies who join the Barrymore Awards program. This is the perfect opportunity to contribute to the community at large and see some theatre no one even knew was out there.

The Barrymore Awards Oversight Committee and the Theatre Alliance are looking for 40+ Nominators. Men and women, theatre professionals, and enthusiastic theatre goers will be assigned to see one to two shows per month during the 2006-2007 theatre season. Oodles of extra time isn't necessary to become a Barrymore Nominator, and yet nominators perform the important task of deciding when a show becomes eligible to send the judges. It is important to remember that even those with the busiest schedules have made time to become a Barrymore nominator and that includes: Madi Distefano (Brat Productions), Seth Rozin (InterAct Theatre Company), and Blanka Zizka (The Wilma Theater).

The Alliance also needs 10 Barrymore Awards judges. These dedicated men and women will see an upwards of 70 shows per season. Talk about a contribution! Barrymore Award judges decide on the final five nominees and award recipients who are announced at our Barrymore Award ceremony in the fall of every year. Some infamous Barrymore Judges include: Veronica Griego (Prince Music Theater), Kevin Glaccum (Azuka Theater), and Alan Blumenthal (Act II Playhouse).

The Nominator/Judge pool is usually made up of theatre professionals and active theatre goers, so everyone is eligible to apply. All 2006-2007 Nominators and Judges receive a free ticket to any show they are assigned in the season! All 2006-2007 Nominators and Judges receive a free ticket the 2007 Barrymore Awards Ceremony which they helped to create!

Sounds like a win-win situation. Nominator and Judge Applications - available at www.theatrealliance.org - are due on March 31, 2006.

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