'First Night Press List' Journalists No Longer to Vote for Tony Awards

The Tony Awards sent a notice out today to journalists who currently reside on the Broadway League's "First Night Press List" (those who are invited to see productions just prior to opening night) that they'll no longer be eligible to vote for the Tony Awards beginning with the 2009-2010 season.

Previously, press was included amongst the "approximately 750 voters" which also consists of the board of directors and designated members of the advisory committee of the American Theatre Wing; members of the governing boards of Actors' Equity Association, the Dramatists Guild, the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, United Scenic Artists, and the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers; those persons whose names appear on the first night press list; members of the Theatrical Council of the Casting Society of America; and voting members of The Broadway League.

The letter reads: "After careful consideration, the Tony Awards Management Committee has determined that Tony-voting privileges will no longer be extended to members of the First Night Press List, commencing with the 2009-2010 season.

Please note that this change in no way affects your inclusion on the First Night Press List. As you know, a committee of Broadway press agents develops and administers the First Night Press List, and it does not fall under the purview of Tony Award Productions, The Broadway League, or the American Theatre Wing.

In making this decision, the Tony Management Committee took into account that members of the First Night Press List will of course continue to have the opportunity to express their critical opinions in reviews and other coverage of the theatre season. In addition, the Management Committee took into consideration the fact that certain publications and individual critics have historically pursued a policy of abstaining from voting on entertainment awards in general, to avoid any possible conflicts of interest in fulfilling their primary responsibilities as journalists."

CBS's broadcast of the 63rd annual Tony Awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, delivered its best ratings since 2006, posting double digit percentage gains in viewers and key demographics over last year, according to Nielsen preliminary live plus same day ratings for Sunday, June 7.

The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. At The Broadway League, Nina Lannan is Chairman and Charlotte St. Martin is Executive Director. At the American Theatre Wing, Theodore S. Chapin is Chairman and Howard Sherman is Executive Director. For Tony Award Productions, Alan Wasser and Allan Williams of Alan Wasser Associates are the General Managers.

Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss/White Cherry Entertainment were Executive Producers of the 2009 Tony Awards. Mr. Weiss also served as Director of the 2009 Tony Awards.