Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
Outer Critics Circle Awards Announces Dates and New Genderless Acting Categories

Outer Critics Circle Awards Announces Dates and New Genderless Acting Categories

This year, the acting categories will also be expanded to separately include off-Broadway productions.

The dates have been announced for the 2023 Outer Critics Circle Awards, honoring the 2022-2023 Broadway and Off-Broadway season, as well as the reconstruction of the acting categories.

The eligibility cut-off date for nominators to attend a show in the 2022-2023 season will be Sunday, April 23. The OCC Awards Nominations announcement will take place on Tuesday, April 25, winners will be announced on Tuesday, May 16, and the awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 25 at the Bruno Walter Auditorium at the New York Public Library for The Performing Arts.

The Outer Critics Circle board of directors has voted to remove gender specifications from acting categories as well as expand acting categories to separately include off-Broadway productions. In the previous configuration, actors in Broadway and off-Broadway productions had been nominated together in the same category.

Beginning with the 2023 ceremony, the Outer Critics Circle will present acting awards in the following categories:

Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical

Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical

Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play

Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play

Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical

Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical

Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Play

Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play

Outstanding Solo Performance (pre-existing category)

"As the theater community continues to rebuild following the pandemic, the Outer Critics Circle must evolve, too. These changes will help us recognize the many talented actors both on and off-Broadway so we can reach the full potential of our mission, which is to celebrate the artistic excellence of New York's theater scene with integrity and inclusivity," Outer Critics Circle President David Gordon stated on behalf of the OCC board of directors.

Founded during the 1949-50 Broadway season by respected theater journalist John Gassner, The Outer Critics Circle is an esteemed association with members affiliated with more than ninety newspapers, magazines, broadcast stations, and online news organizations, in America and abroad. Led by its current president David Gordon, the OCC Board of Directors also includes Vice President Richard Ridge, Recording Secretary Joseph Cervelli, Corresponding Secretary Patrick Hoffman, Treasurer David Roberts, Harry Haun, Cynthia Allen, Janice Simpson and Doug Strassler. Simon Saltzman is President Emeritus & Board Member (Non-nominating) and Stanley L. Cohen serves as Financial Consultant & Board Member (Non-nominating).



Related Stories
THE BANDS VISIT, OKLAHOMA! and More Will Perform at the 2023 Olivier Awards Photo
The 2023 Olivier Awards have officially announced the shows performing in this year's ceremony. The Awards will take place on Sunday 2 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Hannah Waddingham. 

Guarini & Bart to Announce 2023 Drama League Award Nominees Photo
Television and stage star Justin Guarini and Tony Award Winner Roger Bart will host the 2023 Drama League Awards Nominations Announcement on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. See where to watch the announcement and more!

Melissa Errico, Ann Morrison, and More Win 2023 Bistro Awards Photo
Fifteen musical artists will be honored for their cabaret and/or jazz artistry at the 38th annual Bistro Awards gala on Monday, April 17, 7:00 pm, at Gotham Comedy Club, 208 W. 23rd Street, Manhattan. Learn more about those being honored here!

COMPANY, TAKE ME OUT, and More Win Artios Awards Photo
Casting Society (CSA) honored excellence in casting across feature films, television and theatre at the 38th Annual Artios Awards held on Thursday, March 9, with ceremonies in Los Angeles, New York and London.


More Hot Stories For You


Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Son, Has Passed AwayNicholas Lloyd Webber, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Son, Has Passed Away
March 25, 2023

Webber missed the Bad Cinderella opening on Thursday, March 23rd to be with his son, who passed away from stomach cancer after entering hospice care on Thursday.

Broadway Jukebox: The Best of Kander & EbbBroadway Jukebox: The Best of Kander & Ebb
March 25, 2023

Just yesterday, Broadway was introduced to the latest musical from John Kander and the late Fred Ebb- New York, New York is in previews at the St. James Theatre. We are celebrating the new musical with a playlist of the Best of Kander and Ebb.

Lea Michele Will Be Out of Today's FUNNY GIRL MatineeLea Michele Will Be Out of Today's FUNNY GIRL Matinee
March 25, 2023

Lea Michele will be out of today's matinee performance of Funny Girl on Saturday, March 25. Julie Benko will be on as Fanny. 

Video: Watch Jinkx Monsoon Sing CHICAGO's 'I Am My Own Best Friend' and More with ELLEVideo: Watch Jinkx Monsoon Sing CHICAGO's 'I Am My Own Best Friend' and More with ELLE
March 25, 2023

Watch Jinkx Monsoon sing musical theatre classics in a game of song association with ELLE!

Meet the Cast of THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!Meet the Cast of THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, Beginning Previews on Broadway Tonight!
March 25, 2023

Second Stage Theater's production of Larissa FastHorse's play, The Thanksgiving Play, directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin, will begin previews tonight, March 25th! Meet the cast of The Thanksgiving Play!