Theatre Philadelphia to Relaunch Barrymore Awards in 2014

Last year, Philadelphia's Barrymore Awards were discontinued after the Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia folded. Now Theatre Philadelphia is bringing them back for the 2013-14 theatre season, according to published reports.

As a part of the new system, eligible theatres will have to lie within a 30-mile radius of Philadelphia's City Hall. Additionally they must be a 501(c)3 or fiscally sponsored organization. Eligible productions will have to have a minmun run of 12 performances (including previews). Also, voting will be opened up to a two tier system, with a group of nominators recommending shows to official judges.

Theatre Philadelphia board president Kevin Glaccum told the Inquirer: "We did a survey of close to 1,000 people, and 95 percent wanted an awards ceremony to continue, so that's what we're responding to."

The Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre have served as the Greater Philadelphia region's theatre awards program since 1994, recognizing artists for excellence and innovation while serving to increase awareness of the richness of the local theatre community. The Barrymore Awards are a nationally recognized symbol of excellence for theatre in our region, raising the bar for the work produced by local theatres and individual artists, and generating significant coverage in all local and national media.

Each year, over 120 shows produced by the region's professional theatres are reviewed by the Barrymore Voters. At the annual awards presentation each fall, the Barrymore Awards are presented to honor and celebrate the community's collective achievement.

For aditional information, visit: http://www.theatrealliance.org

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