Suzi Bass Awards Announces Nominations for the 2008 - 2009 Atlanta Professional Theatrical Season

The Suzi Bass Awards, Inc. announced nominations for the 2008-2009 Atlanta professional theatrical season this week to an enthusiastic crowd of patrons, Suzi Judges and theatre industry artists.  The Suzi Nomination Party, which rotates venues, was hosted this year by Actor's Express in their performance space at King Plow Arts Center. Suzi Awards Executive Director Deadra Moore read the list of Nominees while guests enjoyed drinks, hors d'ouevres and the chance to congratulate and mingle with their colleagues in the industry.

This year's nominees include nationally recognized actors as well as local favorites. Jasmine Guy's performance in the title role of Miss Evers' Boys earned her a nomination under Lead Actress - Play. Nicole Ari Parker, Robin Givens and CrystAl Fox were nominated as part of the ensemble cast of True Color's production of Ntozake Shange's for colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf.  Atlanta veterans Chris Kayser, Kenny Leon and Jeff McKerley received multiple nominations in acting, directing and choreography categories.

Atlanta Lyric Theatre, ALLIANCE THEATRE, Georgia Shakespeare and Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company each received more than ten (10) nominations across the play, musical, and design categories. Kenny Leon's True Colors and Theatre in the Square topped the nomination tally in the Play categories, while Atlanta Lyric Theatre boasted nineteen (19) nominations in Musical categories. In the Design categories, Georgia Shakespeare received the most nominations, with eight (8) in four categories.  Even so, nominations were distributed widely among Atlanta theatres, with nominations going to Aurora Theatre in Lawrenceville, ART Station in Stone Mountain, Legacy Theatre in Tyrone, Georgia Ensemble Theatre in Roswell and Actor's Express, Theatrical Outfit, New American Shakespeare Tavern, Horizon, and Synchronicity Theatre in Atlanta.

Also at the Nomination Party, Suzi Judging Coordinator John Waymire announced the addition of a new award to be voted by the general public, The Audience Choice for Outstanding Season. The Audience Choice award will debut in November at the 2009 Suzi Awards event.  All participating theatres are eligible, and Atlanta theatre audiences record their votes at www.SuziAwards.org by donating one dollar per vote to the Suzi Bass Awards organization.  There is no restriction on who may vote or how many times they may vote. All donations are tax deductible, since The Suzi Awards is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

The Suzi Bass Awards celebrate excellence in Metro Atlanta's professional theatre community. The Awards invigorate the arts economy and community through increased exposure and visibility, increasing the audience base for both theatres and artists. Suzi Awards events and programs educate the general public, Judges and Members of the organization, theatre artists, and students through seminars, mentoring and workshops.

For further information on the awards process, becoming a Member of the Suzi Bass Awards, or taking business or congratulation ads in the Event Program, please go to www.SuziAwards.org or email SuziAwards@comcast.net. For a full list of nominees got to: www.suziawards.org/index_files/2009NomPR.htm