2010 Betty Mitchell Award Recipients Announced

Recipients of the 13^th Annual Betty Mitchell Awards were announced during a gala event at the Max Bell Theatre in the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts on Monday, August 30, 2010.

The evening of awards honouring Calgary’s 2009/2010 professional theatre season were hosted by local performer/improviser AJ Demers and double-award nominee Julie Orton who ended up carrying off the award for Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in Alberta Theatre Projects’ Shakespeare’s Dog. Special guests, Alderman Chabot, Alderman Pincott and Alderman McIvor, joined in celebration as the evening paid homage to 86 nominations in 16 award categories from 59 eligible productions.

With 4 Betty Mitchell awards to its credit, Shakespeare’s Dog amassed more awards this year than any other single show. In addition to Orton’s award, other awards carried off for work on this production were Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role going to David Lereaney, Outstanding Costume Design going to John Pennoyer, and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama shared between Haysam Kadri for his role in Shakespeare’s Dog and Frank Zotter for his role in Sage Theatre’s Filth.

Theatre Calgary’s The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee followed closely with 3 Betty Mitchell Awards: Outstanding Musical Direction (Joe Slabe), Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Comedy or Musical (Kevin Corey), and Outstanding Production of a Musical.

Tied for the honour of Outstanding Production of a Play were Vertigo Theatre with their production of Evelyn Strange, and partnering companies Alberta Theatre Projects and Ghost River Theatre for their co-production of The Highest Step in the World. The Highest Step in the World also garnered the award for Outstanding Choreography or Fight Direction (Adrian Young).

Additional honours for performances were awarded to Rebecca Northan who received the award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Comedy or Musical for her self-created work in Blind Date, and Valerie Planche who received the award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Drama for her role in Alberta Theatre Projects’ Communion. The final award for an Alberta Theatre Projects presentation was the award for Outstanding Direction going to Chris Abraham for his work on I, Claudia.

One of the smaller and newer companies on the Calgary Theatre scene managed a great feat at this year’s Betty Mitchell Awards. The Downstage Creation Ensemble (a collection of artists comprised of Ethan Cole, Ellen Close, Col Cseke, Anton deGroot, Nicola Elson, Braden Griffiths and Simon Mallett) walked away with the award for Outstanding New Play for their collective work in creating In the Wake.

Rounding out the awards ceremony were the awards for Outstanding Lighting Design going to Kevin Lamotte and Alan Brodie (Beyond Eden, Theatre Calgary), Outstanding Sound Design or Composition awarded to Andrew Blizzard (Woman in Black, Vertigo Theatre), and Outstanding Set Design awarded to Bretta Gerecke (Beyond Eden, Theatre Calgary).

In addition to the 16 award categories comprising the bulk of the ceremony, 4 special adjudicated awards were also announced on Monday night. The Duval Lang Theatre for Young Audiences Award was presented to Lana Skauge. The Greg Bond Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre in Calgary was presented to Doug McKeag. The Dean Ott/Debbie Boult Award honouring Outstanding Achievement in Technical Production was presented to Tom McCarthy. And in recognition of a unique contribution to the theatre community, The Betty Mitchell Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Vicki Stroich.

The Betty Mitchell Awards media sponsor, Fast Forward Weekly, presented the Fast Forward Weekly Readers’ Choice Award to Alberta Theatre Projects for their production of I, Claudia.

The Betty Mitchell Awards are a significant annual event for Calgary’s professional theatre community. These awards recognize the continued level of excellence in our theatres, raise the profile of live performance in our city, and encourage audience growth.

The complete list of nominees and award recipients can be accessed at the Betty Mitchell Awards website here.

Have you got your ticket?

This year’s Bettys are right around the corner.  To avoid disappointment and take advantage of the advance ticket discount be sure to order your tickets soon.  Tickets are on sale at the Pumphouse Theatres Box Office (2140 Pumphouse Avenue S.W.).  Advance tickets are $32.25 (all fees included) and include entrance to both the Betty Mitchell Awards Show and the Official After Party at the Auburn Saloon.  Advance tickets may be purchased in person by cash, credit card, or debit.  Using a credit card, tickets may also be purchased by phone: 403.263.0079, or online: www.pumphousetheatre.ca.  Tickets may also be purchased at the door (cash only) for $35.00.

The 13^th Annual Betty Mitchell Awards
will be held on

Monday, August 30^th, 2010
at the Max Bell Theatre
(EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts, 205-8^th Avenue, S.E.)

Doors: 6:30 pm

Award Presentation: 7:30 pm

Official After Party: Immediately following at the Auburn Saloon

2010 Betty Mitchell Award Nominations Announced!

Home grown plays and diverse range of work prominent on this year’s ballot.

Nominations for the 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards, celebrating Calgary’s professional theatre, were announced today at the Auburn Saloon.  Presenting the 2010 nominees was last year’s awards show host and Co-Chair of the Betty Mitchell Awards Steering Committee, Trevor Rueger.

This year’s nominations reflect an ever-growing appreciation for home grown plays. In all there are 23 nominations spread over 16 categories for plays that originated in Calgary. Some of these are newly created works, others indigenous plays with a lengthy production history and international recognition.

Also noteworthy is the diversity of works represented on this year’s ballot. From collective creations to Broadway musicals, the range of performances presented to Calgary audiences over the theatre season is apparent in this year’s Betty Mitchell Awards Nominations. Reflecting on the spectrum of productions appearing in the nominations line-up, Rueger remarks,

“It’s amazing to me that you have work as diverse as a collective creation performed on a 16 square foot platform being recognized as equally as Broadway musicals where Jesus actually descends from the heavens.”

Three special adjudicated awards will also be presented at the 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards: the Duval Lang Theatre for Young Audiences Award (a $2000 cash prize) presented in conjunction with Quest Theatre, the Greg Bond Memorial Award (a $1000 cash prize, honouring Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre in Calgary), and the Dean Ott/ Debbie Boult Award (honouring Outstanding Achievement in Technical Production).  The Bettys’ media sponsor, Fast Forward Weekly will also be presenting the Fast Forward Weekly Readers’ Choice Award.

The complete list of nominees can be accessed at the Betty Mitchell Awards website, www.bettymitchellawards.com.

The 2009/2010 professional theatre season (June 15, 2009-June 14, 2010) brought to the stage 59 shows eligible for Betty Mitchell Award nominations. Ballots for voting on the nominations will be distributed to the 12-member Nominating Committee and eligible Passport Holders from the theatre community and general public.

The recipients of the 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards will be announced at the gala ceremony on Monday, August 30, 2010 at the Max Bell Theatre in the EPCOR CENTRE for the Performing Arts (205-8^th Ave., S.E.). Tickets go on sale Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at the Pumphouse Theatres Box Office (2140 Pumphouse Ave. S.W.). Tickets are $32.25 (all fees included) and include entrance to both the Betty Mitchell Awards Show and the Official After Party at the Auburn Saloon.  Tickets may be purchased in person by cash, credit card, or debit. Using a credit card, tickets may also be purchased by phone: 403.263.0079, or online: www.pumphousetheatre.ca.

This Thursday! Betty Mitchell Awards Nominations Announcement

REMINDER: The Nominations Announcement for the 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards will take place this Thursday, July 22nd at 11 a.m. in the Auburn Saloon. Members of the community are welcome and encouraged to attend!

Nominations for the 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards will be announced at The Auburn Saloon (115, 9^th Ave. S.E.-at the base of the Calgary Tower) on Thursday, July 22^nd at 11 a.m. by the host of last year’s awards ceremony and Co-Chair of the Betty Mitchell Awards Steering Committee, Trevor Rueger.

Members of the Calgary theatre community, friends, patrons, and the media are all invited to attend the Nomination Announcement.  The complete list of nominees can be accessed at www.bettymitchellawards.com following the announcement.

Now in their 13^th year, The Betty Mitchell Awards are an important part of Calgary’s professional theatre community.  These awards not only recognize the continued level of excellence in Calgary theatres but also raise the profile of live performance in our city and encourage audience growth.

The 2009/2010 professional theatre season (June 15, 2009-June 14, 2010) brought to the stage 59 shows eligible for Betty Mitchell Award nominations.

Ticket details will be included in the 2010 Nominations Announcement and tickets will be available for purchase following the announcement.  Ticket information can also be accessed at www.bettymitchellawards.com following the announcement.

REMINDER: Nominations for Juried Awards

The nomination deadline for the juried awards presented at the 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards ceremony is next WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30^TH.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the following juried awards:

The Dean Ott/Debbie Boult Award
(Honouring Outstanding Achievement in Technical Production)

The Greg Bond Memorial Award
(Honouring Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre in Calgary)

The Duval Lang Theatre for Young Audiences Award
(Honouring Outstanding Contribution to Theatre for Young Audiences in Calgary)

Time to Send In Your Passports!

Betty Mitchell Awards Passports are due by June 30^th.

Members of the community who have seen 25 or more eligible theatre productions, and have had their passports stamped, are encouraged to mail in their passports NO LATER THAN JUNE 30^TH.

Passports should be mailed to:

Betty Mitchell Awards
c/o R.W. Quinlan
#209, 6131-6^th Street S.E.
Calgary, AB T2H 1L9

Please be sure to include your name, mailing address, and phone number with your passport. Ballots will be mailed out to all community members who have submitted passports containing 25 or more stamps.

Please direct any questions about the passport process to Karen Johnson-Diamond at kjdc@shaw.ca.

See 25 Shows. Get a Vote.

Betty Mitchell Awards Nomination Announcement

Nominations for the 2010 Betty Mitchell Awards will be announced at The Auburn Saloon (115, 9^th Ave. S.E.-at the base of the Calgary Tower) on Thursday, July 22^nd at 11 a.m. by the host of last year’s awards ceremony and Co-Chair of the Betty Mitchell Awards Steering Committee, Trevor Rueger.

Now in their 13^th year, The Betty Mitchell Awards are an important part of Calgary’s professional theatre community. These awards not only recognize the continued level of excellence in Calgary theatres but also raise the profile of live performance in our city and encourage audience growth.

The 2009/2010 professional theatre season (June 15, 2009-June 14, 2010) brought to the stage 59 shows eligible for Betty Mitchell Award nominations.

The Betty Mitchell Awards accountant, Bob Quinlan, tabulates the input of a 12-member Nominating Committee and produces ballots. Ballots are then distributed for voting to the Nominating Committee, and to any member of the theatre community or general public who has seen 25 of the eligible productions. Ballots are mailed as requested after providing proof (through submission of a Betty Mitchell Awards Passport by June 30) indicating the bearer has seen 25 of the eligible productions.

Greg Bond Memorial Award

photo by Brent Calis

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Greg Bond Memorial Award  (Honouring Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre in Calgary)

Nominations are currently being accepted for the Greg Bond Memorial Award. Deadline for Submission:  June 30, 2010.

This annual award is intended to honour the outstanding achievement by an individual-either for this season or for accumulated dedication or achievement-in musical theatre in Calgary.

The award is made possible through the Toronto Community Foundation, and is presented by the Bond Family in memory of their son, Greg (1954-1989). Greg studied and worked in musical theatre across Canada, from Banff to Charlottetown as well as in Australia. His life was marked by a drive for professionalism, a talent for composition, and a desire to continually study, create and perform. He will be remembered for his positive attitude and his remarkable ability to give and engender respect from everyone whom his life touched.

Criteria for nomination:

• Must be a Calgary resident who has continuously striven for excellence in his/her craft;
• Will have contributed to the profile of musical theatre in Calgary;
• Will have the qualities of: cooperation, self-discipline and work ethic;
• Areas of specialization may include, but are not restricted to: performance, musical direction, education, choreography, composition, instrumentalist;
• Is a professional in his/her field, and viewed as such by his/her peers.

The nominator will elaborate on the manner in which the candidate meets the above criteria. Additional letters of testimony will be accepted to a maximum submission of ten pages total.

The recipient will be chosen by a jury consisting of past recipients plus other industry professionals, as selected by the Betty Mitchell Awards Steering Committee. The successful nominee will receive a $1000 cash award and be recognized at the Betty Mitchell Awards, August 30, 2010, which celebrate Calgary’s professional theatre community.

Previous recipients have included: Tom Doyle, Margot McDermott, Bob Foster, Marilyn Perkins, Stage West Calgary, Hal Kerbes, Joe Slabe, Elaine Higgin Case, Mark Bellamy, David Rhymer, and Denise Clarke, Joel Cochrane.

To submit a nominee, please mail to:

Betty Mitchell Awards, Re: Greg Bond Memorial Award
PO Box 924 Station T
Calgary, AB T2H 2H4

or email to: info@bettymitchellawards.com, Subject Line: Greg Bond Memorial Award.

Duval Lang Theatre for Young Audiences Award

photo by Brent Calis

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

The Duval Lang Theatre for Young Audiences Award

Nominations are currently being accepted for the Duval Lang Theatre for Young Audiences Award.  Deadline for Submission: June 30, 2010.

This annual award has been created to honor an individual or group of individuals who have made an outstanding contribution or significant achievement in the field of Theatre for Young Audiences in Calgary.

This award is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Quest Theatre and the Betty Mitchell Awards and is supported by a fund established in 2008 at the Calgary Foundation by a group of generous donors in recognition of Duval Lang.

Duval Lang was the founding Artistic Director of Quest Theatre and spent 25 years making theatre accessible, meaningful and enjoyable to young audiences. Along the way he has nurtured many emerging artists who have been inspired by his influence. Duval’s dedication to his craft has, and will continue to have, a significant impact in the field of Theatre for Young Audiences.

Criteria for nomination:

• May be an individual or group of individuals (but not an organization);
• Must be a Calgary resident who has continuously striven for excellence in his/her craft;
• Has demonstrated excellence in the field of Theatre for Young Audiences;
• May be awarded for an outstanding season of work, individual achievement, or a sustained contribution to the community.

The nominator will elaborate on the manner in which the candidate(s) meets the above criteria. Additional letters of testimony will be accepted to a maximum submission of ten pages.

The recipient will be chosen from among the nominees by a jury consisting of past recipients plus other industry professionals, as selected by Quest Theatre and the Betty Mitchell Awards Steering Committee. The successful nominee will be recognized at the Betty Mitchell Awards, August 30, 2010, which celebrate Calgary’s professional theatre community.

Last year was the first presentation of the newly created Duval Lang Theatre for Young Audiences Award. The award was presented to Karen Johnson-Diamond.

To submit a nominee, please mail to:

Betty Mitchell Awards, Re: Duval Lang Theatre for Young Audiences Award
PO Box 924 Station T
Calgary, AB  T2H 2H4

or email to: info@bettymitchellawards.com, Subject Line: Duval Lang Theatre for Young Audiences Award.

Dean Ott/Debbie Boult Award

photo by Brent Calis

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

The Dean Ott/Debbie Boult Award (Honouring Outstanding Achievement in Technical Production)

Nominations are currently being accepted for the Dean Ott/Debbie Boult award.  Deadline for Submission: June 30, 2010.

This annual award has been created to honour a member of Calgary’s theatre community who has made a major contribution or significant achievement in the area of technical production in Calgary. This award is given in recognition of Dean Ott and Debbie Boult. Throughout their lives, Dean and Debbie continually strove for excellence and were regarded as a benchmark for professionalism. The recipient of this award will reflect Dean and Debbie’s passion for their craft.

Criteria for nomination:

• Must be a Calgary resident who has continuously striven for excellence in his/her craft;
• Will have the qualities of professionalism, cooperation, self-discipline and strong work ethic;
• May be awarded for an outstanding season of work, individual achievement, or a sustained contribution to the community;
• Areas of specialization may include, but are not restricted to: stage management, stage carpentry, production management, running crew, wardrobe, lighting or sound technician.

The nominator will elaborate on the manner in which the candidate meets the above criteria. Additional letters of testimony will be accepted to a maximum submission of ten pages total.

The recipient will be chosen from among the nominees by a jury consisting of past recipients plus other industry professionals, as selected by the Betty Mitchell Awards Steering Committee. The successful nominee will be recognized at the Betty Mitchell Awards, August 30, 2010, which celebrate Calgary’s professional theatre community.

Previous recipients have included: Colin McCracken, Monty Schneider, Dianne Goodman, Brad & Ellen Leavitt, Lance Olson, Tracey Hooper, Darcy Foggo, Ian Wilson, Brian Beaulieu, Terri Gillis, Wes Jenkins, and Susan McNair Reid.

To submit a nominee, please mail to:

Betty Mitchell Awards, Re: Dean Ott/Debbie Boult Award
PO Box 924 Station T
Calgary, AB T2H 2H4

or email to:  info@bettymitchellawards.com, Subject Line: Dean Ott/Debbie Boult Award.

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