The Suzi Bass Awards

Celebrating Atlanta’s Professional Theatres

Suzi Judging Panels
Text Box: The Suzi Bass Awards P.O. Box 550468 Atlanta GA 30355 Email: SuziAwards@comcast.net

What does it take to be a good judge?

 

Our judges must be able to:

 -  check email and phone messages on a regular basis

 -  limit long-term travel away from Atlanta

 -  respond efficiently to the judging coordinator to requests for information or 

          scheduling

 -  keep notes on their reactions to productions for each award category

 -  trust their critical judgment and be enthusiastic in their support for theatre

 -  view productions objectively even when acquainted with theatre artists involved
Text Box: What do the Suzi Judges Do? Five RECOMMENDING JUDGES see submitted shows on opening night, then each judge scores all the elements in the show. Based on those scores and according to the published formula, the judging chair determines whether the show is designated “Suzi Eligible.” “Suzi Eligible” means the production is eligible for nomination at the end of the season. The MUSICAL JUDGES or the PLAY JUDGES are notified that the show is Suzi Eligible, and they schedule their comp ticket with the theatre. They report their attendance of Suzi Eligible shows to the Judging Coordinator. All elements of Suzi Eligible shows are included in the Nominating Ballot at the end of the season, and that ballot is voted by judges who have seen 80% or more of the Eligible shows in their panel. After Nominees are determined for each category, then a separate final ballot is sent to each judge. A judge may vote any category in which they have seen ALL the Nominees. All the judges receive a complimentary admission to the Suzi Awards Event so that they can join the party and congratulate the Nominees and Recipients.

What’s the time commitment for judges?

 

Musical Panel Judges have the lightest commitment: they see 8-12 musicals per year.

 

Play Panel Judges see much more great theatre: from 30-60 plays per year.

 

Recommending Judges are appointed from the panels after at least one year of experience.  They see 15 - 25 productions a year, if they serve on the Recommending Panel only.  If they also serve on the Play or Musical Panels, the number might go as high as 75. 

 

Although they receive a complimentary ticket to Eligible shows, all of our judges donate their time to the organization and provide their own transportation.  Parking costs and mileage are deductible as a charitable donation under the 501(c)3 statute of the IRS Code.

I know so many people in Atlanta theatre - will that disqualify me?

 

The Atlanta professional theatre market is a small one, so we all tend to know many people.  In addition, long time audience members “know” actors and directors rather well. 

 

As a Panel Judge, we trust in your commitment to objectivity and your responsibility to the mission of the Suzi Bass Awards.

 

As a Recommending Judge, you will not be scheduled for shows in theatres where you are on staff, or in those where you have a long-term volunteer relationship.  In addition, anytime you feel “too close” to a production, you simply request not to serve as a Recommending Judge.  We’ve found this a simple way to avoid a conflict of interest.

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Text Box: This gig is right up my alley! How do I apply to become a Suzi Panel Judge? Between May 1 and June 15 we accept judge applications. Just send an email to SuziAwards@comcast.net requesting one, then fill it out and return it to us. The Judging Committee of the Board of Directors reviews all applications and chooses the panel for the coming year. Potential judges should have: 1) extensive experience with the professional theatre, either as a career theatre artist, administrator, or a long-time audience member 2) a degree or extensive study in theatre or related disciplines 3) a current position as an educator in theatre arts 4) some combination of the above Those chosen to serve on a Judging Panel commit to seeing all shows in their panel (Play or Musical) that are designated as Suzi Recommended. Judges that find it difficult to fulfill their commitment will be asked to step off of the panel for the following year. Judges serve a maximum of three years on a panel. Judges are encouraged to become Members of the Suzi Bass Awards, but Membership is not required to serve on the panel. Text Box: Participating Theatres: 2008—2009 Season 7 Stages Actor’s Express Alliance Theatre ART Station Aurora Theatre Center Theatre of the MJCCA Georgia Ensemble Theatre Georgia Shakespeare Horizon Theatre New American Shakespeare Tavern Synchronicity Performance Group Theatre in the Square Theatrical Outfit True Colors Theatre Company