Elliott Hayes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dramaturgy

AWARD GUIDELINES

The Elliott Hayes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dramaturgy, presented by the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas, awards $500 in recognition of exemplary contributions by dramaturgs to the conception, development and production of theatre or to educational projects in dramaturgy in the Americas over the past two years.

Named in honor of Elliott Hayes, the former dramaturg and literary manager at The Stratford Festival and a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, this award recognizes excellence in dramaturgical work on a specific project; and projects may include, but are not limited to:  productions, publications, season planning and implementation, educational programs or advocacy for the profession.  (See eligibility rules for further details.)

The philosophical foundation of this award – like that of dramaturgy itself – rests in the belief that art benefits from examination on the parts of both artist and audience, and that creative inspiration accompanied by analysis and reflection is most likely to lead to productions and projects that fulfill the spiritual, social and personal potential of the theatrical event. 

Also inherent in the guidelines is the belief that the dramaturg participates fully and uniquely in the collaborative act of making theatre and in promoting social discourse around the theatrical event.  A letter of nomination from another collaborating artist or project consultant is an inherent part of the application form whether a dramaturg takes the initiative to apply or if the nomination is initiated by a collaborator.

The five criteria for evaluating applications, in no particular order, are:

•  Distinctiveness:  what is creative about the dramaturg’s approach to the project or what is unusually compelling in the dramaturgical analysis;

•  Contextualization:  how is the project enhanced by dramaturgical analysis or research;

•  Impact:  in what ways are the audience, artists or institution enriched by the dramaturgical ideas and execution;

•  Ethics:  how are issues that might be raised by the terms of the collaboration or changing responsibilities dealt with and/or resolved;

•  Significance:  how does this project inform, challenge or advance the field of dramaturgy.

 
Who is eligible?

•  This contest is open to all dramaturgs living in the Americas – LMDA members and non-members, students and faculty, professional staff and freelancers, individuals and collaborators.
•  If the project is a theatre production, the applicant must be credited as the dramaturg.  
•  If the project is not a theatre production, then the applicant need not be credited as dramaturg, but the project must demonstrate the impact of dramaturgical work or be designed to make a contribution to the field of dramaturgy.



To application process for the 2013 Elliott Hayes Award is currently closed.  Please check back next year to apply for 2014.