Elliott Hayes Award

The LMDA Prize in Dramaturgy 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.  To validate the significance of the dramaturg’s contributions – and to raise awareness among other theatre professionals – a letter of nomination from another collaborating artist or project consultant is part of the application form.

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.

Applications for the 2012 Elliott Hayes Award will be open soon!

Who is eligible to apply?
•  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.

What projects are eligible?
•  Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:  productions, publications, educational programs, season planning or implementation, or advocacy for the profession.

•  Projects completed prior to February 15, 2011 are not eligible.

•  Projects completed after February 15, 2011 are eligible regardless of when they were started.

•  Projects that are currently in-progress but have not been completed are eligible.

•  Projects that fit the above criteria and have been previously submitted are still eligible, but must be resubmitted.

 To apply for LMDA’s Prize in Dramaturgy – The Elliott Hayes Award:

 1.      Fill out the application form (available soon).  Please note that all applications must be accompanied by one (or two) letters of nomination from a collaborating artist or consultant on the project.

2.      The application form and supporting materials must be submitted via email, and three copies will be distributed by LMDA to the judges.  

3.   The deadline for applications is March 15, 2012

4.   Send application materials to:
                      LMDA Prize in Dramaturgy (subject line)
                       c/o Stephen Colella
                       scolella [at] lktyp.ca
      and cc applications to lmdanyc [at] gmail.com  

5.      Entrants will be notified of the status of their applications prior to the 2012 LMDA Conference.  The winner(s) will be announced at that conference.

6.      By applying for this award, applicants agree to make a reasonable effort to attend the LMDA Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, June 28-July 1, 2012.  In addition to the $500 award, LMDA will reimburse the award-winner(s) up to $500 in travel and housing expenses.