Who We Are
Recognizing theater excellence and honoring theater artists has been our mission at the Jeff Awards for more than 50 years. As a champion of the rich arts community, the Jeff Awards celebrates the vitality of Chicago area theater with its recommendations, awards, and honors. We are one of the most active and engaged theater awards organization in the country. Annually, the Jeff Awards evaluates over 250 theatrical productions and holds two awards ceremonies highlighting artistic and technical excellence over the past season. These initiatives help foster the growth of companies, encourage artists, bring new appreciation to diverse storytelling, and cultivate civic pride in the achievements of the Chicago theater community.
Our members come from a variety of backgrounds that give them a unique perspective to evaluate theater and ensure the integrity of our annual awards within the Equity and Non-Equity theater community. We are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization with members who are working theater artists, many with academic and training backgrounds and significant professional experience, as well as those with a history of theater involvement, and/or years of consistent theater attendance in Chicago and in other major theater capitals of the world. We believe the beauty and wonder brought to life by theater expands our world of understanding and how we live our lives.
Our Commitment to Inclusion and Respect
Our members are invigorated by what is happening in the world and the vital need for diverse voices. That requires that we remain committed to infusing equitable perspectives in how we champion theater excellence. We stay engaged through training on dismantling racism and issues of social justice, as well as initiatives focused on equity, diversity and inclusion. To remain a valued resource for the community we support, our Jeff Awards membership must reflect the diversity of the Chicago theater community. We welcome all interested and qualified candidates, regardless of sex, age, ethnicity, disability, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.
For more information visit the current Jeff Roster and Officers & Executive Committee sections.
Interested in being a Jeff judge? Read the information for prospective members and/or contact membership@jeffawards.org.