Jeff Awards 2012 Special Award

 

Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers, is not only the protector of its members’ welfare in the workplace—ensuring fair compensation, a safe environment and dignity—but also an advocate of the arts in a free society. Over the past 100 years, Equity has waged principled fights to defend the rights and improve the conditions of performers discriminated against on the basis of race, sex, political beliefs or physical abilities.

The Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee evolved in response to a search by Chicago actors for a way to honor local theatre talent. In 1968, the Midwest Advisory Committee of Actors' Equity appointed members to find a means of gaining recognition for actors working in the city. They developed an awards program based on merit, and it is now the model for many theatre awards programs nationwide. 

 

“This is an immense honor for Actors’ Equity to receive a special Jeff Award in recognition of our Centennial,” said Dev Kennedy, Equity’s Central Regional Vice President.  “Part of Equity’s mission is to foster the art of theater. To be acknowledged by the Chicago theatrical community in this way is very special to our members nationwide.”

 

The 44th Annual Jeff Awards ceremony honoring excellence in professional theatre produced within the immediate Chicago area will be held on Monday, October 15th, at Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Ceremony Director Michael Weber says “This year’s ceremony promises to be as exciting as ever with 12 live performances from the nominated Best Productions and an inspiring tribute to the 100^th Anniversary of Actors’ Equity Association.”