My Theatre Mates
Okay, Okay – I know that I am ridiculously late in posting the news about My Theatre Mates (I blame it on back to back visitors over the last three weeks) but just in case you haven’t heard about the launching of of this brand spanking new website by theatre gurus Terri Paddock and Mark Shenton, listen up!
Terri who co-founded and ran WhatsOnStage for 16 years together with Mark Shenton who is a lead theatre critic of The Stage and is chairman of the drama section of the Critics’ Circle hope that this will become a central hub for ‘all things theatre’ where people like you and me can visit and read news and reviews from a variety of people who love theatre.
Exciting eh?
There is more! Terri and Mark have also launched the:
‘Also Recognised Awards’
What are they?
Quite simply, the awards are to recognise and celebrate lesser-known but equally worthy talent in fields
overlooked by the Oliviers and other award bodies.
We have said before at Theatre South East that we love award ceremonies. The glitz, the glamour, above all the chance to celebrate the wonderful world of theatre. However there are many unrecognised people who work tirelessly onstage and off to give us wonderful theatrical experiences.
There are awards for
- Best Musical Direction
- Best Ensemble Performance
- Best Solo Performance
- Best Shakespearean Production
- Best Original Music
- London Newcomer of the Year
- Theatre Event of the Year
Why is there a need for this?
I first read about WhatsOnStage dropping these categories on Mark’s blog for The Stage, and was alarmed and saddened by the new owner’s decision.
Mark and I agree that the work these categories represent remains vitally important and deserves to be celebrated. We felt we had to take action. – Terri Paddock
While we were at it, we also wanted to give recognition to other important disciplines that aren’t covered by conventional theatre awards, not least Musical Direction, without which no musical could exist. – Mark Shenton
If you haven’t been to the theatre much this year and not seen the shows that are nominated, fear not! You can still get involved. There are three categories you could vote for without stepping into a theatre!
- Best Show Poster
- Best Show Trailer (a wonderful way to spend 15minutes)
or if you are a tweeter,
- Best twitter engagement.
We can all get involved in this exciting new project – hop (see the Easter reference there?) along to their website and VOTE NOW! Voting closes on April 16th so you haven’t got long!
www.mytheatremates.com
Wishing Terri and Mark all the best in their new venture.
Sammi x