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Press Releases JEFF COMMITTEE TO PRESENT TWO SPECIAL AWARDS NOVEMBER 1 AT 36th ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY CHICAGO, October 18, 2004 - Two special awards will be presented November 1 at the 36th annual Joseph Jefferson Awards ceremony to Dr. Bella Itkin and Court Theatre. Sponsored by The Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee, the awards ceremony also will recognize winners in 26 categories for theatrical productions opening during the 2003-04 season (August 1, 2003-July 31, 2004). The ceremony will be held at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL. Dr. Bella Itkin is being honored for her lifetime of dedication to the training, education, and continued development of actors and directors. Dr. Itkin, Professor Emeritus of the Theatre School, DePaul University/Goodman School of Drama, has taught generations of theatre artists. Among her students have been the late Geraldine Page, Kevin Anderson, Joe Mantegna, Linda Hunt, Gillian Anderson and Tim Gregory. She is widely acclaimed as a teacher, director and major force in the world of professional children’s theatre. Her influence on her students has significantly impacted the quality and proliferation of Chicago theatre. Court Theatre is being recognized for its 50 years of excellence in the production of modern and traditional classics. Founded by the late actor and director James O’Reilly, it developed into a fully professional company under the leadership of Nicholas Rudall. Court Theatre now is led by Artistic Director Charles Newell. Its classical mandate includes innovative productions of classic musicals, new works based on classic writing and non-European drama. Its 50th Anniversary season focuses on 20th century classics. Director and choreographer Marc Robin will direct this year’s Jeff Awards ceremony. Hosting the festivities are Keegan-Michael Key and Nicole Parker, nominees for their lead roles in Second City Theatrical’s hit Romeo and Juliet Musical: The People vs. Friar Laurence, The Man Who Killed Romeo and Juliet. Both also appear as regular cast members of Fox’s Madtv. During the 2003-2004 season, 133 Equity productions offered by 55 producing organizations were judged. Of these, 88 productions represented by 47 producing organizations were recommended for elements of excellence. The final roster of 124 Jeff nominations in 26 categories represents productions from 26 producing organizations. A light supper with a cash bar will begin at 6 p.m. The Jeff Awards ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by a dessert buffet after the presentations. The evening is black tie optional, and the public is invited to attend. Advance general admission tickets are $55 for the public and $40 for members of Actors' Equity Association, United Scenic Artists and Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. At the door, tickets are $65 and $50, respectively. Ticket orders may be mailed to Richard Hesler, 3035 Farner Court, Riverwoods, IL, 60015; by calling him at 847-945-4733, or by emailing tickets@jeffawards.org. Founded in 1968, the mission of the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee is to honor excellence in theatrical productions in the Chicago theatre community. Originally chartered to recognize Equity productions, the Citations non-Equity wing was founded in 1973 to celebrate outstanding achievement in non-union Chicago theatre. The committee, composed of theatre professionals and enthusiasts, evaluates approximately 200 theatrical productions and holds two awards ceremonies each year. The Citations Awards, honoring outstanding achievement in non-union productions, are presented in early June. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL |
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