Awards Process
Maintaining a level of simplicity, structure, and rigor, the following process was developed by the Helen Hayes Awards Rules Committee - which governs all Awards rules and procedures - adopted by The Helen Hayes Awards Board of Directors, and went into effect January 1, 2003.
Eligibility Requirements
Any legitimate live stage play is eligible to participate in the Helen Hayes Awards process if:
- It is presented within the Washington, D.C. area, which is inclusive of all theatres located in the District of Columbia, the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince Georges, the city of Alexandria, and the Route 50 Corridor to and including the city of Annapolis;
- It is produced by a theatre or producing organization which compensates their artists on a regular basis;
- It is presented for a period of 16 performances, not including previews, in one location;
- One-half of all eligible performances must begin by on weekdays between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and on weekends between 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- It provides the requisite number of tickets to accommodate attendance by eight judges.
- The theatre or producing organization has legally acquired the rights to present the production; and
- If the theatre or producing organization notifies The Helen Hayes Awards of the production at least three weeks prior to opening.
Click here to see the complete Rules for the Administration of The Helen Hayes Awards
Awards Rules
The following rules and procedures have been devised by the Board of Directors of The Washington Theatre Awards Society to govern The Helen Hayes Awards -- which are to be awarded annually for the purpose of recognizing excellence and celebrating the professional theatre in the Washington, D.C. area. In creating these rules and procedures, the Board aims to achieve fairness for all participants and credibility for the Awards process, and to be responsive to the needs of the Washington area theatre community.
The Judges
Serving as a Helen Hayes Judge is a selfless act; a volunteer position requiring enormous time, consideration, and dedication. It’s also a meaningful and rewarding responsibility. All judge applications are thoroughly vetted and reviewed by a Selection Committee comprised of, among others, three Artistic Directors from participating theatres. Depending upon area of theatre expertise, Judges are assigned to serve on one of three evaluation panels: World Premieres, Musicals, or Straight Plays.
The Awards
One of the country’s most prestigious cultural honors, The Helen Hayes Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in professional theatre throughout the Washington metropolitan area.
Click here for the complete list of Helen Hayes Awards Nominees and Recipients ..