FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How are Awards judging applications made?
Guild Member Companies nominate a production for the Guild Awards for Excellence by completing the Judging Application, found in the Handbook Appendix or downloadable here (RTF format). This form needs to reach the Chairperson of the Judging Panel not less than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the opening of the production.

By making this application, Companies agree to make available to each Judge two (2) complimentary tickets (if required) and one (1) complimentary programme upon attendance, and to abide by the Judges' decision and not enter into any correspondence or otherwise dispute their decision.
Shows opening within four (4) weeks of the Awards Night will be considered as part of the following year's program. Only currently financial Member Companies are eligible to be judged.

Not Considered for Nomination
From time to time, individuals may wish not to be considered for nomination. If this is the case, he/she must first approach his/her Member Company. If not being considered for nomination is acceptable to his/her Company, the Company must inform the Guild Committee in writing no less than four (4) weeks in advance of the opening of the production. This is because the Company as a Guild Member Company, not the individual, is nominating the production for judging as part of the Awards Programme.

At the end of the judging period in November (4 weeks before the Awards Night) and after nominations have been decided, the Guild Judging Panel will be informed which individuals if any are not to be considered for nomination. If relevant, these individuals will be deleted from nomination lists. This process is the only one that will be accepted, and if an individual contacts the Guild Committee or the Guild Judging Panel directly, he/she will be referred back to the relevant company.

Where is the Awards Night held?
For the Guild’s first fourteen years, the Awards Night was held at the Alexander Theatre, Monash University Clayton, due to the University’s generous free use of the theatre. However, the Guild’s intention is now to share the Awards Night amongst different metropolitan and regional Victorian venues. This gives the opportunity for Guild member companies, by themselves or in combination with others, to host the Awards Night.

If your company or a group of companies co-operatively wishes host the Awards night, we warmly invite you to prepare a submission including details on the proposed venue (costings, audience capacity, technical facilities, staff requirements, catering details) and sent it to the Guild Committee. Please contact the Guild President with any questions.

How are Musical Numbers chosen?
Judges throughout the year make a note of musical numbers that they believe would be appropriate, and ask companies to keep a copy of the orchestration. Being asked to keep music does not necessarily mean that a company is being asked to perform at that stage. In October/November, the Awards Night Director then chooses approximately ten songs from this list, balancing solos and ensemble numbers, ballads and up-tempos, adults and children, to create an appealing program. Usually, selections from the Production nominees are included. The Director may also devise other musical numbers, such as opening or closing production numbers. A Rehearsal is held, generally on the Sunday 6 days before the Awards Night, when all the elements can come together. Attendance at this rehearsal is a requirement of performing on the Night.

Who are the Judges?
The 2005 Judging Panel is Darrell Boyd, Elizabeth Garnsworthy, Rob Constable, Graeme Cope (Chairperson), John Davitt, Val Pagram and Dot Parker

How are the Judges chosen?
When positions on the Judging Panel for the following year are opened (usually in September), this is advertised in Guild Notes and elsewhere. From existing Judges and letters of interest sent to the Guild Committee, the Committee selects the Judges, based on their expertise and experience in various aspects of music theatre production whilst balancing the technical and artistic qualifications of the Judging Panel. The Guild Committee reserves the right to appoint Judges throughout the year if the need arises.

The judging period is from 4 weeks in advance of the previous year’s Awards Night to 4 weeks in advance of the current year’s Awards Night, usually approximately mid-November to mid-November. Judges may be associated with a production that is being judged, however their individual contribution will not be considered for nomination. In addition, they will take no part in the judging of that show.

Are the Judges paid?
Members of the Panel are not paid to judge for the Guild Awards. They are committed to the development of music theatre in Victoria, giving their time freely and covering their own expenses. Each judge receives an honorarium of $100 at the end of the year to contribute in some small way to covering petrol expenses. Judges are also allocated $50 towards accommodation when judging country groups that necessitate an overnight stay.