SummerWorks 2009 Award-Winners

The results are in for 19th annual SummerWorks Theatre Festival.  Below is a list of theatrical award-winners as selected by a jury of professionals as well as the NOW Audience Choice award winner as selected by patron ballot. I have also listed my own Top 5 favourite performances.



 

SummerWorks Prize for Outstanding Production
The prize is a free trip back to the festival next year. All companies presenting new work were eligible.

"Greenland" by Nicolas Billon, directed by Ravi Jain

Contra Guys Award for Outstanding New Play
Generously supported by two SummerWorks founders, Benj Gallander and Ben Stadelmann, the cash award is presented to the playwright with the best new script in the festival. 
 
"Say Nothing Saw Wood" by Joel Thomas Hynes
 
Award for Direction (Sponsored by Crow’s Theatre)
Cash prize awarded for outstanding direction at the festival.
 
Alan Dilworth for "The Middle Place"










Honourable Mention: Rosa Laborde for "Melancholy Play"








The Spotlight Award
Awarded to a featured performer in a SummerWorks show. The winner receives a VIP pass to the festival next year.
 
Jordan Tannahill, Amelia Sargisson, Marika Schwandt, Tawiah M’carthy and Rebecca Powell for "The Art of Catching Pigeons by Torchlight"
Andrea Donaldson for "Montparnasse"

The Steamwhistle Emerging Artist Award
Awarded to an artist early in their career who made an artistic impression during the festival.
 
>Akosua Amo-Adem for "The Middle Place"

RBC Arts Professional Award
A new award at the festival this year, which recognizes the work, craft and dedication of an emerging arts professional. This award is made possible with the support of RBC.

Matt Baram, Ronald Pederson, and Naomi Snieckus for "Impromptu Splendor"
  
The NOW Magazine Audience Choice
Award Audience members voted by placing their ticket stub in the NOW Audience Choice box before leaving the theatre. The Winner receives $1500 in free advertising with NOW magazine. All shows were eligible for this prize. 

"Greenland" by Nicolas Billon, directed by Ravi Jain

donna g's Top 5 Favourites (alpha order)
benu by d'bi young
Impromptu Splendor by Matt Baram, Ronald Pederson, and Naomi Snieckus (The Perverted Metronome in the syle of David Mamet)
Melancholy Play by Sarah Ruhl
The Crush of Beauty by Laurel Smith
The Middle Place by Andrew Kushnir

Honourable Mention: "My Funny Valentine" by Dave Deveau

Source: Award winnners list courtesy of Daniela Syrovy of Clutch PR; SummerWorks logo courtesy of www.summerworks.ca
Photos: Cast photos of The Middle Place, Melancholy Play and Impromptu Splendor by donna g