Calling theater lovers, community members, artists and supporters of the arts: We want your voice in helping to shape the evolution of Philadelphia's Barrymore Awards Program! After surveying our community in late 2018, Theatre Philadelphia is considering three distinct paths forward for the Barrymores, and we're hosting open forums to help us select one.
To be clear, there are some major changes on the consideration table. If you consider yourself a member or appreciator of the Philadelphia theater community, you are enthusiastically invited to the Barrymore Awards Community Forums hosted by Theatre Philadelphia and facilitated by Emily Wyner of Humblebee.
Please join us for whichever forum works best for your schedule:
Monday 2/18 from 4:00PM - 7:00PM
OR
Friday 2/22 from 10:00AM - 1:00PM
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE - 20 N American Street (ADA accessible)
Curious for a little more context?
The Barrymore Oversight Committee and Theatre Philadelphia posed a few significant questions in a feedback survey at the end of 2018. More than 160 people ranging from performing artists to creative professionals to enthusiastic audience members filled out that survey.
The survey asked: Do you feel that the Barrymores program achieves its goals of “honoring local artists and theatre companies while increasing public awareness of the richness and diversity of our city's thriving theatre community”? - Only 32% said yes, with a majority 53% answer of somewhat.
The survey also asked: Are there ways that the Barrymore program could more effectively celebrate what makes Philadelphia unique? - 80% said yes.
The survey results point to a desire for evolution. Responses to other questions illuminated some far-reaching ideas and a range of opinions on potential paths forward. That's why we're inviting our community to come together in person and get granular: What are our options for the future of the Barrymores? Should we scrap the adjudication awards altogether? Or keep them, but shift eligibility for award consideration and/or the rights and responsibilities of adjudicators? What are the potential implications of each option?
We'll be discussing these questions and more. Please join us!