The board of the Outer Critics Circle, the organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town newspapers and national publications, has voted to remove gender specifications from acting categories for the 2023 Outer Critics Circle Awards.
Acting categories have also been expanded to include separate awards for Broadway and Off-Broadway productions; previously actors were nominated in the same category.
The Lucille Lortel Awards, the annual honor recognizing outstanding achievement Off-Broadway, switched to gender-neutral categories for its 2022 ceremony.
The Outer Critics Circle Awards, honoring the 2022-2023 Broadway and Off-Broadway season, will be held May 25 at the Bruno Walter Auditorium at the New York Public Library for The Performing Arts. Nominations will be announced April 25, and winners will be revealed May 16. The eligibility cut-off date for nominators to attend a show is April 23.
"As the theatre community continues to rebuild following the pandemic, the Outer Critics Circle must evolve, too. These changes will help us recognize the many talented actors both on and Off-Broadway so we can reach the full potential of our mission, which is to celebrate the artistic excellence of New York's theatre scene with integrity and inclusivity," Outer Critics Circle President David Gordon stated on behalf of the OCC board of directors.
Beginning with the 2023 ceremony, the Outer Critics Circle will present acting awards in the following categories:
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical
Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play
Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play
Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical
Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical
Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Play
Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play
Outstanding Solo Performance
Founded during the 1949-1950 Broadway season by theatre journalist John Gassner, The Outer Critics Circle is affiliated with more than 90 newspapers, magazines, broadcast stations, and online news organizations, in America and abroad.
Led by current President Gordon, the OCC Board of Directors also includes Vice President Richard Ridge, Recording Secretary Joseph Cervelli, Corresponding Secretary Patrick Hoffman, Treasurer David Roberts, Harry Haun, Cynthia Allen, Janice Simpson, and Doug Strassler. Simon Saltzman is president emeritus, and Stanley L. Cohen serves as financial consultant.
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