New York Drama Critics Circle Members to Be Tony Voters Beginning with 2010-2011 Season

Members of the New York Drama Critics Circle (NYDCC) will have the opportunity to be Tony Award voters beginning with the 2010-2011 season, following the NYDCC’s acceptance of an invitation extended by Tony Award Productions. The invitation alters a change implemented last year, when members of the press were removed from the pool of voters for the Tony Awards.

Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of the Broadway League, and Howard Sherman, Executive Director of the American Theatre Wing, have issued the following statement on behalf of Tony Award Productions: “We recognize that the recent decision to rescind the votes of the press was perceived as a slight against journalists, and in particular the working theatre critics. The Tony Awards maintain a profound respect for the media community as partners in advocating for the value of live theatre and we deeply regret if offense was inadvertently given. We believe that the selection of the New York Drama Critics’ Circle is consistent with our policy of authorizing independent theatrical organizations (including labor unions and creative guilds) to determine which members of their professional constituency may vote. We are very pleased that the Drama Critics’ Circle has accepted this offer.”

Adam Feldman, President of the New York Drama Critics’ Circle, made this statement on behalf of the organization: “We are very pleased that the Tonys have reconsidered their decision, and look forward to continuing our dialogue with them about the role of the press in the theatre community.”