Thank you for your interest in being a Helen Hayes Awards Judge

Judge terms begin on January 1, 2027.

Helen Hayes Awards Judges will see between 20-60 shows throughout the year, depending on their panel. The Hayes Plays panel sees an average of 47 productions; the Hayes Musicals panel, 22 productions; the Helen Plays panel, 54 productions; the Helen Musicals panel, 21 productions; and the New Works panel 35 productions. We typically impanel judges for 3-year terms, however, we understand that it can be difficult to anticipate such long-term commitments.

Reviewers shall not serve as Helen Hayes judges. Any reviewers who apply must suspend their reviewing of Helen Hayes eligible productions for the term of their service as a Helen Hayes judge. Candidates must be 18 or older to be considered.

When filling out your application to serve as Helen Hayes Awards judge, consider the following criteria: collaborative, knowledgeable about theatre, critical thinker, inquisitive, sensitive to artistic design, appreciative of varied and diverse artistic expressions, receptive to new forms of storytelling, a commitment to the celebration and support of Washington theatres, and a personal commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression. Theatre Washington’s values of collaboration, empathy and equity are at the core of all of our programming.

The information you provide is used to evaluate your candidacy. If you have any questions, please contact helenhayes@theatrewashington.org.

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* 1. Contact Information

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* 2. Pronouns

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* 3. Are you a person living with a disability?

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* 4. What is your race or ethnicity?

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* 5. Do you identify as transgender or another non-cisgender identity?

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* 6. If you work at a theatre organization, which one and what role do you currently occupy?

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* 7. If you are a theatre professional, choose all that apply to you

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* 8. If you are not a theatre professional, are you (choose all that apply):

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* 9. Have you previously served as a Helen Hayes Awards Judge?

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* 10. Please indicate if you have participated in any of the following training or workshops (check all that apply)

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* 11. Please name all theatres with whom you currently or previously have had any association with other than as an audience member.

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* 12. Please indicate the nature of those associations (e.g., donor, member of acting company, former employee, family association, etc.)

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* 13. Please indicate which theatres you feel you should be considered for exclusion during your tenure as a Helen Hayes judge due to any real or perceived conflict of interest. Please note your name will also be vetted with theatre leadership to determine their perceived position regarding your conflict of interest, if any. Your designation here does not necessarily exclude you from participation at that theatre.

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* 14. Please list (if any) all potential significant or recurring time constraints you may have that would conflict with evenings and weekend scheduling?

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* 15. Please insert a brief (up to 250 words) bio in third person.

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* 16. Please submit a headshot.

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* 17. In a production, how does collaboration affect the overall audience experience?

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* 18. In your experience, how has seeing live theatre increased your ability to be empathetic in your life? 

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* 19. What does cultural equity mean to you, and how do you contribute? 

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* 20. We want to have judges who have a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. So please tell us about yourself and your theatre interests.

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* 21. Please rank your preference to serve on the following panels:

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* 22. Why do you want to volunteer to be a Helen Hayes Judge?

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* 23. Do you have any questions about being a Helen Hayes Judge?

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