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Helpmann Awards

{{short description|Awards for live performance in Australia}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}}

{{Use Australian English|date=July 2015}}

{{Infobox award

| name = Helpmann Awards

| current_awards =

| image =

| imagesize =

| caption =

| awarded_for = "Distinguished artistic achievement and excellence in the many disciplines of Australia's vibrant live performance sectors"

| presenter = Live Performance Australia

| country = Australia

| network = Ovation (2004–2005)
Fox8 (2006)
Bio. (2007–2009)
Studio (2010–2012)
Arena (2013–2014)
Foxtel Arts (2015–2017)
ABC (2018)

| year = 2001

| website = {{URL|http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/}}

}}

The Helpmann Awards are accolades for live entertainment and performing arts in Australia, presented by industry group Live Performance Australia (LPA) since 2001.{{cite web | title=Events & Programs| website=Live Performance Australia | url=https://liveperformance.com.au/events-programs/ | access-date=22 March 2022}}

The annual awards recognise achievements in the disciplines of musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre.{{cite news|url=http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/default.aspx?s=haabout |title=Helpmann Awards – About |access-date=31 December 2012 |work=Helpmann Awards |publisher=Live Performance Australia (LPA) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112191332/http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/default.aspx?s=haabout |archive-date=12 January 2012 |df=dmy-all }} Over forty awards are given to productions, festivals and concerts, and for individuals for their work in performance, direction, choreography, lighting, sound, music, costume and scenic design.

They are named in honour of ballet dancer, choreographer, director and actor Sir Robert Helpmann.

The awards are the Australian equivalent of the United States' Tony Awards for Broadway theatre and the United Kingdom's Laurence Olivier Awards for West End theatre.

The Helpmann Awards were last awarded in 2019. LPA cancelled the 2020 and 2021 awards due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Gabi |date=2020-03-31 |title=2020 Helpmann Awards cancelled |url=https://www.aussietheatre.com.au/news/2020-helpmann-awards-cancelled |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=AussieTheatre.com |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |last=Reid |first=Poppy |date=2021-04-28 |title=LPA announces cancellation of Helpmann Awards |url=https://themusicnetwork.com/lpa-announces-cancellation-of-helpmann-awards/ |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=The Music Network}} No public statement has been made for subsequent years.

History

File:Robert Helpmann.jpg

The Helpmann Awards were established in 2001 by the Australian Entertainment Industry Association (now known as Live Performance Australia (LPA)). They are named in honour of Australian actor, choreographer, dancer and theatre director, Sir Robert Helpmann.{{Cite web|url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/helpmann-sir-robert-murray-12620|title=Helpmann, Sir Robert Murray (1909–1986) |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography|publisher= Australian National University (ANU) |first=Christopher|last=Sexton |access-date=29 August 2013}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.helpmannawards.com/default.html|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20030717140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/24614/20030718-0000/www.helpmannawards.com/default.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2003|title=Introducing... (The Helpmann Awards) |publisher=Australian Entertainment Industry Association (AEIA). Australian Web Archive |access-date=29 August 2013}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

At the inaugural Helpmann Awards, twenty six accolades were handed out for achievements in performance, direction, choreography, lighting, sound, music, costume and scenic design and production, in the disciplines of musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre.{{Cite web|url=http://www.helpmannawards.com/2001winners.html|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20030717140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/24614/20030718-0000/www.helpmannawards.com/2001winners.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2003|title=Australian Web Archive 2001 Helpmann Awards Winners |publisher=Australian Entertainment Industry Association (AEIA). Australian Web Archive |access-date=29 August 2013}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Over the years the categories expanded and now include many more honours.

Aims and description

The aim of the awards is to promote Australia's live entertainment industry, both locally and internationally, by: recognising artistic achievements; administering the awards with integrity; ensuring the awards are celebrated by the industry and Australian community; and ensuring the ceremony is the most prestigious awards in the local industry and the highlight of each season.{{Cite web|url=http://liveperformance.com.au/default.aspx?s=helpmann_awards |title=Helpmann Awards |publisher=Live Performance Australia (LPA) |access-date=29 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029213025/http://liveperformance.com.au/default.aspx?s=helpmann_awards |archive-date=29 October 2013 |df=dmy-all }}

Special non-competitive prizes are also bestowed upon individuals: the JC Williamson Award (named after theatre manager James Cassius Williamson), for one's life's work in Australia's live entertainment industry. This is the highest honour presented by Live Performance Australia.{{cite web |title=Katharine Brisbane awarded Helpmann's highest honour |work= ABC Radio National|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) | url=http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/katherine-brisbane-awarded-helpmanns-highest-honour/4279038| access-date=31 December 2012}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.staceytrust.com.au/prize.html|title=Brian Stacey Memorial Trust – The Brian Stacey Award |publisher= Brian Stacey Memorial Trust |access-date=29 August 2013}} Other special awards are the Sue Nattrass Award, which recognises outstanding achievement in a field without high public profile, the Brian Stacey Memorial Award, and an award for Best Special Event.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}

Eligibility and voting

To be eligible for the Helpmann Awards, a production must: be produced or presented by an LPA Member, or professionally produced by a non-Member that has paid an Industry Service Fee for the production; fall within the artistic or industry award categories; and officially open in Australia during the season (or for Best Regional Touring Production Award, undertake its first Australian regional tour during the season).{{Cite web|url=http://helpmannawards.com.au/default.aspx?s=eligibility |title=Helpmann Awards – Eligibility |publisher=Helpmannawards.com.au (Live Performance Australia (LPA)) |access-date=2 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512234804/http://helpmannawards.com.au/default.aspx?s=eligibility |archive-date=12 May 2013 |df=dmy-all }} Exemptions from the entry criteria can be granted in exceptional circumstances by a committee consisting of the LPA president, chief executive and chair of the Helpmann Awards Administration Committee (HAAC).

Nine nominating panels determine the nominees for their respective fields.{{Cite web|url=http://helpmannawards.com.au/default.aspx?s=nominating_panels |title=Helpmann Awards – Nominating Panels |publisher=Helpmannawards.com.au (Live Performance Australia (LPA)) |access-date=2 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512234819/http://helpmannawards.com.au/default.aspx?s=nominating_panels |archive-date=12 May 2013 |df=dmy-all }} These are: cabaret, children's presentation, comedy, contemporary music, dance and physical theatre, industry awards, musicals, opera and classical music, and theatre. The nominating panels comprises artists, creatives, arts administrators, writers, journalists, producers, promoters, venue managers and educators. The HAAC selects the chair of each panel, who in turn chooses the members of their respective fields. The nominations are then determined by each of them, who choose four per category. The winners are determined in a secret online ballot by the voters who are employees of LPA members, panelists and previous Helpmann winners and nominees.{{Cite web|url=http://helpmannawards.com.au/default.aspx?s=voting |title=Helpmann Awards – Voting |publisher=Helpmannawards.com.au (Live Performance Australia (LPA)) |access-date=2 September 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130409114709/http://helpmannawards.com.au/default.aspx?s=voting |archive-date=9 April 2013 |df=dmy-all }}

Award categories

The award categories are currently:

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{{col-3}}

;Theatre

{{col-3}}

;Musicals

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;Opera and classical music

{{col-end}}

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{{col-3}}

;Dance and physical theatre

  • Best Ballet
  • Best Dance Production
  • Best Visual or Physical Theatre Production
  • Best Choreography in a Dance or Physical Theatre Production
  • Best Male Dancer in a Dance or Physical Theatre Production
  • Best Female Dancer in a Dance or Physical Theatre Production

{{col-3}}

;Contemporary music

  • Best International Contemporary Concert
  • Best Australian Contemporary Concert
  • Best Contemporary Music Festival

{{col-3}}

;Other

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

;Industry

{{col-3}}

;Special awards

{{col-3}}

;Retired

{{col-end}}

Ceremony

The annual Helpmann Awards ceremony is usually held between May and September. They have been variously held in Sydney at the Star City Show Room, Sydney Lyric, Sydney Opera House and the Capitol Theatre, and at the Arts Centre Melbourne. Australian stage and screen actor Simon Burke has presided over the event seven times, the most of any other person, from 2001 to 2006, and again in 2012. The awards have been broadcast since 2004 on various Foxtel channels,{{cite web|publisher=Live Performance Australia |title=Date Announced and Foxtel's Arena TV confirmed as broadcast partner |url=http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=479 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130830063222/http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=479 |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 August 2013 |author=Staff |date=7 June 2013 |access-date=30 August 2013 }} and since 2018 live on ABC Television.

File:Simon Burke in June 2013.jpg

class="wikitable sortable"

! scope="col" style="width:8em;" | Date{{ref|1|[A]}}

! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Host/Hosts

! scope="col" | Network

! scope="col" | Venue

! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Ref.

scope="row" |25 March 2001

| rowspan="6"|Simon Burke

| rowspan="3" {{n/a}}

| Lyric Theatre

|{{cite web|publisher=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) |title=APRA Newsletter – March 2001 |url=http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/downloads/file/About%20APRA/Aprap_April_01.pdf |access-date=15 February 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201539/http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/downloads/file/About%20APRA/Aprap_April_01.pdf |archive-date=29 October 2013 |df=dmy-all }}

scope="row" |6 May 2002

| rowspan="2"|Star City Show Room

|{{cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/04/15/1018333478582.html |title=Categorically, Bobby needs a makeover |author=Bryce Hallet|work=The Age. The Age Company Ltd. |publisher=Fairfax Media |access-date=30 August 2013|date=16 April 2002}}

scope="row" |19 May 2003

|{{Cite web|url=http://www.helpmannawards.com/2003presentation.html|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20030717140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/24614/20030718-0000/www.helpmannawards.com/2003presentation.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 July 2003|title=2003 Presentation (The Helpmann Awards) |publisher=Australian Entertainment Industry Association (AEIA). Australian Web Archive |access-date=30 August 2013}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

scope="row" |9 August 2004

| rowspan="2"|Ovation

| rowspan="3"|Lyric Theatre

|{{Cite web|url=http://www.newtheatricals.com/past_helpmanns04.html |title=Past productions – Helpmann Awards |publisher=New Theatricals |access-date=30 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114092948/http://newtheatricals.com/past_helpmanns04.html |archive-date=14 January 2014 |df=dmy-all }}

scope="row" |8 August 2005

|{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/arts/springtime-for-helpmann/2005/07/11/1120934180205.html|title=Springtime for Helpmann|first= Jo|last=Roberts|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=12 July 2005|access-date=30 August 2013}}

scope="row" |31 July 2006

| Fox8

|{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/arts/night-shines-a-light-on-lean-times/2006/07/30/1154198012096.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2|title=Night shines a light on lean times|author=Staff|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=31 July 2006|access-date=30 August 2013}}

scope="row" |6 August 2007

| Jonathan Biggins

| rowspan="3"|Bio.

| Capitol Theatre

|{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2007/07/helpmann-awards-live-on-bio.html|title=Helpmann Awards live on Bio|publisher=TV Tonight|date=9 July 2007|access-date=30 August 2013}}

scope="row" |28 July 2008

| rowspan="2"|Jonathan Biggins and Julia Zemiro

| Lyric Theatre

|{{cite web|url=http://www.australianstage.com.au/200807011622/news/industry-news/nominations-for-2008-helpmann-awards-announced.html|title=Nominations for 2008 Helpmann Awards announced|first=Simon|last= Piening|publisher=Australian Stage Online|date=2 July 2008|access-date=30 August 2013}}

scope="row" |27 July 2009

| rowspan="5"|Sydney Opera House

|{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2009/07/airdate-2009-helpmann-awards.html|title=Airdate: 2009 Helpmann Awards|publisher=TV Tonight|date=8 July 2009|access-date=30 August 2013}}

scope="row" |6 September 2010

| David Campbell

| rowspan="3"|Studio

|{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/upstart-iota-trumps-opera-at-helpmann-awards/story-e6frg8n6-1225915047536 |title=Upstart iOTA trumps opera at Helpmann Awards |first=Michaela|last=Boland|work=The Australian|publisher=News Corp Australia (News Corp) |access-date=30 August 2013|date=7 September 2010}}

scope="row" |1 August 2011

| Jonathan Biggins

|{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2011/07/airdate-helpmann-awards-2011.html|title=Airdate: Helpmann Awards 2011|publisher=TV Tonight|date=5 July 2011|access-date=30 August 2013}}

scope="row" |24 September 2012

| Simon Burke

|{{cite web|last=Knox|first=David|url=http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2012/09/studio-free-for-one-week-for-all-foxtel-subscribers.html|title=STUDIO free for one week for all Foxtel subscribers|publisher=TV Tonight|date=12 September 2012|access-date=30 August 2013}}

scope="row" |29 July 2013

| Eddie Perfect and Christie Whelan-Browne

| rowspan="2"| Arena

|{{cite news | title=Helpmann Awards find perfect hosts |date=13 June 2013| work=PerthNow |publisher=The Sunday Times (News Corp Australia) | url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/helpmann-awards-find-perfect-hosts/story-fnhocr83-1226663436189 |first=Jackie |last=Epstein | access-date=1 July 2013}}

scope="row" |18 August 2014

| Jonathan Biggins

| rowspan="2"|Capitol Theatre

|{{Cite news|url=http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/news/9/performances-and-host-announced-for-2014-helpmann-awards/|title=Helpmann Awards – Performances and Host announced for 2014 Helpmann Awards|publisher= Helpmannawards.com.au (Live Performance Australia (LPA)) |date=1 July 2014|access-date=14 July 2014}}

scope="row" |27 July 2015

| Todd McKenney

| rowspan="3" |Foxtel Arts

|{{Cite news|url=http://www.skynews.com.au/culture/showbiz/celebrity/2015/06/08/todd-mckenney-to-host-2015-helpmann-awards.html|title=Todd McKenney to host 2015 Helpmann Awards|work=Sky News Australia|publisher=Australian News Channel Pty Ltd |date=8 June 2015|access-date=22 June 2015}}

scope="row" |25 July 2016

| Helen Dallimore, Guy Noble, Simon Philips, Queenie van de Zandt and The Umbilical Brothers

| Lyric Theatre

|{{Cite web |title=2016 Helpmann Awards Hosts and Performances Announced |url=http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/news/31/2016-helpmann-awards-hosts-and-performances-announced/}}

scope="row" |24 July 2017

| Jan van de Stool and Tim Draxl

| rowspan="2" |Capitol Theatre, Sydney

|{{Cite web |title=2017 Full line up of Performances, Hosts and Presenters Plus confirmed broadcast details |url=http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/news/41/full-line-up-of-performances-hosts-and-presenters-plus-confirmed-broadcast-details/}}

15 & 16 July 2018

| Glenn A Baker AM, Rafael Bonachela, David Campbell, Jacqueline Dark, Anne Edmonds and Tony Sheldon

| rowspan="2" |ABC

|{{Cite web|url=http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/ceremony-and-tickets/|title=Events {{!}} Helpmann Awards|website=www.helpmannawards.com.au|language=en|access-date=2018-05-04|archive-date=23 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723063239/http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/ceremony-and-tickets|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/jacquidark/status/1015019731483426816|title=Jacqui Dark on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=2018-07-06|language=en}}

14 & 15 July 2019

| Susie Youssef and Mitchell Butel

| Arts Centre Melbourne

|

2020 and 2021

| Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic

| rowspan="2"; colspan="2" {{N/A}}

|

2022 and 2023

| Event did not occur

|

{{note|1|[A]}} Each year is linked to the full list of winners and nominees from that year following the ceremony.

References

{{reflist|30em}}

External links

  • {{Official website|http://www.helpmannawards.com.au/}}
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20050615003234/http://aeia.org.au/images/helpmann_award_lg.gif Helpmann Awards trophy picture]

{{Helpmann Awards}}

Category:Australian theatre awards

Category:Australian music awards