Apply to be a Judge for the Annual Tasmanian Theatre Awards
Each year TCT review their judging panels and may find it necessary to bring on new judges. So we are always on the lookout for suitably experienced and qualified individuals from all over Tasmania to potentially join our judging panels for the Tasmanian Theatre Awards (note that not every panel will have vacancies each year).
About our judging panels
Our three main judging panels assess productions in the Professional Theatre, Community Theatre and Musical Theatre categories of the Awards. Each judging panel operates independently of the others and is responsible for the assessment of all productions registered within its particular Awards category.
The judging panels are governed by the Guidelines provided by the Theatre Council of Tasmania, however the Board and associated TCT team members do not have any input nor influence into the decisions made by the judging panels. The Awards Administrator acts as a conduit between the Judges and Producers and the Judges and the TCT Board.
TCT policy requires that no member of a particular panel can be personally involved in, or directly connected to, any production which comes before that panel for assessment during that year’s judging period. This includes being a Board or Committee member for an organisation registering shows in that category. For example, a judge who is attached to the Community Theatre panel cannot be involved or connected to ANY Community theatre show that registers for the Awards in that year. This does not prevent any judge from being involved in shows in other categories or Community theatre shows which are NOT registering for the Awards.
Hence before considering submitting an Expression of Interest, ensure you can fully commit for an absolute minimum of one year to a panel (and preferably for 3 years).
TCT also requires its judges to be discreet and keep deliberations confidential. Judges are required to refrain from discussing the merits of any production they are required to assess. The deliberations and discussions of each judging panel are strictly confidential.
What’s involved in being a judge
Our judges undertake their work on a volunteer basis and are not paid. However, they do receive training in the judging process, two tickets to each production they attend and TCT provides modest allowances for accommodation, mileage and meals when judges are required to travel to different parts of the state. Judges also receive honorary TCT Individual membership for the judging year and a discounted ticket price for the Awards event.
Some benefits of being a Judge with TCT:
Playing an integral part in the celebration of Tasmanian Arts and practitioners through the Tasmanian Theatre Awards.
The opportunity to see the amazing theatre (at no cost) that the Tasmanian Arts community is producing across the state.
Honorary membership with the Theatre Council of Tasmania. Individual Member benefits can be found here.
A special concession ticket price to attend the Tasmanian Theatre Awards Event (including an invite to the pre-Awards VIP event) and invitations to other key events throughout the year.
Join a passionate community of theatre experts with a vast range of skills and experience.
Appointment as a judge is for an initial period of 12 months (each judge MUST commit to a 12-month period) with a possible extension up to 3 years before that judge must either apply to move to a different panel or step down from judging for at least one year. The Board of TCT have the right, with the judge’s agreement, to extend a judge’s tenure on a panel beyond 3 years if their particular skill set or experience is required.
To be eligible to undertake this role you should:
Possess qualifications and/or experience in the performing arts; expertise in one or more aspects of theatre production (eg. Performance, direction, design or other creative and technical roles) is required. Criteria may differ between panels.
Be available to assess approximately 10-20 productions during the year, involving travel to various parts of Tasmania and overnight stays where necessary.
Be willing to attend two judges’ meetings and one judges development day each year.
Have the capacity to assess productions in accordance with the criteria set out in TCT’s Judging Guidelines.
Be able to form your opinion independently while being open to accepting the views of other panellists, and working in a team environment to reach consensus.
Be committed to undertaking the role reliably, objectively and with integrity, and complying with any relevant TCT policies as they apply to Judges.
How to apply
Simply complete the EOI form below. Judging panels are reviewed around September to November each year and you will be contacted to confirm your interest at that time.
The TCT Board will assess submissions and appoint judges as required to ensure each panel includes a diverse and suitable range of expertise.
If you require any further information, please contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.