The Jeff Awards stand with our colleagues in the Chicago theater community struggling through the impact of COVID-19 and the rising voices calling for an end to racial injustice. We support and promote inclusivity in the arts, business and everyday life. As the storytellers, we know what an important role theater plays in bringing diverse perspectives to life and helping people better understand each other’s journeys. Black lives and opportunity, and those of all people of color, matter.
To keep hearts and minds open to the best possibilities for our world, we must continue to listen and learn from the experiences of others. And when we do see injustice, we must speak up to ensure those stories are told. We stand in solidarity with the theater community as they engage audiences and challenge our thinking on these and other important topics.
ABOUT THE JEFF AWARDS
Promoting excellence in Chicago theater, The Jeff Awards began its annual recognition program in 1968. In 1973, it expanded its scope to establish the Non–Equity Wing to celebrate outstanding achievement in non–union theater. Members include 55 individuals representing a wide variety of backgrounds in theater (including producers, directors, actors, playwrights, designers, professors of theater, entertainment lawyers and agents, and theater lovers), the Jeff Awards is committed to celebrating the vitality of Chicago area theatre by recognizing excellence through its recommendations, awards, and honors. Opening night judges include both the members as well as Artistic and Technical theater volunteers (the “AT Team”), representing Artistic Directors, producers, directors and artists from Chicago theaters. The Jeff Awards fosters the artistic growth of area theater companies and artists, and promotes educational opportunities, audience appreciation, and civic pride in the achievements of the theater community. Each year, the Jeff Awards judges over 300 theatrical productions and hosts two awards ceremonies.