Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards 2011

Theatre excellence in Wellington was celebrated in the 20^th annual Chapman Tripp Theatre Award’s 2011 ceremony, which was held at the Opera House on Sunday 4th December.

I, George Nepia was the major winner on the night, taking two directing awards for newcomer Jason Te Kare, The Pro Actors and Gail Cowan Management Award for Actor of the Year for Jarrod Rawiri and The Chapman Tripp Award for Production of the Year.

The Critic’s Wild Cardrecognised Johann Nortje’s AV Design in shows Wake Less, Hear to See and When the Rain Stops Falling.

Wellington Mayor, Celia Wade Brown, presented the Mayor’s Award for Significant Contribution to Theatre to actor and director Jim Moriarty. Jim was honoured not only for his work in theatre and film over the last 40 years, but also his outstanding commitment to training his Te Rakau boys, a performing arts organisation that works with at-risk communities, creating and performing theatre in schools, marae and prisons, as well as professional theatres. His honour was recognised by a resounding and stunning haka.

A highlight of the ceremony was the Shoreline Cabaret Singers: THE CAB SAVS, featuring talented Wellington theatre community members Martyn Wood, Jessica Robinson, Bryony Skillington, Nick Dunbar, Carmel McGlone, Gareth Farr/Lilith, and Michael Nicholas Williams.

Image: Jarrod Rawiri in I, George Nepia

The Award Winners for 2011 are:

The Mayor’s Award for Significant Contribution to the Theatre - Jim Moriarty

Critics Wild Card- Johann Nortje for outstanding AV design (Wake Less, Hear to See, When the Rain Stops Falling)

The Absolutely Positively Wellington Award for Most Original Production of the Year- Hear to See - Capital E National Theatre for Children

Downstage Theatre Award for the Most Promising Male Newcomer of the Year - Simon K Leary - Mates & Lovers

Circa Award Donated by TACT for the Most Promising Female Newcomer of the Year - Lauren Gibson - August: Osage County

Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School & Victoria University of Wellington Award for Most Promising Director of the Year- Jason Te Kare - I, George Nepia

Brancott Estate Awardfor Costume Designer of the Year - Gillie Coxill - The Spy Who Wouldn't Die Again

Grouse Lighting Award for Lighting Designer of the Year- Marcus McShane - When the Rain Stops Falling

 Weta Workshop Award for Set Designer of the Year - Andrew Foster - The Lead Wait

Park Road Post Production Sound Designer of the Year - Chris Ward - The Lead Wait

Constance Scott Kirkcaldie Award for Outstanding Composer of Music- Richard Nunns - Hear to See

Peter Harcourt Award for Outstanding New Playwright of the Year - Sponsored by Bats Theatre & Taki Rua Productions - Ralph McCubbin Howell - The Engine Room

The Playmarket/ Capital E – National Theatre for Children – Outstanding New New Zealand Play of the Year - Slouching Toward Bethlehem- Dean Parker

The Orbit Corporate Travel Award for Supporting Actress of the Year- Erin Banks - The Engine Room

Chapman Tripp Award for Supporting Actor of the Year- Christopher Brougham - When the Rain Stops Falling

The Proactors ad Gail Cowan Management Award for Actor of the Year - Jarod Rawiri - I, George Nepia

Chapman Tripp Theatre Award for Actress of the Year - Jennifer Ludlam - August: Osage County

Emerging Artist Trust Wellington Accolade for Outstanding Performance - Michelle Amas - August: Osage County

eCaster Accolade for Outstanding Performance - Phil Grieve - Slouching Toward Bethlehem

The Museum Hotel Award for Director of the Year - Jason Te Kare - I, George Nepia

Chapman Tripp Award for Production of the Year - I, George Nepia- Tawata Productions

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