ACT Theatre and its artists were nominated for a slew of honors in the 2010 Gregory Awards, which celebrate the theatrical achievements here in Seattle each year. We’re so proud of the amazing crew members, designers, directors, actors, and playwrights whose work is featured on our stages and in our online buzz. Do join us for the 2010 Gregory Awards ceremony on October 25, won’t you? Tickets are on sale now. We hope that if YOU’RE a Theatre Puget Sound member and have received a ballot for the 2010 Gregory Awards via email, that you vote for some of these ACT-related superstars!

Theatre of the Year: ACT – A Contemporary Theatre (*Members’ Voice)

Comments from various nominators and reviews: “While doing outstanding productions, and staying true to their historical “voice” under Kurt Beattie, they have also embraced numerous emerging companies, turning their space into a true artistic home. No theater does more to support local theater artists. You can feel their love of theater the moment you walk in the door. ACT is doing so much to support the community and local artists at every level, and make themselves a true center for the arts. Something is always happening there.”

Outstanding Director: Kurt Beattie, Rock ‘n’ Roll

“Luminous staging of this challenging, rewarding elegy for the political and cultural tumult of the 1960s. [Kurt] keeps the pace brisk through the ideological battles… This production is alive with interesting characters, real meaning, and – let’s face it – really awesome music.”

Outstanding Costume Designer: Frances Kenny (*People’s Choice), The Trip to Bountiful

“Gorgeous subtle period details in a gorgeous subtle play.”

Outstanding Music or Sound Designer: Brendan Patrick Hogan (*Members’ Voice), Yankee Tavern, and Robopop! at Washington Ensemble Theatre

“Everything Brendan does with sound and music adds to the productions he works on dramatically…In Yankee Tavern his sound design evoked a New York bar so strongly it became the fifth character. Brendan’s work is always top of the line.”

Outstanding Scenic Designer: Matthew Smucker (*People’s Choice), The Trip to Bountiful and Rock ‘n’ Roll, many others around town (he’s a busy dude!)

“First of all, Smucker’s characteristic clean lines, planes and angles were a suprising and refreshing change from the often filled-up stages we see at musicals. I like everything I see of Mr. Smuckers’… Designing for the round is a challenge, but this scenic design [at ACT] surpassed that challenge.”

Outstanding Actor: Charles Leggett, The Trip to Bountiful and Yankee Tavern, ACT; Opus and Glengarry Glen Ross, Seattle Rep

“Charles is always surprising in each new role… Intense, compelling storytelling at its best. He just gets better and better. Every character is so meticulously crafted and thoroughly embodied that his technique is invisible and only the raw humanity is on display.”

Outstanding Playwright: Steven Dietz, Yankee Tavern

“This latest effort is ambitious and well-crafted and confirms Dietz’s ability to address significant issues of contemporary American life in an entertaining format. It was compelling, funny, heartbreaking.”

Outstanding Actress: Marianne Owen, The Trip to Bountiful

“Marianne was amazing. A veteran actress in peak form. Beautiful and sensitive performance.”

*We’d also love to say congratulations to our Central Heating Lab partner artists New Century Theatre Company and Contemporary Classics for all of their wonderful nominations! And of course, ACT is thrilled to share the ballot with so many great organizations large and small – we feel blessed to be a part of such a vibrant and excellent theater community.