TheHelpmann Awards are accolades for live entertainment and performing arts in Australia, presented by industry groupLive Performance Australia (LPA) since 2001.[1]
The Helpmann Awards were last awarded in 2019. LPA cancelled the 2020 and 2021 awards due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[4][5] No public statement has been made for subsequent years.
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.[6][3]
The aim of the awards is to promote Australia'slive 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.[8]
Special non-competitive prizes are also bestowed upon individuals: theJC Williamson Award (named after theatre managerJames Cassius Williamson), for one's life's work in Australia's live entertainment industry. This is the highest honour presented by Live Performance Australia.[9][10] Other special awards are the Sue Nattrass Award, which recognises outstanding achievement in a field without high public profile,[1] the Brian Stacey Memorial Award, and an award for Best Special Event.[citation needed]
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).[11] 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).[11]
Nine nominating panels determine the nominees for their respective fields.[12] These are: cabaret, children's presentation, comedy, contemporary music, dance and physical theatre, industry awards, musicals, opera and classical music, and theatre.[12] The nominating panels comprises artists, creatives, arts administrators, writers, journalists, producers, promoters, venue managers and educators.[12] The HAAC selects the chair of each panel, who in turn chooses the members of their respective fields.[12] The nominations are then determined by each of them, who choose four per category.[12] 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.[13]
The annual Helpmann Awards ceremony is usually held between May and September. They have been variously held in Sydney at theStar City Show Room,Sydney Lyric,Sydney Opera House and theCapitol Theatre, and at the Arts Centre Melbourne.[14] Australian stage and screen actorSimon 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 variousFoxtel channels,[15] and since 2018 live onABC Television.[1]
Simon Burke has hosted the awards seven times, more than any other person.
^"Helpmann Awards – Voting". Helpmannawards.com.au (Live Performance Australia (LPA)). Archived fromthe original on 9 April 2013. Retrieved2 September 2013.
