Helpmann Awards set for a July date in Sydney
Above: Sarah Blasko performs at the 2016 ceremony (Photo byJames Morgan)
The 17th Helpmann Awards will this year be held on Monday July 24 at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney.
It is open to the public as well as executives from all sectors of Australian live performance sector.
There will be performances by the casts of Kinky Boots, The Book of Mormon, Disney’s Aladdin The Musical and My Fair Lady.
The awards, organised by industry association Live Performance Australia (LPA) cover musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera and classical music, theatre, ballet, dance and physical theatre, presentations for children, regional touring and cabaret.
The contemporary music categories include best festivals and best concerts by Australian and international performers.
Longtime Executive Producer Jon Nicholls returns to the role.
LPA Chief Executive Evelyn Richardson said, “The Helpmann Awards celebrate the many hands and hearts engaged in making the live performance industry the dynamic and creative powerhouse that is enjoyed by 18.4 million people each year in Australia.”
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall added, “The Helpmann Awards celebrate Australia’s exceptional live performance industry and we’re delighted to once again be hosting this celebration in Sydney.
“I encourage everyone to start planning their visit to Sydney and be part of this spectacular evening of entertainment.”
Nominees will be announced on Monday June 19.
LPA also announced Rob Brookman as the recipient of the 2017 Sue Nattrass Award® for exceptional service to the live performance industry.
The festival director, arts administrator and theatre producer co-founded WOMADelaide in 1992, was its Artistic Director for 15 years.
He has just completed a five-year term as Executive Director of State Theatre Company South Australia and will in May begin as Executive Director of the Adelaide Festival.
Brookman has held executive positions with Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Festival Centre, National Festival of Australian Theatre, New Zealand International Festival of Arts, Arts Projects Australia and Sydney Theatre Company.
In its latest report, covering 2015, LPA announced that the country’s live performance industry posted $1.41 billion revenue and 18.38 million in attendance.
Contemporary music and musical theatre are the two largest contributors to the industry, generating 34% and 23.8% of revenue respectively, and a combined attendance rate of 47.9%.
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