Drama Critics' Circle Members to Become Tony Voters for '10-11 Season

Altering a policy change implemented last year, Tony Award Productions has offered the members of the New York Drama Critics' Circle the opportunity to be Tony voters beginning with the 2010-2011 season, when the new yearly rules take effect. The New York Drama Critics' Circle has accepted this offer.

On behalf of Tony Award Productions, Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of the Broadway League, and Howard Sherman, Executive Director of the American Theatre Wing, have issued the following statement:

"We recognize that the recent decision to rescind the votes of the press was perceived as a slight against journalists, and in particular the working theatre critics. The Tony Awards maintain a profound respect for the media community as partners in advocating for the value of live theatre and we deeply regret if offense was inadvertently given. We believe that the selection of the New York Drama Critics' Circle is consistent with our policy of authorizing independent theatrical organizations (including labor unions and creative guilds) to determine which members of their professional constituency may vote. We are very pleased that the Drama Critics' Circle has accepted this offer."

Adam Feldman, President of the New York Drama Critics' Circle, made this statement on behalf of the organization:

"We are very pleased that the Tonys have reconsidered their decision, and look forward to continuing our dialogue with them about the role of the press in the theatre community."

The 2010 Tonys are presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. At the Broadway League, Paul Libin is Chairman and Charlotte St. Martin is Executive Director. At the American Theatre Wing, Theodore S. Chapin is Chairman and Howard Sherman is Executive Director. For Tony Award Productions, Alan Wasser and Allan Williams of Alan Wasser Associates are the General Managers.

Founded in 1935, the New York Drama Critics' Circle currently comprises 20 theater critics from New York City's daily newspapers, magazines and news services. Adam Feldman of Time Out New York serves as President of the organization; Elisabeth Vincentelli of the New York Post is Vice President, and Joe Dziemianowicz of the New York Daily News is Treasurer.