United Solo Special Award Nominees Include Alan Cumming, Bette Midler and More

Each year, United Solo, the world's largest solo theatre festival, nominates artists for its special uAward. This honor recognizes those with outstanding achievements in popularizing the form of solo performance. A resident company at Theatre Row on 42nd Street in New York City, United Solo has nominated several artists for its special 2013 uAward:

Alan Cumming in "Macbeth" (National Theater of Scotland, Lincoln Center, and Broadway)
Alec Mapa in "Baby Daddy" (National Tour)
Bette Midler in "I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers" (Broadway)
Anthony Rapp in "Without You" (National and International Tour)
William Shatner in "Shatner's World: We Just Live in It" (Broadway and National Tour)
Fiona Shaw in "The Testament of Mary" (Broadway)
Holland Taylor in "Ann" (Lincoln Center)

Nominees were selected by the United Solo Academy as well as independent theatergoers, and a winner will be chosen by an independent panel of nearly sixty theatre professionals. "This year we have a distinguished, exceptionally large group of nominees. We are excited to see the solo form grow in popularity," said Omar Sangare, the artistic director of United Solo.

As in past years, the recipient of the special uAward will be announced at the United Solo Festival Closing Ceremony. The winner will join an illustrious group of previously awarded artists, including Anna Deavere Smith (2010), Patti LuPone (2011), and John Leguizamo (2012).

This year the Festival will begin October 3rd and conclude with the Closing Ceremony on November 24th at Theatre Row. During its eight-week program, the Festival will present to the general public a variety of local and international performances. The producers are currently accepting submissions from all over the world. Artists and performance companies are invited to submit their solo shows now through April 22, 2013. More information can be found at the festival's website: www.unitedsolo.org