Tony Award Sound Design Category Update

The battle continues to reinstate the Tony Awards for sound design. For those who came in late, the committee that administers the Tony Awards recently dropped the categories for sound design of a play and of a musical, unleashing a firestorm in the industry.

The petition asking the Tony committee to reinstate the awards now has reached 31,702 signatures. The most recent update from John Gromada, the sound designer who is spearheaded the reinstatement campaign is as follows:

"Here is what's happening. Our business agent at USA829, Cecilia Friederichs, has had some discussions with key members of the admin committee, and serves on the committee herself (though as you know was not at the meeting when this all came down). She and Ken Billington, who is an 829 lighting designer and also sits on the committee, are drafting a formal letter to the full group, requesting that the issue be revisited at the next meeting in September. It is then expected that the categories will again be discussed and voted on, this time with full discussion from our designer colleagues there, our business rep, and with the full knowledge of the depth of feeling from all of you and everyone who has signed the petition."

"The rub is, that according to the rules, now that the categories have been abolished and the season officially begun, they cannot be reinstated for 2015, even if they vote to reverse themselves in September. However, they have made exceptions to these rules before, and depending on depth of feeling on the committee and the pressure and diplomacy we bring to bear, they could reinstate the awards effective immediately. But nothing is certain."

"I think it's fair to say, from what Cecilia has told me, that they have heard us, and many members of the admin committee have now expressed their support. When this is brought up again, the issue will have much greater context thanks to all of your efforts. So as we move into the next phase, we will need to continue to organize and build support. How we do that will continue to be discussed here and among each other in various forums."

Letters of protest have continued to pour into the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, including one from Lighting & Sound America, which said, in part:

"I strongly urge you to reconsider the decision to drop the sound design categories in the Tony Awards. Although I am certain that it was not your intention, this decision sends a powerfully negative message to Broadway sound designers, creating the impression that, in the view of the League, their contributions are of little significance. Indeed, nothing could be further from the truth."

"It has been suggested that the categories were dropped because Tony voters are not capable of identifying high quality sound design. I find this impossible to credit. Surely, any reasonably experienced theatre professional can grasp how the artful deployment of sound effects can enhance a play or musical. And anyone with an ear for music will be grateful for a pristine sound reinforcement system that reveals music, lyrics, and orchestrations in all their complexity and beauty. The decision to drop the categories seems especially strange given the distinguished work of this season's nominees."

"Furthermore, I have heard that the League is exploring the idea of adding an awards category for projection designers, a move we at PLASA would applaud. But is it really possible that one member of the design team is not worthy of awards consideration?"

"I am certain that you have been impressed by the many leading Broadway actors, singers, directors, and others who have made public statements of solidarity with the sound designers. And certainly you have taken note of the petition started by John Gromada, which currently has almost 30,000 signatures. Such demonstrations of support indicate a widespread understanding of the importance of good sound design."

"It goes without saying that the designers I have spoken to -- from all disciplines -- are distraught by this decision. If we can provide any additional information to help educate your members on this subject, please do not hesitate to ask. I hope you will reconsider this decision and recognize the crucial role sound designers play in the success of Broadway shows."

Also, the flash photo campaign continues, with theatre professionals posting images of themselves asking for a return the sound design Tonys. Joining the campaign in recent days are James Franco, star of the Broadway revival of Of Mice and Men; several cast members from the London production of Les Misérables; Tyne Daly and Bobby Steggart, of the Broadway drama Mothers and Sons; and several members of the fundraising revue Broadway Bares, including the choreographer Jerry Mitchell. Exhibitors at InfoComm, which took place last week in Las Vegas, also joined the campaign, including representatives from AKG, Lectrosonics, and Wireworks.