PLEASE NOTE: Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions and precautions, EMACT has temporarily suspended the DASH Program. Companies may still join EMACT at the Basic Membership level to receive all the education and networking benefits that EMACT offers. EMACT will closely monitor the MA Dept. of Health recommendations, and as theaters (hopefully) re-open during the season, we will revisit DASH requests and payments.
What is DASH?
DASH is a year-end awards program sponsored by EMACT as a way of recognizing outstanding performance and production values as displayed by its member groups during the theater season. EMACT member groups who wish to participate in the DASH program submit their shows for consideration to a panel of experienced theater consultants. Two consultants view each participating production and score them in a performance and design categories based on standard scoring criteria. Scores tabulated at the end of the season identifies the top 3-6 scored in each category, receiving an Outstanding Achievement Recognition at the DASH Award at the annual EMACT DASH Gala.
Participation in the DASH program does NOT guarantee receipt of any nominations or awards. The program recognizes outstanding achievement among all participating productions for the entire season. Consultants consider all aspects of productions viewed, with elements such as the physical and technical limitations of a given theatre space and or obvious budgetary restrictions. Currently, there is no delineation made between large and small theatres for outstanding achievement recognition.
The DASH Consultant Team are experienced theater veterans, many of whom have extensive theatrical training and or professional experience. Generally, they are active members of current EMACT member groups who continue to contribute their many talents to the local theater scene. As a result, Consultants are eligible to receive nominations and awards in a season for which they have submitted ballots. They are, however, forbidden from balloting on shows for which they had direct involvement, and every effort is made to avoid having them consult on productions involving companies or individuals with whom they have a significant connection and history. Consultants must meet specific criteria and must go through standardized training to consult on shows.
Participation in the DASH program does NOT guarantee receipt of any nominations or awards. The program recognizes outstanding achievement among all participating productions for the entire season. Consultants consider all aspects of productions viewed, with elements such as the physical and technical limitations of a given theatre space and or obvious budgetary restrictions. Currently, there is no delineation made between large and small theatres for outstanding achievement recognition.
The DASH Consultant Team are experienced theater veterans, many of whom have extensive theatrical training and or professional experience. Generally, they are active members of current EMACT member groups who continue to contribute their many talents to the local theater scene. As a result, Consultants are eligible to receive nominations and awards in a season for which they have submitted ballots. They are, however, forbidden from balloting on shows for which they had direct involvement, and every effort is made to avoid having them consult on productions involving companies or individuals with whom they have a significant connection and history. Consultants must meet specific criteria and must go through standardized training to consult on shows.
How Does the Program Work?
Upon acceptance of an application, the DASH Coordinator assigns two DASH Consultants to a production. The Consultants will then coordinate with the producing company to attend a performance. The producing company will provide each attending Consultant two complimentary tickets for the performance of their choice. Having viewed a regularly scheduled performance of the production (viewing rehearsals or special command performances for DASH purposes is not permitted), each Consultant will complete and submit a DASH Ballot. Completed ballots will be compared and tabulated by the DASH Coordinator, with each ballot counting 50% towards a production's overall score. If only one Consultant can attend a production, that score will count for a full 100%. The Consultant also prepares comments in three specific areas: Performance and Direction, Design and Concept, and Overall Impression.
At the end of the DASH Season, scores identify the top 3-6 outstanding achievement designates in both artistic and design categories.
At the end of the DASH Season, scores identify the top 3-6 outstanding achievement designates in both artistic and design categories.