VIRTUAL Programming DASH Awards, 2020-21

If there is one thing this extraordinary year has demonstrated, it is the resiliency and spirit of the theater community. From radio plays to staged readings, our members have found myriad ways to stay creative and buoy the arts and our community in this difficult time.

To recognize these efforts, EMACT is excited to announce a new category of annual DASH recognition awards – Excellence in Virtual Programming.

This will be a non-competitive category with no scoring (similar to the Consultant’s Choice Awards), and will recognize excellence in shows and productions performed in an online medium (virtual/digital/zoom/etc.) in the following categories:
  • Technical Production (all areas)
  • Performance
  • Use of Digital/Streaming Platform
  • Direction

Here’s how it works:
  • Productions/shows must be performed/streamed between January 1 – June 30, 2021.
  • To be eligible, shows must be from groups who are current members of EMACT. (Not a member? Join or renew here!)
  • There is a $75 submission fee per show in addition to any annual membership fees. 
  • Shows can be live-streamed or recorded.
  • Two DASH Consultants will be assigned to evaluate the production, and will provide a written assessment evaluating the above categories to the participating group.
  • Awards will be presented at our TBD Annual DASH Gala!

Click here to submit your show to be eligible for the DASH Virtual Programming Awards!

How productions will be assessed:

Use of Digital Tool
  • Did participants frame themselves in the camera and keep backgrounds uncluttered and free from distracting personal items. (Zoom, Teams, Other)
  • Sound amplification
  • Lighting effects
  • Virtual backgrounds
  • Use of broadcast software to create special effects, control virtual scenes, and improve performance quality
  • Pre-recorded performances with movement (Use of I movie or WeVideo)
  • Assessment of the season or play(s) that translate well into a virtual realm: plays which are monologue based, plays and musicals which have a strong element for solos, scenes between two characters, plays with flashbacks, memory scenes that lend themselves to video effects, etc.
  • Creative Use of the Virtual Genre
Acting and Directing
  • Understanding of the script and character
  • Acting/directorial choices show great consistency creating a satisfying world of the play
  • Understanding of the script and character is consistent, strong, and supportive.
  • Best use of a virtual genre by the actors and Directors

Questions? Contact our DASH Director, Celia Couture