Helpmann Awards


The Helpmann Awards are accolades for live entertainment and performing arts in Australia, presented by industry group Live Performance Australia. Established in 2001, the annual awards recognise achievements in the disciplines of musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre. They are named in honour of Sir Robert Helpmann.
Over forty competitive awards are given to productions, festivals and concerts, and for individuals for their work in performance, direction, choreography, lighting, sound, music, costume and scenic design. Non-competitive awards are also presented including the JC Williamson Award and Best Special Event.

Background

The Helpmann Awards were established in 2001 by the Australian Entertainment Industry Association. They are named in honour of Australian actor, choreographer, dancer and theatre director, Sir Robert Helpmann. The accolade was created to be the Australian equivalent of the Tony Awards for Broadway theatre in the United States, and the Laurence Olivier Awards for West End theatre in the United Kingdom. The aim of the awards is to promote Australia's live entertainment industry, both locally and internationally, by: recognising artistic achievements; administering the awards with integrity; ensuring the awards are celebrated by the industry and Australian community; and ensuring the ceremony is the most prestigious awards in the local industry and the highlight of each season.
At the inaugural Helpmann Awards, twenty six accolades were handed out for achievements in performance, direction, choreography, lighting, sound, music, costume and scenic design and production, in the disciplines of musical theatre, contemporary music, comedy, opera, classical music, theatre, dance and physical theatre. Over the years the categories have expanded and now include over forty honours. Special non-competitive prizes are also bestowed upon individuals: the JC Williamson Award, for one's life's work in Australia's live entertainment industry and the highest honour presented by Live Performance Australia.

Eligibility and voting

To be eligible for the Helpmann Awards, a production must: be produced or presented by an LPA Member, or professionally produced by a non-Member that has paid an Industry Service Fee for the production; fall within the artistic or industry award categories; and officially open in Australia during the season. Exemptions from the entry criteria can be granted in exceptional circumstances by a committee consisting of the LPA president, chief executive and chair of the Helpmann Awards Administration Committee.
Nine nominating panels determine the nominees for their respective fields. These are: cabaret, children's presentation, comedy, contemporary music, dance and physical theatre, industry awards, musicals, opera and classical music, and theatre. The nominating panels comprises artists, creatives, arts administrators, writers, journalists, producers, promoters, venue managers and educators. The HAAC selects the chair of each panel, who in turn chooses the members of their respective fields. The nominations are then determined by each of them, who choose four per category. The winners are determined in a secret online ballot by the voters who are employees of LPA members, panelists and previous Helpmann winners and nominees.

Award categories

The award categories are currently:
;Theatre
;Musicals
;Opera and classical music
;Dance and physical theatre
;Contemporary music
;Other
;Industry
;Special awards
;Retired
The annual Helpmann Awards ceremony is usually held between May and September. They have been variously held in Sydney at the Star City Show Room, Sydney Lyric, Sydney Opera House and the Capitol Theatre, and at the Arts Centre Melbourne. Australian actor Simon Burke has presided over the event seven times, the most of any other person, from 2001-2006, and again in 2012. The awards have been broadcast since 2004 on various Foxtel channels and the ABC.
DateHost/HostsNetworkVenueRef.
25 March 2001Simon Burkerowspan="3" Lyric Theatre
6 May 2002Simon BurkeStar City Show Room-
19 May 2003Simon BurkeStar City Show Room-
9 August 2004Simon BurkeOvationLyric Theatre
8 August 2005Simon BurkeOvationLyric Theatre
31 July 2006Simon BurkeFox8Lyric Theatre
6 August 2007Jonathan BigginsBio.Capitol Theatre
28 July 2008Jonathan Biggins and Julia ZemiroBio.Lyric Theatre
27 July 2009Jonathan Biggins and Julia ZemiroBio.Sydney Opera House
6 September 2010David CampbellStudioSydney Opera House
1 August 2011Jonathan BigginsStudioSydney Opera House
24 September 2012Simon BurkeStudioSydney Opera House
29 July 2013Eddie Perfect and Christie Whelan-BrowneArenaSydney Opera House
18 August 2014Jonathan BigginsArenaCapitol Theatre
27 July 2015Todd McKenneyFoxtel ArtsCapitol Theatre
25 July 2016Helen Dallimore, Guy Noble, Simon Philips, Queenie van de Zandt and The Umbilical BrothersFoxtel ArtsLyric Theatre
24 July 2017Jan van de Stool and Tim DraxlFoxtel ArtsCapitol Theatre, Sydney
15 & 16 July 2018Glenn A Baker AM, Rafael Bonachela, David Campbell, Jacqueline Dark, Anne Edmonds and Tony SheldonABCCapitol Theatre, Sydney
14 & 15 July 2019Susie Youssef and Mitchell ButelABCArts Centre Melbourne-

Each year is linked to the full list of winners and nominees from that year following the ceremony.