The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) is looking for 14 avid theatregoers to spend next year going to the theatre, for free, as a member of the judging panel for the Laurence Olivier Awards 2009.
The Laurence Olivier Awards, established in 1976, are recognised as the UK’s most prestigious theatre awards and are the highlight of the theatrical year. They are presented annually by SOLT in recognition of excellence in the field of performance, direction, design, playwriting and composition in West End theatre. In order to decide the recipients of the awards there are four independent judging panels, made up of members of the public and professional experts, to cover theatre, opera, dance and the work presented by SOLT’s affiliate members. Applications are now open for public panellists to help judge productions opening during the period 1 January-31 December 2008, with the awards taking place in spring 2009.
A serving panellist receives a pair of tickets to every production they are asked to see – this may be up to 80 productions during the year in the case of the theatre panel. Applicants must therefore have some knowledge of theatre, live in or around London, and, most importantly, have bags of enthusiasm.
To apply, either obtain an application form by calling the application hotline on 020 7557 6777, or apply online. The deadline for applications is 30 November 2007.