Major Broadway and Off-Broadway award ditches gender from acting categories

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

In a first for major New York theatre awards, the Outer Critics Circle has removed gender from its acting categories. The group announced the change this week along with setting a date for its 2023 ceremony. The move comes as the discussion surrounding the inclusion of non-binary and trans performers in these awards has gained steam as representation has improved.

Beginning with the 2023 ceremony, the Outer Critics Circle will present acting awards in the following categories:

  • Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical

  • Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Musical

  • Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play

  • Outstanding Featured Performer in a Broadway Play

  • Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical

  • Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Musical

  • Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Play

  • Outstanding Featured Performer in an Off-Broadway Play

  • Outstanding Solo Performance

Outer Critics Circle President, David Gordon, stated,

"As the theatre community continues to rebuild following the pandemic, the Outer Critics Circle must evolve, too. These changes will help us recognize the many talented actors both on and Off-Broadway so we can reach the full potential of our mission, which is to celebrate the artistic excellence of New York's theatre scene with integrity and inclusivity.”

In my opinion, I love the move. I love the fact that the Outer Critics Circle, which isn’t known to be the most progressive when it comes to these things, is leading the charge. It should be noted that the Drama League Awards also do not have gender-based categories but rather give out a singular Distinguished Performance Award each year. The move also solves an industry-wide challenge as there will, thankfully, be more and more non-binary and trans performers who will be eligible for these awards in years to come.

That is not to say that won’t be issues or controversies with this decision. This change will lead to questions about equity in each category. With more people grouped in a category, will that make it tougher for BIPOC performers to be recognized? Also, will votes be influenced by ensuring that one gender identity doesn’t win year after year? Also, if there aren’t a lot of shows with strong female leads, will women be shut out of being recognized in certain years? These are all fair questions to ask.

But the answers lie in what exact material is produced on Broadway. Changes like this say to producers that if they want to succeed during awards seasons, they need to think about what types of pieces their bringing to 42nd St.

Again, I applaud the move. I think it forces the conversation to increase at a much more serious speed and will make way for some gigantic changes on Broadway when it comes to representation. I am very interested in seeing the results!

Broadway, Off BroadwayChristopher PetersonChris Peterson