The Toby Awards have been celebrating theatrical excellence since 1998, promoting special recognition, irrespective of function, genre or geographic location within the global performing arts community based on individual impact.
GREGORY GESCH for his Outstanding Ongoing Commitment to the Australian Theatre Community. Since the 1970’s, a cherished Australian theatre director and leading actor who has voluntarily evolved his time to sustained efforts via social media promoting new opportunities for Australians, coupled with his creation of an active online Queensland Theatre community.
and
GLENN WEISS for his Outstanding Producing & Direction in the Preservation of the Arts on Film & TV. He is enjoying a long career as director and producer for various awards and theatrical shows including The Tony Awards, The Academy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, Billboard Music Awards, BET Awards, Peter Pan Live!, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, Primetime Emmy Awards, Live from Lincoln Center, and the American Music Awards.
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PRESS EMBARGO UNTIL DECEMBER 30, 9:00am EST For release on December 30, 2021 ANNOUNCING THE 2021 TOBY AWARDS The Toby Awards have been celebrating theatrical excellence since 1998, promoting special recognition, irrespective of function, genre or geographic location within the global performing arts community based on individual impact. Today, two 2021 Toby Awards honors are bestowed upon: GREGORY GESCH for his Outstanding Ongoing Commitment to the Australian Theatre Community. Since the 1970’s, a cherished Australian theatre director and leading actor who has voluntarily evolved his time to sustained efforts via social media promoting new opportunities for Australians, coupled with his creation of an active online Queensland Theatre community. GLENN WEISS for his Outstanding Producing & Direction in the Preservation of the Arts on Film & TV. He is enjoying a long career as director and producer for various awards and theatrical shows including The Tony Awards, The Academy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, Billboard Music Awards, BET Awards, Peter Pan Live!, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, Emmy Awards, Live from Lincoln Center, and the American Music Awards. Both Gregory Gesch & Glenn Weiss join an elite club, currently with only 49 theatrical awards having been bestowed since 1998. The awards are unique since they recognize individuals that typically would be overlooked by other global performing arts awards which have narrowly defined categories. Throughout its 23-year history, awards have been presented at the end of each calendar year, except for 2020. Previous recipients include an eclectic mix of theatre creatives, performers, musicians, journalists, production, stage and general managers, marketing and public relations experts, logistics and production crew and more, each consistently showcasing theatrical excellence, coming from around the world from Australasia, Europe, UK, Canada, South America, and the USA. Anyone can nominate, but a small group reviews and short lists potential candidates, with Toby Simkin selecting the final recipients. For details, see: – 30 – Press contact: Toby Awards: theatrical@me.com |
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The annual Toby Awards are unique since they provide an opportunity to celebrate theatrical excellence recognizing individuals that typically would be overlooked by other global performing arts awards. Recipients have made a significant impact on either a particular show or the performing arts community at a regional, national, or international level.
Past Recipients
2021 |
Outstanding ongoing commitment to the Australian theatre community. |
2021 |
Outstanding producing & direction in the preservation of the arts on film & TV. |
2020No award granted |
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2019 |
Outstanding presentation and promotion of live theatre in São Paulo, Brasil. |
2019 |
Fabulous career actress and charitable leadership of the Actors’ Benevolent Fund. |
2018 |
Spectacular fundraising for The Performers Retirement Collective throughout Eastern Europe. |
2018 |
Outstanding career in scenic and costume design on Broadway and beyond. |
2017 |
Dedicated military service in China and a lifetime of excellence composing musical theatre. |
2017 |
Outstanding musical actress and fabulous charitable leadership with her New York Restoration Project. |
2016 |
Lifetime achievement in General Management on Broadway and beyond. |
2016 |
Astonishing Scenic & Production Design in both the Broadway and film industries |
2015 |
Lifetime of astonishing performing arts excellence. |
2014 |
Outstanding attitude, care and maintenance in Lintong, Xi’an within extremely difficult conditions. |
2014 |
A lifetime of commitment to performing arts excellence and promotion of Puerto Rican talents. |
2013 |
Lifetime of dedication to public relations of live entertainment. |
2013 |
Dedication to the success of the Istanbul, Turkey live entertainment market. |
2012 |
Best newcomer, both as writer and director of THREE GRAMS OF A DREAM. |
2012 |
Lifetime of excellence leading the Broadway stage. |
2011 |
Astonishing development of the Asian theatre markets in Manila and Singapore. |
2011 |
Outstanding trailblazing career as a Cuban prima ballerina and choreographer. |
2010 |
Outstanding logistics support by Rock it Cargo in Seoul & Singapore. |
2009 |
Devotion to the preservation and promotion of his musical FAME. |
2009 |
Continuing excellence in leading the Australian stage. |
2008 |
Outstanding West End and Broadway producer. |
2008 |
A lifetime of excellence in dance, choreography and her nurturing of dancers. |
2007 |
Substantial support of orchestral musicians excellence throughout the world. |
2007 |
Continued excellence in theatre journalism, on Broadway and beyond. |
2006 |
Outstanding Canadian Executive Producer and General Manager. |
2006 |
Outstanding leadership at the Denver Centre promoting national touring musicals. |
2005 |
Outstanding choreography for Broadway’s ALL SHOOK UP. |
2005 |
Outstanding lifetime achievement as a dramatic actor. |
2004 |
Excellence in promoting the Broadway community and majority of its shows as founder of Spotco. |
2004 |
An astonishing lifetime career as a Broadway General Manager & Producer. |
2004 |
Outstanding newcomer in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR at the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. |
2003 |
Outstanding Atlanta promotion of SAVION AT THE RIALTO with 360 Media. |
2003 |
Outstanding 47-year career in Stage Management with the Royal Opera House, London |
2002 |
Visionary risk-taking leadership at Celebrity Cruises bringing Broadway to the oceans. |
2002 |
Astonishing concept, direction and choreography of the #1 audience favorite SPOTLIGHT BROADWAY. |
2001Jody J. Abrahams, |
Outstanding performance of KAT AND THE KINGS, breaking the mould of traditional musical theatre. |
2001 |
For contributions in leading the Broadway community out of 9/11 with NYC & Company. |
2001 |
Outstanding achievement in labor relations between Broadway producers and all theatrical unions. |
2000 |
Outstanding support of the North American touring markets for musical theatre. |
2000 |
Excellence in ongoing effective Production Management of live entertainment. |
2000 (theatre.com people’s choice)Theatre lovers cast 4785 votes in the TOBY awards, which recognize the best on Broadway in 36 categories during the 1999-2000 season, which ended May 31. In addition to traditional award categories, TOBY awards are given in categories that can be even more meaningful for theatregoing audiences. Votes were tallied electronically from May 17 to May 31, 2000, and covered Broadway shows that opened between June 1, 1999 and May 31, 2000. Full Press Release. BEST NEW MUSICAL: Aida |
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1999 |
Outstanding performance in the Broadway revival of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. |
1999 |
Excellence in maintaining public legacy of the estate of husband & composer Jule Styne. |
1999 |
Nurturing the preservation of Broadway musical theatre with RCA Victor. |
1998 |
Outstanding production concept, writing and direction of DE LA GUARDA “VILLA VILLA”. |
1998 |
Astonishing career of over 50 Broadway shows, and one of the first female stage managers. |
1998 |
Visionary achievement in the marketing, PR and promotion of the live arts. |
1997 |
Spectacular performance in USA, Canada & UK in BLOOD BROTHERS and CATS in the West End |
The Toby Awards began in 1997 as the Theatre Online Best of the Year awards as part of BuyBroadway and then later migrated to the current annual awards
