make up the New York Drama Critics Circle, were originally established in 1935 as an alternative to the Pulitzers. They meet in May to determine the best play, foreign play, and best musical of the season, as well as usually a couple of “special citations.” They choose from any New York theater, and frequently pick Off-Broadway shows.

This year’s awards, announced May 5, were given to Shuffle Along as best musical dnd The Humans as best play.

Theatre World AwardsEvery year since 1945, the Theatre World Awards have honored 12 performers (6 men, 6 women) making their Broadway debuts. This is in many ways the loveliest of awards.

The Lortel Award nominees and winners are determined by a committee made up of theater professionals, journalists and educators. This year’s Lucille Lortelswill be announced on May 1 at NYU’s Skirball Center

Founded in 1955 by the Village Voice cultural editor, the Obie Awards annually honor Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway shows and individuals. They are now co-presented by the American Theatre Wing. This year’s ceremony will be held at Webster Hall on May 23. There are no nominees for Obies, only winners, and, according to their press releases, “in the conviction that creativity is not competitive, the judges select outstanding artists and productions and may even invent new categories to reward artistic merit.”

Drama League AwardsThe Drama League Awards, as the list of Drama League Award nominees this year makes clear, selects five winners in five competitive categories, and also gives special awards. Although founded way back in 1922, this is the