Nominations Close for 2002 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre:
More than 30 playwrights nominated

June 11, 2002

MONTREAL - The works of more than 30 Canadian playwrights have been recognized with nominations for the prestigious Elinore & Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, the prize ceremony organizers today announced.

"The nominations represent some of the best contemporary writers in Canada," said Bill Glassco, chair of the five-person jury that will select the winner of this year's $100,000 prize. "We are very pleased with the range of entries, which include the works of playwrights from coast to coast. It will be difficult to select just one winner from this talented group of writers."

The Siminovitch Prize, which is sponsored by Bank of Montreal, was introduced last year and is awarded in a three-year cycle to a director, playwright or designer who has made a significant contribution to theatre in Canada. In 2002, the prize will be awarded to a playwright. The prize is designed to showcase and reward excellence and inspire further exploration in Canadian theatre.

A unique aspect of the prize is its focus on mentorship. The winning artist receives $75,000 for him- or herself, but then designates a protégé or organization to receive the remaining $25,000. The prize is intended for an artist who is in "mid career" - a point at which the recognition and resources associated with the prize will make a significant difference, allowing and encouraging the artist to go further in the pursuit of his or her craft.

Over the summer, Mr. Glassco and his fellow jury members - Nicola Lipman, Leonard McHardy, John Murrell and Maryse Warda - will review the submissions and develop a short list of finalists. The prize winner will be announced at a gala ceremony at University of Toronto's historic Hart House Theatre on October 28.

The 35 nominees for the 2002 Elinore & Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre are:

Stewart Boston, Woodlawn (Ont.)

Michel Marc Bouchard, Montreal

Marie Clements, Vancouver

David S. Craig, Toronto

Daniel Danis, St-David-de-Falardeau (Que.)

Rex Deverell, Toronto

Don Druick, born in Montreal, residing in Elmira (Ont.)

Jasmine Dubé, Montreal

David Fennario, Verdun (Que.)

Brad Fraser, born in Edmonton, residing in Toronto

Carole Fréchette, Montreal

Don Hannah, born in New Brunswick, residing in Toronto

Michael Healey, Toronto

Margaret Hollingsworth, born in England, residing in Vancouver

Michael Hollingsworth, born in Wales, residing in Toronto

Maureen Hunter, born in Saskatchewan, residing in Winnipeg

Sunil Thomas Kuruvilla, Waterloo

Suzanne Lebeau, Saint-Lambert (Que.)

Stewart Lemoine, Edmonton

Daniel MacIvor, born in Sydney, N.S., residing in Toronto

Joan Macleod, Vancouver

Daniel David Moses, born at Six Nations, residing in Toronto

Morris Panych, Vancouver

Mansel Robinson, Saskatoon

Vittorio Rossi, Montreal

Djanet Sears, raised in England and Saskatoon, residing in Toronto

Jason Sherman, born in Montreal, residing in Toronto

Annabel Soutar, Montreal

Kent Stetson, born in PEI, residing in Montreal

Eugene Stickland, born in Regina, residing in Calgary

Drew Hayden Taylor, born at Curve Lake First Nations, residing in Toronto

Judith Thompson, born in Montreal, residing in Toronto

Rahul Varma, born in India, residing in Montreal

David Young, born in Halifax, residing in Toronto

Optative Theatrical Laboratories, Montreal

The Elinore & Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, the largest annual prize of its kind in Canada, is named after one of Canada's outstanding scientists and his late playwright wife, whose determination, dedication to excellence and belief in mentorship are embodied in the award. Bank of Montreal is lead sponsor of the prize and the gala at which the prize is awarded.