Acting Category Changes for 2024

Dear WATCH Judges,

Last year the WATCH Board launched an initiative to investigate how we might become more gender inclusive for performers. Many options and viewpoints were considered during the year, and the proposed approaches were carefully deliberated. After considering diverse perspectives, many potential alternatives, and the impact the decision would have, the WATCH Board has decided to combine the eight gendered acting categories for lead and featured performers into four non-gendered acting categories. The updated acting categories will be: Lead Performer in a Play, Lead Performer in a Musical, Featured Performer in a Play, and Featured Performer in a Musical. In order to maintain the same level of recognition for lead and featured performers, ten nominations will be announced and two awards will be presented for each of the new gender inclusive acting categories.

This approach is in line with the Outstanding Cameo awards, which are already gender neutral and will not be affected. The change should have no impact on the way you approach your adjudication and scoring. If you have any self-guided methods for adjudication that includes gender considerations, please disregard them going forward and review the training materials provided on the website if needed. It is important that all performers be adjudicated and scored according to the same criteria.

You will notice that the Gender tab has been removed from the LUCITE online ballot. This is the only change! Please complete the rest of the ballot as previously instructed. If you have any questions about this change, please reach out to your WATCH representative.

Amanda Herman Snellings
WATCH Chair