2012 Top Ten Theatres In USA and Who Will Win The Regional Theatre Tony Award

2012 Theatre Chat's Top Ten Regional Theatre to watch by Richard Cameron of Theatre Chat and examiner.com.    Some of the "TOP TEN" have already won the Regional Theatre Tony Award.  Keep in mind so far the winners have only received the Regional Tony Award once.

The initial "Regional Tony Award" was presented in 1948 to Robert Porterfield for the Virginia Barter Theatre awarded for Contribution To Development Of Regional Theatre.  The next Regional Theatre Tony Award was presented in 1976.  The award is "based on a recommendation by the American Theatre Critics Association", and includes a grant of $25,000 and no theatre has won the award more than once. 

The Regional Tony is usually awarded for new works and the entire season production values.  The major organizations that help to maintain the general welfare of a "Regional Theatre" in the United States are the League of Resident Theatres (LORT),  Actors’ Equity Association and (SDC) the Society of Stage Directors.  Four of Theatre Chat's Top Ten have brand new works that are critically acclaimed and three of the ten have already won the Regional Theatre Tony Award. 

There are more theatres that could and should be mentioned,  like Gablestage.. sure you have a favorite.  Who do you think should recieve a Tony Award in your community?  Post your choices on over 30 city/state Theatre Chat groups on facebook.  Your choice and comments could end up on examiner.com in our next TOP TEN!

Making Theatre Chat's Top Ten:

1. Papermill Playhouse.   Newsies coming to Broadway March 15, 2012.
2. La Jolla Playhouse. (Regional Theatre Tony Award 1993).
3. Maltz Jupiter Theatre.  Academy The Musical.
   
4. Berkeley Repertory.  (Regional Theatre Tony Award 1997).
5. The Goodman Theatre. (Regional Theatre Tony Award 1992).
6. Arkansas Rep. A Christmas Carol -Musical, Alan Menken, lyrics Lynn Ahrens.
   
7. Roundabout Theatre Company.  Anything Goes (Best Revival of a Musical).
   
8. Fords Theatre. Necessary Sacrifices, 4th commission for Richard Hellesen.
9. Cleveland Playhouse. The Life of Galileo.
10. The Old Globe. (Regional Theatre Tony Award 1984).

Who do you think should receive a Tony Award in your community?  Post your choices on over 30 city/state Theatre Chat groups on facebook.  Your choice and comments could end up in print on examiner.com in our next TOP TEN!  Theatre Chat has 45,000 strong arts lovers and growing every day.

Listed below are the Regional Theatre Tony Award winners of the past from most recent to 1976:  Lookingglass Theatre Company 2011, Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center 2010, Signature Theatre 2009, Chicago Shakespeare Theater 2008,  Alliance Theatre 2007, Intiman Playhouse 2006, Theatre de la Jeune Lune 2005 (NOW CLOSED), Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park 2004, Children's Theatre Company 2003, Williamstown Theatre Festival 2002, Victory Gardens Theater 2001, Utah Shakespearean Festival 2000, Crossroads Theatre 1999, Denver Center Theatre Company 1998, Berkeley Repertory Theatre 1997, Alley Theatre 1996, Goodspeed Opera House 1995, McCarter Theatre 1994, La Jolla Playhouse 1993, Goodman Theatre 1992, Yale Repertory Theatre 1991, Seattle Repertory Theatre 1990, Hartford Stage 1989, South Coast Repertory 1988, San Francisco Mime Troupe 1987, American Repertory Theater 1986, Steppenwolf Theatre Company 1985, Old Globe Theatre 1984, Oregon Shakespeare Festival 1983, Guthrie Theater 1982, Trinity Repertory Company 1981, Actors Theatre of Louisville 1980, American Conservatory Theater 1979, Long Wharf Theatre 1978, Mark Taper Forum 1977, Arena Stage 1976.

Feel free to post your comments below this article.  If you wish to contact Theatre Chat direct please email: theatrechat@me.com  your views could be posted on our next "TOP TEN!"

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